National Drinking with Chickens Day

National Drinking with Chickens Day is observed every year on May 23. In 2026, this date falls on a Saturday. The day honors the relaxed pleasure of enjoying a garden cocktail or mocktail outdoors, especially in the company of backyard chickens. It is a playful food-and-drink observance connected with fresh ingredients, home gardens, outdoor gatherings, and the farm-to-glass idea. The tone is lighthearted, but the best version of the day is still thoughtful: responsible drinks for people, safe surroundings for animals, and a little appreciation for the charm of a backyard flock. ¹

History of National Drinking with Chickens Day

National Drinking with Chickens Day was founded by Kate Richards, the creator of Drinking with Chickens, in 2019. The wider Drinking with Chickens idea began earlier as a garden-happy-hour lifestyle built around fresh drinks, outdoor spaces, and the amusing presence of chickens. Its appeal comes from combining two ordinary pleasures that do not usually share the same spotlight: a carefully made drink and the everyday comedy of hens wandering through a yard.

The day is now understood as a cheerful, informal observance rather than a formal public holiday. It fits into the broader interest in backyard gardening, small-scale chicken keeping, and drinks made with herbs, fruit, flowers, and other fresh ingredients. People do not need to own chickens to enjoy the spirit of the day; a garden, patio, farm visit, or chicken-themed gathering can carry the same idea. The important part is the relaxed outdoor setting and the sense that a simple happy hour can feel more memorable with a little greenery and a few clucks nearby.

Why is National Drinking with Chickens Day important?

National Drinking with Chickens Day gives people a funny reason to slow down and spend time outside. A drink made with mint, basil, berries, citrus, or cucumber can turn garden ingredients into something social and seasonal. For people who keep chickens, the day also recognizes the daily rhythm of caring for animals: feeding, cleaning, checking water, gathering eggs, and watching the flock’s behavior. It treats that ordinary backyard routine as something worth enjoying, not just another chore.

The day also points to a wider interest in where food and drink come from. A fresh herb in a glass, an egg from a backyard coop, or a quiet evening near a garden can make the connection between home, food, and care feel more visible. Chickens add humor, but they also require responsibility, clean handling, and respect for animal comfort. That balance keeps the day fun without turning it careless.

• It celebrates fresh ingredients from gardens and yards.
• It makes backyard chicken keeping feel more social.
• It adds humor to an ordinary outdoor drink.
• It supports relaxed, responsible entertaining.
• It reminds people to treat animals with care.

How to Celebrate National Drinking with Chickens Day

Mix a garden-inspired cocktail or mocktail and take it outside. Fresh mint, rosemary, basil, cucumber, berries, citrus, or edible flowers can make a simple drink feel connected to the season. Keep the gathering calm if chickens are nearby, since loud noise and fast movement can stress birds. Alcohol should stay with the adults, and chickens should never be given drinks, garnishes, or unsafe scraps.

A backyard happy hour can be small and still feel festive. Set up a chair near the garden, serve snacks away from the coop, and keep handwashing in mind after touching birds, eggs, bedding, or anything in their area. Friends can bring mocktails, herb syrups, or fresh fruit instead of making the day only about alcohol. A farm visit, patio drink, or chicken-themed photo corner can also work when no flock is at home.

• Make a mint lemonade or herb spritz.
• Use garden fruit in a simple mocktail.
• Sit outdoors and watch the flock roam.
• Keep snacks and drinks away from chickens.
• Wash hands after handling birds or eggs.

National Drinking with Chickens Day Dates

1. https://www.drinkingwithchickens.com/blog/national-drinking-with-chickens-day[↩]