Looking for the most popular drinks for different age groups? It’s a common misconception that the body completely renews itself ‘every 7 years’ (the reality is far more complicated than that!). However, most of us can certainly acknowledge that our tastes and preferences can evolve over time. And one of these changes could be our preferences for alcoholic drinks. Recent studies have shown interesting statistics about popular drinks for different age groups. And in our opinion, a generation’s drink of choice is a stellar defining factor.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect alcohol gift for a picky baby boomer or a sober curious Gen Z icon, this article has some intel about generational drinking habits you’ll probably want to know. We’ve also added a few gift suggestions from our Drinkable Gifts catalog that may tickle their fancy!
Baby Boomers: The ‘Booziest’ Generation
Who are they: Born between 1946 and 1964
Known for: their controversial opinions, never failing to ask when you plan on getting married at family events, being workaholic rule-followers, and staying loyal to coffee and wine.
With alcohol marketing officially kicking into gear in the late 60s, it’s fair to say that baby boomers were basically conditioned to associate alcoholic drinks with social life. This era also played host to one of the most significant shifts in drinking culture – women being able to take part without scandal. Since its inception, indulging in alcoholic beverages was considered ‘just for the blokes.’ That was until a drink called Babycham was advertised as a glamorous drink for women, and suddenly, traditionally cautious gals were given a ticket aboard the booze train. To sum it up, when baby boomers were considerably in their prime, alcohol was as trendy as oat milk is today.
Of course, this isn’t a critique of the drinking habits of what is currently the longest-living generation! In fact, being part of the pro-alcohol era has surely taught baby boomers a thing or two about alcoholic drinks. Which brings us to their preferences.
What Do Baby Boomers Like to Drink?
According to Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Statistics and Trends, when participants over the age of 55 were asked what their drink of choice was in 2023, 38% of them selected beer, while 35% selected wine. Considering that baby boomers powered the golden age of American wine, these numbers make sense!
Alcohol Gift Suggestions for Baby Boomers
Gen X: The Wine-Obsessed Generation
Who are they: Born between 1965 – 1980
Known for: growing up with minimal adult supervision, being the first generation to value work-life balance, purchasing wine more than any other age group, and coming of age with MTV.
There is a common grievance among Generation Xers that they are a ‘forgotten generation.’ They are often classified as the same as Baby Boomers, but this is far from the truth. Many Gen Xers say that growing up in the 70s felt like figuring out where you fit in the precarious space between your parents’ world and your own. Often left to their own devices, Gen X had more freedom in their childhoods than any generation will probably have again.
Subsequently (perhaps), underage drinking was at large, which may account for why this generation is considered the most responsible drinkers today. In their adulthood, drinking stepped down as the leading act of the nightlife but still served as an accompaniment. Drinks like Long Island Ice Teas and Piña Coladas were crowd favorites for Gen Exers in their 20s.
What Do Gen Exers Like to Drink?
An article from Reframe mentions Gen X is less concerned with alcohol trends, staying loyal to their established tastes and preferences. They are also more likely to indulge in alcoholic beverages during relaxation and unwinding than any other generation. They tend to value luxury and exclusivity and will spend more money on quality wine than Millennials. And referencing the same study as above, those between the ages 35 – 54 said that their drinks of choice were beer, spirits and wine. Read our article to discover more about the best wine gifts!
Alcohol Gift Suggestions for Gen X
Millennials: The Experimental Generation
Who are they: Born between 1981 – 1996
Known for: being more experimental than their predecessors (as a guise for staying relevant and hip), loving wellness but not being as healthy as they think they are, and being slightly intimidated by Gen Z.
Growing up through ‘the turn of the century,’ Millenials were the first generation to receive in-school education on the dangers of alcohol abuse. This would explain the slight change in drinking habits during the 1990s as the average age of ‘first drink’ shifted from 13 to 14 years old. Still, not a great average, the trend towards increasing age was a positive sign for the times. Ironically, during the early 2000s, youth exposure to alcohol marketing increased by 70% from TV advertisements alone.
While Millennials do drink less than previous generations, catchphrases like ‘YOLO’ certainly encouraged phases of reckless drinking and lifestyle. Today, however, the majority of this generation is well-versed in drinking responsibly.
What Do Millennials Like to Drink?
We could also call this generation ‘The Cocktail Generation,’ as 71% of younger Millennials prefer cocktails, while the older half lean toward beer.
Alcohol Gift Suggestions for Millennials
Gen Z: The Sober Curious Generation
Who are they: Born between 1997 – 2012
Known for: growing up alongside social media, coming up with legacy slang words, bringing the subject of mental health to the forefront, and shaping culture through annoying Tik-Tok dances.
Referred to as the ‘sober curious’ generation, an article titled Why Gen Z is Drinking Less notes that Gen Zers are drinking about 20 percent less alcohol per capita than millennials did at their age. But why is this the case? While older generations may raise a glass in disbelief, it turns out that Gen Z’s penchant for sober living is less about rebellion and more about redefining fun. Raised amidst a whirlwind of information about health, wellness, and the perils of overindulgence (thanks, internet!), they are more likely to swap out tequila shots for kombucha or a mocktail at social gatherings. Plus, the fear of having an embarrassing moment immortalized on social media is a strong deterrent.
Mental health awareness is another major player in Gen Z’s cautious approach to drinking. Instead of drowning their sorrows, they’re more inclined to attend yoga retreats or engage in heart-to-heart conversations over herbal tea.
What Does Gen Z Like to Drink?
When they do decide to indulge, Gen Zers are known for their eclectic tastes and preference for unique, Instagram-worthy beverages. They prefer drinks that are not only tasty but also align with their values—think eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients! Mocktails, spirits from different countries (specifically Asia), and ciders are favored amongst most Gen Zers.
Alcohol Gift Suggestions for Gen Z
Find the Perfect Alcohol Gifts for Different Age Groups With Drinkable Gifts
Navigating the world of alcohol gifts can feel like trying to mix the perfect cocktail blindfolded. But with Drinkable Gifts, you’ll be the life of the party in no time! Our handpicked selection is as diverse as the generations themselves. We’ve got everything from the finest craft beers and natural wines to premium spirits and non-alcoholic delights. Because we know that gifting the right drink can turn any occasion into a celebration to remember.
So, ditch the guesswork and dive into our treasure trove of boozy brilliance (or sober splendor). With Drinkable Gifts, you can easily find drinks for different age groups and ensure your gift is a hit. Cheers to finding the perfect drink for every generation!
Thank you for exploring Popular Drinks for Different Age Groups! Here’s what to do next:
- Send cocktail gifts to the Millennials in your life.
- Send wine as a gift to your favorite Baby Boomer.
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Alex is a hopeless romantic who was supposed to be born in Italy (her dream destination), but proud to be South African nonetheless. She lives by her heart, and, consequentially, leaves a little bit of herself in everything she writes. She wholeheartedly believes that mermaids (and fairies) exist and is deadly afraid of the age ’30’.