“Beauty lies in the hands of the beerholder”
Said no wise man ever, but this anonymous quote on the internet made us wonder how beer has taken over the world more as a comfort drink than a bougie, fancy one like a whisky or vodka. It’s affordable (most of the time), smooth, and low on alcohol, making it a go-to for many consumers. To celebrate this humble, amber-hued drink, International Beer Day(IBD) takes place each year on the first Friday of August. In 2025, the day will be celebrated on August 1 and if you plan to celebrate this day, here’s a sneak peek into the day, its history, and how you can celebrate it.
Beer has a rich history that dates back centuries, and the term ‘beer’ comes from the Latin word ‘bibere,’ which means 'to drink.' The term evolved through Old English from ‘beor’ to the modern-day ‘beer’, reflecting the drink’s longstanding journey in human culture.
The barley-based alcoholic beverage has been present in many different cultures throughout history – from thriving civilizations in Egypt and Mesopotamia to different parts of the modern-day world like Germany and Belgium.
While it can’t be said for sure when exactly beer production began across the world, Germany is home to the world’s oldest operating brewery, Weihenstephan Brewery in Freising. It has been continuously operating since its inception in 1040, almost a millennium ago!
International Beer Day originated in Santa Cruz, California in the United States in 2007. The day was announced in order to celebrate the craft of brewing beer. What began as a day meant to honor brewing became an internationally celebrated day that honored this craft. Since then, the day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of August.
What’s also interesting is that the day isn’t the only celebration related to beer in August. A day prior to International Beer Day, many parts of the world celebrate India Pale Ale Day. Plus, a day after IBD, many also celebrate International Mead Day AND International Hangover Day (we’re not surprised!). Three consecutive days of the world celebrating beer in some form or the other? Now, that’s what we look forward to!
The most obvious but the most fun – drinking beer with your closest friends is a ritual you simply can’t miss, this International Beer Day. All you need is a few bottles of chilled beer, bite-sized snacks, and your friends by your side! Tune in for a movie marathon or sit by the pool, after all drinking beer with your friends is more about the memories than the place or the setting, isn’t it?
While India might not celebrate IBD as enthusiastically as other parts of the world, we’re sure many local restaurants, bars, and clubs might have interesting offers and deals on the occasion of IBD. Many pubs and bars also host game nights, karaoke nights, and exclusive beer deals like ‘Buy One Get One Free’. If you enjoy the ambiance of a pub and you don’t mind stepping out of the house to get some beer, we recommend participating in your nearest IBD celebrations!
There are countless brewers and bartenders who’ve spent years and decades in the beer industry, helping make new breakthroughs or simply crafting innovative cocktails. This International Beer Day 2025, we think you should thank them for their efforts. They can be your friend, a family relative, an acquaintance with whom you swapped digits once, or simply any random bartender/brewer you meet at the pubs. Text them, call them, or simply leave them a note thanking them for their effort and dedication to this craft! Little, meaningful gestures like these can truly make a difference and brighten up your IBD celebration!
Love lies in gifts big or small and if you wish to express your love, gratitude, and admiration to someone, why not give them beer this IBD? There are plenty of beer varieties and you can buy them in varying quantities. If you know someone who’s fond of a particular kind of beer, gifting them the same will make the moment even more special, not just for you but also for them. Leave a small note of gratitude along with your beer gift for an added personal touch!
Learning and trying different kinds of beer will only help you expand your knowledge about this humble drink. While you may be fond of only one kind of beer, let’s say a classic lager, why not try something else? You can go bar-hopping as you try different kinds of beer like stouts, India Pale Ale, and even flavored beers! The options are endless and so is the fun. Plus, you’ll get to learn about so many different kinds of beer that you wouldn’t have known otherwise.
Chilled beer has made so many of our celebrations memorable; now it’s time to celebrate this iconic liquor! This International Beer Day 2025, go hangout with your friends, gift them beer, and go bar-hopping just the way we suggested above. Mark your calendars and plan your day in advance. Cheers!
International Beer Day is celebrated to honor the craft of beer brewing, bring beer connoisseurs together, and celebrate the sheer joy of having beer with your loved ones.
Right after International Beer Day, the world celebrates International Mead Day and International Hangover Day. This day occurs on the first Saturday of August, and in 2025, it will be celebrated on August 2nd.
Bengaluru is often said to be the ‘beer capital of India’. This is because the city is home to many big and small breweries and pubs that have shaped the city’s beer culture over the years.
