Summer is almost here, meaning outdoor gatherings, backyard barbeques, and other reasons to celebrate and imbibe. Here’s what we’re seeing when it comes to alcohol trends this season.

1. Nearly one-third of U.S. adults (21+) plan to drink this Memorial Day.

Alcohol remains a popular way to kick off the summer, although fewer people plan to drink when celebrating Memorial Day this year than those who don’t plan to.

In general, two in three drinking-age Americans partake in alcohol. In the Covid era, slightly more people say they are drinking less now than they were before the pandemic, instead of more. However, CivicScience numbers indicate the share of people who drink alcohol hasn’t fluctuated significantly compared to 2021.

2. Americans plan to spend less on alcohol this summer.

High prices on gas, food, and other goods and services are likely to put a dent in alcohol sales. One-quarter of alcohol buyers are expecting to buy less alcohol this summer compared to last summer, far outnumbering those who say they’ll buy more (11%).

3. Adoption of alcohol delivery has more than doubled since 2021. 

Nearly one-quarter of adults say they have had alcohol delivered to their doorstep using services such as Drizly, Uber Eats, and Postmates.

But a look at how most Americans buy alcohol shows that 73% will head to a wine / liquor store, or pick up their beverages when shopping at a grocery, big-box, or club membership retailer.

4. This year’s drink of choice goes to…

When it comes to summer beverages, beer wins. However, beer is less preferred this year compared to last year. Instead, people may be more inclined this year to reach for cocktails, mixed drinks, and wine during the warm months.

A quick look at overall alcohol consumption shows that drinking wine and clear spirits is up since the start of the year (coinciding with the rise in mixed drink interest), while drinking beer and brown spirits have largely stayed the same.

5. Trending: Hard Seltzer, Canned Cocktails, & Alcohol-Alternative Beverages

  • Spiked seltzer adoption remains the same as last year, but interest in trying the drinks (such as White Claw and Truly) has doubled.
  • Canned cocktails, anyone? People are also two times more likely to try ready-to-drink cocktails this year.
  • Alcohol-free beer is buzzing. Adoption, intent to try, and awareness have all grown since last summer. More than one in three adults have tried a no-ABV beer.

Is it Wine’s Time?

One-quarter of U.S. adults (21+) drink wine several times a month or more. And since the data suggest more people are interested in wine this summer, the 6,000-year-old beverage may get more attention. Check out these top wine-buying stats, just in time for National Wine Day (May 25).