Successful brands use content calendars to plan messaging for the month, including social posts, video, tasting room events and others. Below you'll find ideas to help you plan your promotional calendar while leaving room for sharing the fun, energy and personality of your brand in real-time. Seems like a daunting task? Market Your Craft's Social Guide is updated monthly, with over 60+ timely and topical ideas for your team's content calendar.
A type of baked pastry made from dough that is commonly shaped into a knot. The traditional pretzel shape is a distinctive symmetrical form, with the ends of a long strip of dough intertwined and then twisted back onto itself in a particular way (a pretzel loop). On Pretzel Day, pair an old world Pinot… Read More »Pretzel Day
Prime rib is an extremely tender, unbelievably juicy cut of beef with a bold flavor that needs no dressing up. On Prime Rib Day, pair a younger or more tannic Barbera or Cabernet-based wine; a Pale Ale or Rye beer; or a full-bodied Scotch, a sherried Scotch or a light Whiskey. Photo by Cafe Delites
#BigBrew | In 1988, May 7 was announced before Congress as National Homebrew Day. The American Homebrewers Association created Big Brew as an annual event to celebrate National Homebrew Day around the world. Two recipes are available plus streaming brew sessions from around the world, special guests and education. Here’s to craft: consider raising a… Read More »National Homebrew Day
#KentuckyDerby | The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes horse race held annually in Louisville. Take your mark: Mint Juleps are the traditional drink, but themed cocktails run the gamut from bourbons to mimosas to ciders and beers. Photo by Daniel from Pexels
Recognized annually as a day for children to learn what it takes to run a business in a fun and constructive way. Open a lemonade stand: if you have cocktails or mixed drinks with lemonade as a base, consider drink specials. Note: don’t mix alcohol promotion in with children’s messaging. Photo by DESIGNbyJA from Pexels
Orange juice is America’s favorite breakfast drink. Orange you glad: recommend orange juice cocktails, mimosas, punch, shooters and mocktails. Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels
#MayThe4thBeWithYou | The unofficial holiday celebrating the Star Wars franchise. Drink responsibly, you will: consider themed drink promotions; costume parties. Photo by Craig Adderley from Pexels
#CincodeMayo | Commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. Time to celebrate: in addition to Mexican Lagers, margaritas, palomas and mimosas are popular cocktails. Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
Earliest recorded observation of this day was in 1921, at which point it was referred to as “Bottled Carbonated Beverage Day” to promote soda purchase. A sweet treat: if you produce a line of sodas, celebrate the flavors and styles available as well as review the history and process. Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels
#NursesDay | Marks the contributions that nurses make to society. Recognize and respect: you shouldn’t need a single day to offer drink specials for nurses as well as all frontline workers during COVID-19. Image by elenabsl
A cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and freshly-squeezed or sweetened lime juice. Time to get fancy: consider alternative base alcohols, including Tequila and Rosé Port. By Esther Konan
First observed in 2015, a day for packaging design professionals to recognize their craft. Show off: the importance of alcohol packaging has exploded in recent years. Promote your designer or the creativity of your cans, bottles and other formats. Photo by Breakingpic from Pexels
#SauvignonBlanc | A green-skinned grape variety that originates from the Bordeaux region of France. Perfect pairing: cheese, green vegetables, oysters, delicate fish, herbs and mild vinaigrettes. Photo by Valeria Boltneva from Pexels
The word Moscato is the Italian name for Muscat Blanc – one of the oldest wine grapes in the world. I’ll drink to that: drink specials; peach and orange blossom flavor in other alcohols. Photo by Torsten Dettlaff from Pexels
Honors the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. Let’s hear it for Mom: drink specials or thematic events to celebrate mom. Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
#AmericanCraftBeerWeek, #CraftBeerWeek | A week to galvanize beer lover support for small and independent U.S. breweries, providing a boost in excitement for the beer community when it is needed most. Get crafty with it: to-go specials or raising a glass to independent craft brewers. For more information, visit the Brewer's Association
An unofficial symbol of the United States and known as a favorite comfort food. Apple pie and ice cream: sharing your favorite apple pie drink pairings; themed drink recipes; or achieving apple pie flavor in your beer or spirit. Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels
#WorldWhiskyDay | Founded by Blair Bowman in 2012, participants are encouraged to drink whisky at events which may be officially registered. Serve it up: whisky and food pairings; cocktail recipes; special events with the distiller; and collaborations. Photo by Anastasia Zhenina from Pexels
Celebrated to appreciate all active-duty service members. Honor and dignity: drink specials if service discounts are not the norm. Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
Ruth Graves Wakefield from the Toll House Inn is credited with the invention of chocolate chip cookies and in turn chips from breaking up Nestlé chocolate bars. Sweet ideas: if your beverage offers chocolate flavors, share how you achieved that in your beer, wine or whiskey. Photo by Tina Nord from Pexels
Did you know: “barbecue” comes from the Spanish word barbacoa, which traditionally involves digging a hole in the ground and placing meat above a pot (to catch the juices), then covered with leaves and lit on fire. Served by the pound: consider pairing with dark Mexican Lagers or an American Stout; Chardonnay with barbecue chicken;… Read More »Barbecue Day
Champagne and orange juice, traditionally served in a fluted glass. Drinking your breakfast: consider alternatives to a champagne base, including beer, Irish or Tennessee Whiskey. Photo by JÉSHOOTS from Pexels
