For the past three decades, Gallup polling has been asking consumers about their preferred alcoholic beverages. Interestingly, beer has consistently emerged as the winner in every poll except for five occasions, surpassing both liquor and wine. However, the latest survey reveals that liquor has now become the favorite drink for the highest number of respondents on record, by a mere one percentage point. This nationwide poll was conducted between July 3 and July 27, with a random sample of 1,015 adults aged 18 and above from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Beer’s dominance in the alcoholic beverage realm is still evident, with 37% of drinkers stating that it is their drink of choice. In contrast, 31% prefer liquor, and 29% favor wine. This marks a significant shift in consumer preferences, as beer held an even stronger position in the 1990s and early 2000s, with close to half of respondents selecting it as their preferred beverage. The period from 2011 to 2013 saw wine gaining popularity and becoming the second-most-popular choice, virtually tying with beer.
Coinciding with these changing trends, spirits now hold a larger market share than other types of alcohol, accounting for 42.1% compared to 41.9% for beer and only 16% for wine. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a reputable trade group celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, has reported these statistics. The spirits category has been further bolstered by the entry of celebrity brands such as tequilas from movie stars like Mark Wahlberg, George Clooney, and Dwayne Johnson.
In a notable acquisition in 2017, Diageo PLC purchased the Casamigos tequila brand founded by George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman. This deal valued the brand at up to $1 billion, with a starting price of $700 million and a possible additional $300 million based on performance over the next decade. The emergence of these high-profile liquor brands associates the drink with prestige and luxury.
It is worth mentioning that hard liquor generally comes at a higher price point than beer or wine, which contributes to its perception as a more exclusive and upscale choice. As consumer tastes evolve and new brands make their mark in the market, the landscape of alcohol preferences continues to shift.
The Importance of Responsible Drinking
Major beverage brands such as Diageo and Anheuser-Busch InBev are committed to promoting responsible drinking. They have implemented initiatives that encourage conversations about having a designated driver and engaging with drivers who have consumed alcohol. It is crucial to address the issue of excessive alcohol use, as it is responsible for the death of over 140,000 people in the U.S. annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Cost of Hard Liquor
When compared to beer and wine, hard liquor tends to be more costly. In 2022, U.S. consumers spent a staggering $37.58 billion on spirits, witnessing a 5.1% increase from the previous year according to the Beverage Information Group. Interestingly, Gallup reports that liquor remains more popular among women (31%) compared to men (29%), as well as among individuals aged 18 to 34 (41%) in comparison to older Americans (36%).
Consistency in Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption has remained relatively consistent over the years. When posed with the question, “Do you have occasion to use alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine, or beer, or are you a total abstainer?” 62% of respondents indicated that they do consume alcohol. This percentage has remained above 60% for the past 25 years. However, it is important to note that it decreased to 58% in 1998 after hovering around 70% in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Drinking Patterns Across Demographic Groups
Gallup’s research suggests that certain demographic groups show a higher prevalence of drinking. Middle-aged adults, individuals with higher incomes, college-educated adults, and those who attend a house of worship less frequently than once a week tend to have higher drinking rates compared to their lower-income, less educated, and more religious counterparts.
Frequency and Quantity of Drinking
Among those who consume alcohol, 69% reported having a drink within the past week. This includes 32% who had a drink within the past 24 hours and 37% who had a drink between two to seven days ago. Furthermore, 32% stated that their last drink was more than a week ago. On average, U.S. drinkers reported having four drinks in the past week, which has remained consistent since 1996.
In conclusion, responsible drinking is crucial in order to mitigate the negative impact of excessive alcohol use. It is important for major beverage brands and individuals alike to continue promoting moderation and safety when it comes to consuming alcoholic beverages.