Two referendums were held in Switzerland in 1887.^[1] The first was held on 15 May, asking voters whether they approved of a federal law on spirits, and was approved by 65.9% of voters.^[1] The second was held on 10 July, asking voters whether they approved of an amendment made to article 64 of the federal constitution, and was approved by 77.9% of voters and 20.5 cantons.^[2]

The spirits referendum was an optional referendum,^[1] which meant that only a majority of the public vote was required for the proposal to be approved.^[3] The constitutional referendum was a mandatory referendum,^[1] which required both a majority of voters and cantons.^[3]