Did you know: walnut trees secrete chemicals into the soil to prevent competing vegetation from growing. That’s just nuts: discuss how you achieved walnut flavor in your beer or whiskey. Photo by Andreea Ch from Pexels
In the United States, Tax Day is a colloquial term for the day on which individual income tax returns are due to be submitted to the federal government. The term may also refer to the same day for individual states, even where the tax return due date is a different day. Here comes the tax… Read More »Tax Day
Annual event that promotes the bicycle as an option for commuting to work. Postponed until September 22 this year due to COVID-19. Sweet freedom: consider drink specials for riders; themed events; live music. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
#NASCARDay | A celebration of NASCAR drivers, celebrities, corporate partners, media and fans raising funds for charities. Grab the checkered flag: consider donating if NASCAR is your thing. Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
A tequila-based cocktail prepared by mixing tequila, lime juice and a grapefruit-flavored soda like Fresca or Squirt. Day drinking: share alternative ingredients; drink specials. Photo by The Spruce Eats
Opportunity to celebrate brothers in a family. Brothers gotta hug: highlight brothers working in your production facility (family members); drink promotions. Photo by Sebastian Sørensen from Pexels
The Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 where two blind tasting competitions proved that California Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons were fit for the world stage. Don’t judge: celebrate those varietals if you produce them; drink specials. Photo by Timur Saglambilek from Pexels
Defined as a distillery that produces fewer than 750k gallons annually and is independently owned and operated with more than 75% equity stake in the company and operational control. Don’t miss the Angels’ Share: raise a glass to craft distillers; drink specials. Photo by ELEVATE from Pexels
#ChardonnayDay | A green-skinned grape variety that originated in the Burgundy region of eastern France. Did you know: growing Chardonnay is often seen as a “rite of passage” for entering the commercial wine market. Perfect pairings: light and delicate foods like cooked shellfish, steamed or grilled fish, chicken or vegetable dishes. Photo by Creative Vix from Pexels
Did you know: even though brisket is one of the least tender cuts of beef, coming from the breast of the cow, if braised, smoked, or slowly roasted it can be incredibly tender and flavorful. Frontier days: pair Bock beers or dark Stouts; a medium-bodied Syrah or Zinfandel; or an aged, rye Bourbon. Photo by Isaac… Read More »Brisket Day
Hamburger originally meant someone originating from the city of Hamburg, with “burger” eventually becoming a self-standing word associated with many different kinds of sandwiches. Where’s the beef: pair with American or India Pale Ale; Malbec or Zinfandel; or a wheated Bourbon. Photo by Valeria Boltneva from Pexels
A cocktail consisting primarily of Bourbon, sugar, water, crushed or shaved ice and fresh mint. It is associated with the American South and the cuisine of the Southern United States in general, and the Kentucky Derby in particular. Fancy hats, fancy drinks: share favorites recipes and stories connected to the Kentucky Derby; Mint Julep drink… Read More »Mint Julep Day
Memorial Day is celebrated annually to remember those who died serving in the American armed forces. Remembering loved ones: if you don’t have a standing discount for armed services, definitely promote drink and other specials. Photo by Danne from Pexels
#LeaveTheOfficeEarlyDay | Acknowledges most of us work more than 40 hours a week. Take a break: remind your team and customers to leave a little time for family, selfcare or home maintenance. Photo by Proxyclick Visitor Management System from Pexels
Rocky Road is a chocolate-flavored ice cream traditionally composed of chocolate ice cream, nuts and whole or diced marshmallows. On Rocky Road Day, if your brewery offers a beer with these or similar characteristics, discuss how the flavors were achieved. Photo and recipe available at Brown-Eyed Baker
Originally designated as a day for runners to reaffirm their passion for running, National Running Day is also a good day for beginners to get started. If your business has a natural connection to running, consider drink promotions or a thematic event to celebrate the running community. Craft brewers can also offer low-calorie, flavorful options… Read More »Running Day
The Apple Cider Day aims to generate publicity for the wide variety and characteristics of apple cider, to whet people’s appetite for apple cider, to provide information about apple cider and its meaning for nature conservation and to be a festival for the numerous apple cider lovers. Perfect pearing: if your brewery, winery, distillery or… Read More »World Cider Day
First recognized by the General Assembly of the United Nations, World Bicycle Day promotes the health and environmental benefits of bicycle travel. Similar to running and other enthusiast groups, show your support for the cycling community with drink promotions, a special event or themed merchandise. Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels
Excellent as a snack on its own, cheese is also a perfect ingredient in pasta, soups, soufflé and many similar recipes. Cheese plate, anyone: consider cheese and beer, wine or whiskey pairings for a mini tasting event.
#CognacDay | Cognac is a variety of brandy named after the commune of Cognac, France, the production of which falls under French appellation d’origine contrôlée (methods and naming required to meet certain legal requirements). On Cognac Day, consider pairing chocolates; cheeses; smoked duck or foie gras; glazed pork or sweet pork belly; sushi; and mushrooms.… Read More »Cognac Day
On Trails Day, events throughout the United States help promote awareness of the wide variety of services the trail systems offer. Consider drink specials for customers or a trail cleanup day for your team if outdoor and environmental activities are part of your brand messaging.
#NationalBubblyDay | “Bubbly” is often the term used generically for sparkling wine. On Bubble Day, consider a pairing of shrimp or smoked salmon with Champagne; brie and prosciutto with Rosé; Manchego cheese, olives and almonds with Spanish Cava; cheesecake with raspberries and Moscato d’Asti; and Asian fare or sushi with Prosecco.
