National Henry C. Ramos Day

The National Henry C. Ramos Day, observed each year on October 27, honours the life and legacy of Henry C. Ramos, a pioneering bartender credited with creating the famed “Ramos Gin Fizz,” one of the most iconic cocktails in mixology. It is a day to raise a toast—to craftsmanship, innovation and the joy that a well‑crafted drink can bring.

History of National Henry C. Ramos Day

Henry C. Ramos was a bartender based in New Orleans who, in the late 19th century, developed his version of a gin‑fizz style drink that incorporated egg white, cream, citrus, vanilla and orange‑flower water, shaken until frothy and topped with soda. His creation gained legendary status in cocktail culture. A special day recognising him was officially launched in 2019 by the spirits company William Grant & Sons. The day has since been adopted by cocktail‑enthusiast communities and bars around the world.

Why is National Henry C. Ramos Day important?

What’s meaningful about this day is that it highlights how even something as seemingly simple as a cocktail can carry stories of creativity, place and tradition. Ramos’s drink emerged from the saloons of New Orleans, at a time when the city’s bar culture was vibrant—and his willingness to perfect a recipe over years reminds us that innovation often comes through persistent craft. Celebrating this day invites us to honour the artisans, the behind‑the‑scenes creators and the moments of joy they bring.
It also opens a conversation about the history of drinking culture, hospitality and how regional traditions influence what we sip today. The Ramos Gin Fizz didn’t just appear—it evolved in context, with ingredients, techniques and personalities coming together. Recognising Ramos and his invention means recognising that behind every beloved recipe there is a person, a place and a story.

• It honours Henry C. Ramos and his contribution to mixology.
• It highlights how regional spirits and cocktail traditions shape culture.
• It reminds us that innovation can come from refining tradition rather than replacing it.
• It encourages appreciation of hospitality professionals and bartenders as creative craftspeople.
• It fosters awareness that every drink has a history and a story worth telling.

How to Celebrate National Henry C. Ramos Day

Celebrating the day can be both fun and refined. One nice way is to visit a bar known for its cocktails and ask for a Ramos Gin Fizz—preferably made in the traditional way—and while you savour it, think about the work of the bartender and the history behind it. If you prefer staying home, you might try making a version of the Ramos Gin Fizz yourself: gather the ingredients (gin, citrus, cream, egg white, orange‑flower water, soda), execute a good shake and share the drink and story with someone.
You could also make a post on social media, sharing the story of Henry C. Ramos or your cocktail experience, and invite friends to join in. It’s less about excess and more about attention: the drink, the person who invented it, and the craft involved.

• Order or make a Ramos Gin Fizz and appreciate its origin and composition.
• Ask your bartender how they approach the drink and what makes their version unique.
• Share the story of Henry C. Ramos and his cocktail invention with friends or on social media.
• Experiment with a non‑alcoholic version of the fizz and invite someone to try it with you.
• Reflect on the art of mixology: what makes a drink memorable, what makes hospitality meaningful.

National Henry C. Ramos Day Dates Table