More Americans Drinking at Home, Industry Group Says

Liquor sales are holding steady despite the recession, but industry data indicates that more Americans are drinking at home rather than going out to bars and restaurants, the Phoenix Business Journal reported Feb. 2.

Liquor sales were up 1.4 percent last year, to 187 million cases worth $18.7 billion, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. The study also found that off-premise consumption rose by 2.2 percent while on-premise drinking (e.g. at bars and restaurants) fell by 3 percent.

Sales of tequila and vodka were up, while cordial sales were down, according to the trade group. Americans also drank more “value brand” liquor — e.g. the cheaper brands — and less premium spirits, with the exception of tequila.