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.
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
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
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
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
#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
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.
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
#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.
#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
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.
On Best Friends Day, consider promoting drink specials for bringing your best friend to your favorite tasting room; or a social contest asking fans/followers to submit a photo of best friends enjoying your beer, wine or whiskey.
First recognized by the United Nations in 1974, World Environment Day encourages awareness and action for the protection of our environment, including marine pollution, human overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. Consider discounts for patrons that share your approach to the environment, i.e. cyclists, reusable or biodegradable packaging/containers, rideshares or public transportation.
Moonshine was originally a slang term for high-proof, distilled spirits produced without government authorization. Moonshine Day celebrates the historical roots, legend and lore leading to the modern-day, legal distilling business. Consider promotions, special drinks or themed events if you offer a commercial whiskey labeled as “moonshine.”
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
“Name your poison” is a stereotypical phrase used by bartenders to ask a patron what they would like to drink. On Name Your Poison Day, let bartenders have fun with it, dressing up in costumes of different eras to further draw attention to the bartender’s role in this social setting.
Any tea that has been chilled or cooled, typically sweetened with sugar, syrup and/or apple slices. Did you know: teas brewed using the traditional hot method can be chilled for use in a cold cocktail with Bourbon, Cognac, Gin, Irish Whiskey and other styles of alcohol. Perfect for Iced Tea Day.
#Rosé #RoséDay #RoséAllDay | Rosé is a type of wine that incorporates some color from grape skins, but not enough to be considered a red. Did you know: Rosé may be the oldest type of wine because the process of fermenting with the skins is the most straightforward for winemakers?
English-American chocolate maker Samuel German first developed a formulation of dark chocolate serving as the base of this layered cake recipe filled with coconut-pecan frosting. For German Chocolate Cake Day, consider pairing Imperial Stout or raspberry ale; an oaked, dry Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon; or a Speyside Scotch. Craft brewers often try to recreate… Read More »German Chocolate Cake Day
On Peanut Butter Cookie Day, consider pairing tasters of your craft beer, wine or whiskey with peanut butter cookies as a promotion; or partner with a local bakery to offer a pre-order, special dessert event.
Commemorates adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. Did you know: 17-year-old Robert Heft of Ohio designed the 50-star American flag – one of 1,500+ designs submitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. On Flag Day, consider drink specials that reflect the red, white and blue colors of the U.S. Flag.
#Bourbon #BourbonDay #AmericasNativeSpirit | In 1964 a Congressional Resolution designated Bourbon as America’s native spirit. To be legally considered a Bourbon, it must be 51% corn, stored in new charred oak barrels, distilled at no more than 160 proof and barreled at 125 proof.
Fudge lends itself to experimentation when it comes to flavors. Blending favorites or even a moment of inspiration will create a new delicious kind of fudge. Adding bits of candy, nuts or sprinkles can bring just the right celebratory burst of excitement to an old favorite. Sweet treat: consider whiskey fudge pairing plates for a… Read More »Fudge Day
#CheninBlanc | Chenin blanc is a white wine grape variety from the Loire Valley of France, typically used to make sparkling and dessert wines. On Chenin Blanc Day, consider pairing vegetable dishes or salads; rich, pungent cheeses; fish or cream-based chicken entrees; or desserts.
On Father's Day, consider drink specials or a special food-pairing promotion; social contest celebrating dads out there. For the fathers who are interested in learning to brew, make wine or distill, consider partnering with a local homebrew store for discounted starter and recipe kits!
One of the best-known mixed cocktails, martinis are made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. On Martini Day, consider drink specials or martini mixing stations.
Juneteenth is an annual observance on June 19 to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865. Respect: consider celebrating freedom and equal rights in the United States. Note: now is not the time to adopt a new position on a racially-sensitive, local or… Read More »Juneteenth
Did you know: the term milkshake was first used in print in 1885, representing an alcoholic drink made of cream, eggs and whiskey. In the early 1900’s it became the non-alcoholic, ice cream drink we know today. Craft brewers have made popular the “milkshake beer” style – for example a milkshake IPA – by increasing… Read More »Vanilla Milkshake Day
An Italian red wine grape known to produce slightly sparkling wines designed to be drunk young. Did you know: during the 1970s and 1980s sweet Lambrusco was the biggest selling import wine in the U.S.
Detroit-Style Pizza Day recognizes the square-cut pizza style first served at Buddy’s Pizza in 1946 in the city that also gave us Madonna, the Mustang, and the first paved road. And Detroit-Style Pizza is arguably Detroit’s greatest contribution! However you slice it: consider matching IPA beers and bold red wines with Detroit-style pizza for a… Read More »Detroit-Style Pizza Day
#Rosé #RoséDay #RoséAllDay | On Rosé Day, consider pairing light salads and pasta dishes; raw and lightly-cooked shellfish and grilled fish; and goat cheese.
The human body contains more than 60% water, so replacing fluids lost during activity is important. Hydration Day focuses on education to protect yourself from becoming overheated or dehydrated, with a focus on athletes in training. Did you know: beer has traditionally been the drink of choice following a race or athletic activity, but there… Read More »Hydration Day
Pints on the patio: if your brewery, winery, distillery or tasting room allows for dogs, consider a thematic event where you open early or provide special services for the visiting pups. Note: watch social media channels carefully this day, as people with allergies, phobias or other opposition may find ways to disparage your business.
Pralines are a confection containing a minimum of nuts, sugar and often cream. On Pralines Day, if your business offers a praline-flavored beverage, promote thematic drink specials or educate on how the praline flavor was achieved.
On Coconut Day, if your business offers a coconut-flavored beverage, promote thematic drink specials or educate on how the coconut flavor was achieved.
Did you know: orange blossoms are traditionally associated with good luck. The citrus flavor can be found in beer, mead, wine and whiskey.
#SocialMediaDay #SMDay | First recognized by Mashable.com on June 30, 2010, Social Media Day is a way to recognize and celebrate social media’s impact on global communication. This is a perfect time to host a social contest with customers/fans to promote your brand’s use of social media; invite a partner business, peer or even customer… Read More »Social Media Day
A Mai Tai is a cocktail based on rum, Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. Did you know: Victor Bergeron claimed to have invented the Mail Tai in 1944 at his restaurant, Trader Vic’s, in Oakland, California.
Canada Day celebrates Canada's independence from Britain on July 1, 1867. Prior to 1867, Canada was a British North American Colony composed of present-day Ontario and Quebec. Consider: a Canadian-themed cocktail (think maple syrup infusions) or a throwback showing of the 1983 movie Strange Brew? Photo by Andre Furtado from Pexels
