What is the drink of the day?

The phrase “drink of the day” appears everywhere—from restaurant menus and cruise ships to wellness blogs and government health advisories. Yet, its meaning is far from universal. Depending on the context, it can refer to:

• A featured alcoholic cocktail at a bar or cruise ship

• A non-alcoholic beverage promoted for hydration or health

• A nutritionally recommended drink, such as water or oral rehydration solutions

• A commercial promotion designed to influence purchasing behavior

Understanding what the drink of the day is—and whether it’s a smart choice—requires context, evidence, and expert insight.

This in-depth guide explains the concept across hospitality, health, and consumer settings, while helping you make informed, data-backed decisions. Where claims are unclear, we explicitly state:

“Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on this.”

What Does “Drink of the Day” Mean?

A Context-Dependent Term

There is no single, globally defined “drink of the day.” Instead, the meaning changes based on setting and intent.

Context	Meaning
Bars & Restaurants	A featured or discounted beverage
Cruise Ships	A rotating daily cocktail promotion
Wellness & Health	A recommended beverage for hydration or nutrition
Corporate or Media Use	A trend-driven or seasonal drink

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a universally recognized “official” drink of the day.

The Drink of the Day in Bars and Restaurants

How Hospitality Venues Define It

In hospitality, the drink of the day is typically:

• Chosen by the head bartender or management

• Designed to highlight seasonal ingredients

• Used to increase sales or reduce inventory waste

According to Harvard Business Review, rotating daily specials increase consumer engagement by creating urgency and novelty (HBR, Consumer Psychology Studies).

Common Examples

• Monday: Margarita

• Tuesday: Mojito

• Wednesday: Whiskey Sour

• Thursday: Sangria

• Friday: Cosmopolitan

These selections vary by region and customer preferences.

Alcohol Content Transparency

Responsible establishments disclose alcohol strength. The CDC warns that inconsistent drink sizes contribute to unintentional overconsumption (CDC.gov).

Drink of the Day on Cruise Ships

How Cruise Lines Use the Concept

On cruise ships, especially large operators, the drink of the day serves three purposes:

1. Entertainment and theme alignment

2. Beverage package promotion

3. Brand consistency

Cruise lines often rotate cocktails daily at pool bars, theaters, and lounges.

Typical Cruise Drink of the Day Examples

Day	Example Cocktail	Alcohol Base
Day 1	Piña Colada	Rum
Day 2	Blue Lagoon	Vodka
Day 3	Mai Tai	Rum
Day 4	Tequila Sunrise	Tequila

Based on publicly available information, cruise lines do not publish fixed, long-term drink-of-the-day schedules.

Health and Wellness Perspective: Is There a “Best” Drink of the Day?

Water: The Evidence-Based Daily Drink

From a health standpoint, plain water is the closest thing to a scientifically supported drink of the day.

• WHO recommends adequate daily hydration for cellular, cardiovascular, and cognitive health (WHO.int)

• NIH confirms water supports digestion, thermoregulation, and kidney function (NIH.gov)

Recommended Daily Fluid Intake

Group	Approximate Daily Fluids*
Adult Men	3.7 liters
Adult Women	2.7 liters

*Includes fluids from food and beverages (National Academies of Sciences)

Functional “Drink of the Day” Options for Health

1. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Used globally to prevent dehydration from illness or heat exposure.

• Endorsed by WHO and UNICEF

• Proven to reduce mortality from diarrheal diseases (PubMed)

2. Herbal Teas

Evidence-supported options include:

• Green tea: Antioxidants (catechins)

• Chamomile: Sleep and digestive support

Harvard Health Publishing notes moderate tea consumption is linked to cardiovascular benefits.

3. Milk and Fortified Alternatives

• Calcium and vitamin D support bone health (NIH)

• Recommended for children and older adults

Alcoholic Drink of the Day: Risks and Guidelines

What Health Authorities Say

The CDC and WHO agree that no level of alcohol is completely risk-free.

CDC moderation guidelines:

• Men: Up to 2 drinks/day

• Women: Up to 1 drink/day

A “drink of the day” cocktail may contain 1.5–2 standard drinks, exceeding recommendations.

When a Drink of the Day Is Not Advisable

• Pregnancy (CDC)

• Liver disease (NIH)

• Certain medications (FDA)

Marketing Psychology Behind the Drink of the Day

Why Businesses Use It

According to Harvard Business Review, daily specials:

• Create urgency (“today only”)

• Simplify decision-making

• Increase impulse purchases

Consumer Tip

Always ask:

• Alcohol strength

• Sugar content

• Portion size

Consumer Reports emphasizes informed choices prevent hidden calorie and alcohol overload.

How to Choose the Right Drink of the Day for You

Step-by-Step Decision Guide

1. Clarify the context (health, leisure, promotion)

2. Check ingredients

3. Assess alcohol and sugar content

4. Match to your health goals

5. Consider hydration needs

Comparison Table: Common Drink of the Day Options

Drink Type	Benefits	Risks	Best For
Water	Hydration, zero calories	None	Everyone
Herbal Tea	Antioxidants	Minimal	Daily wellness
Cocktail	Social enjoyment	Alcohol risks	Occasional leisure
Smoothie	Nutrients	High sugar	Meal supplement

Expert Tips for Smarter Drink Choices

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water (CDC)

• Choose low-sugar mixers

• Avoid drinking on an empty stomach

• Track weekly—not just daily—intake

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there an official drink of the day worldwide?

No. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a globally recognized drink of the day.

2. Why do bars change the drink of the day daily?

To promote variety, manage inventory, and boost sales.

3. Is the drink of the day always alcoholic?

No. In wellness contexts, it often refers to water, tea, or functional beverages.

4. Are drink-of-the-day cocktails cheaper?

Often yes, but not always. Pricing varies by venue.

5. Is water scientifically the best daily drink?

Yes. WHO and NIH consistently recommend water as the primary daily beverage.

6. Can I ask what’s in the drink of the day?

Absolutely. Responsible venues should disclose ingredients and alcohol content.

7. Are smoothies a healthy drink of the day?

They can be, but watch added sugars and portion sizes (Harvard Health).

8. How strong is a typical drink-of-the-day cocktail?

It may exceed one standard drink. Always ask.

9. Is it safe to have a drink of the day every day?

Health authorities advise moderation and alcohol-free days.

10. What’s the best non-alcoholic drink of the day?

Water, unsweetened tea, or oral rehydration solutions when needed.

Final Thoughts: Making the Drink of the Day Work for You

The drink of the day is not a fixed rule—it’s a flexible concept shaped by culture, marketing, and health priorities. Whether you’re ordering a cocktail, choosing hydration, or following medical advice, the smartest choice is an informed one.

By understanding context, reading labels, and following evidence-based guidance from trusted organizations like WHO, CDC, NIH, and Harvard Health, you can enjoy the drink of the day without compromising your health or goals.

Authoritative Sources Referenced

• World Health Organization (WHO.int)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)

• National Institutes of Health (NIH.gov)

• Harvard Health Publishing

• Harvard Business Review

• Consumer Reports

• PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)