CHEERS TO TODAY

Make every day a special occasion with these festive drinks.

Your favorite holiday obviously requires a libation, but what about today? Now you can shake up your cocktail routine to celebrate every day of the year, from Absurdity Day (November 20) and Africa Day (May 25) to Women's Day (August 9) and Zoo Lovers Day (April 8). These recipes for timeless classics, twists on familiar favorites, and creative concoctions commemorate historical events, international peoples, beloved foods, pop-culture icons, oddball occasions, and more. They honor every day with names, flavors, or histories that embrace the spirit of each celebration, including the mainstays. On New Year's Day, sip a Gordon's Breakfast as hair of the dog. Declare your independence on the Fourth of July with an Ex-Pat. Make a Manhattan to acknowledge where the first Labor Day parade took place. Impress loved ones on Thanksgiving with Apple Cider Mojitos. With charming illustrations and quick-witted humor, this stirring collection will delight and inspire year-round. Chris Vola is head bartender at neo-speakeasy Little Branch and author of six books, including Pour One Out. He has written for Brooklyn Rail, McSweeney's, Paste, PopMatters, Rumpus, Thrillist, and other publications. He lives in New York City.