photo by Elliott Brown via flickr.com

This week we celebrate what must be one of the ultimate excuses to drink in the English speaking world: the 450th anniversary of birth of William Shakespeare, playwright and bane of high school english students everywhere, who was born sometime around this date in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. His actual birthdate is of some dispute, but we do know that he was baptized on April 26, 1564.

Here at A History of Drinking, we are no stranger to “The Bard’s” work so we offer up a retrospective of our years of cocktail coverage:

Shakespearean Excuses To Drink:

• January 29, 1595: Romeo & Juliet First Performed?
• November 1, 1611: The Tempest is first performed
• June 29, 1613: The Globe Theatre Destroyed By Fire
• St. Crispin’s Day: Henry V

For more info on the festivities taking place, check out the official website: www.shakespearesbirthday.org.uk