There are, of course, different types of beer, wine, and spirits. While some Americans may choose to cool off with a beer or a chilled cocktail during the summer months, these beverages are enjoyed even when the weather is on the cold side. Oenophiles, or wine lovers, will also reach for a favorite varietal throughout the year.
When it comes to brewing craft beer, 99% of the breweries are small, independent operations. They now represent 12% of the market share within the industry. Visiting local brew pubs is a popular activity, especially when they have growler fills to take home a few favorite beers.
While there are literally thousands of different types of wine, these are the most popular varietals:
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Grigio
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
Millennials appear to consume more wine than the older generations. In 2015, for example, they imbibed 159.6 cases of wine. When they sit down with a bottle of wine at home or while out on the town, this age group drinks an average of 3.1 glasses. Gen Xers will enjoy 2.4 glasses, and Baby Boomers 1.9 glasses.
Within the last month, Millennials purchased bottles of wine that cost over $20.00. While just 5% of Baby Boomers spent this much on a bottle of wine, 10% of all drinkers did so.
At the last count, there were 97.97 million people in the United States that consume liquor, or spirits. While some like their whiskey, scotch, of vodka neat, others like it chilled or on ice.
Over the past 30 days, 13.43 million Americans enjoyed a pre-mixed cocktail. These are popular because all the necessary ingredients except for the ice are contained within the bottles. Single-serving cans are also a convenient choice, and are usually kept in the cooler. These pre-mixed cocktails can be great to have around for weekend picnics or other types of gatherings.
Alcoholic beverage sales, which includes beer, wine, and liquor, total about $219.52 billion in the United States. Whether Americans just have an occasional drink with friends and family or enjoy an aperitif before and after dinner, it’s clear that these beverages continue to be popular.