Which Hard Liquor Sells The Most?

By: Clint Brock October 10, 2023 10:08 am

Time to read: 6 Minutes

Table of Contents

Did You Know?

The most popular hard liquor brand in the United States is Tito’s Handmade Vodka. It sells over 11 million cases per year, making it the top-selling liquor in the US by volume. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is gluten-free and made from 100% corn. It is known for its smooth taste and affordability.

Liquor is one of the fastest-growing markets in the beverage industry. Tequila and whiskey have seen a huge boom in recent years as cocktail lovers are exploring new drinks and new flavors.

Whether it’s smooth bourbon from Kentucky or a tequila from Mexico, each state has its unique drink that perfectly encapsulates its local culture and traditions.

Whether you’re a fan of fancy scotch, vodka, or craft bourbon, almost every adult who drinks alcohol has a favorite type of liquor. But do liquor preferences vary across the country? In this blog, we analyzed Google Trends search interest data from the last year to determine the most popular type of liquor in each U.S. state as well as the best selling brands throughout 2023 so far.

Vodka is a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails.

At Rock Market Beverage we have a wide selection of vodkas to choose from, including budget-friendly and premium vodkas. Whether you’re making a simple vodka martini or a more complex cocktail, we’ve got the perfect choice for you.

The Top-Selling Liquor Brands in the United States

1	High Noon	Hard Seltzer	Spirit of Gallo	16.40
2	Tito’s Handmade Vodka	Vodka	Fifth Generation	11.55
3	Smirnoff	Vodka	Diageo	8.75
4	Crown Royal	Canadian Whisky	Diageo	7.20
5	Fireball	Flavored Whisky	Sazerac Co.	7.15
6	Jack Daniel’s	Tennessee Whiskey	Brown-Forman	6.78
7	Bacardi	Rum	Bacardi USA	6.63
8	Jim Beam	Bourbon	Beam Suntory	6.09
9	New Amsterdam	Vodka	Spirit of Gallo	5.33
10	Captain Morgan	Rum	Diageo	5.33

The Most Popular Liquor Type in Every U.S. State

[Data Source Google Trend 2021-2022]

Here is the complete list of states and favorite types of liquor among U.S. citizens according to Google Trends data 2021-2022.

STATE	LIQUOR TYPE	STATE	LIQUOR TYPE	STATE	LIQUOR TYPE
Alabama	Whiskey	Alaska	Scotch	Arizona	Tequila
Arkansas	Whiskey	California	Tequila	Colorado	Whiskey
Connecticut	Vodka	Delaware	Vodka	Florida	Vodka
Georgia	Cognac	Hawaii	Rum	Idaho	Vodka
Illinois	Whiskey	Louisiana	Cognac	Maine	Vodka
Indiana	Whiskey	Massachusetts	Vodka	Maryland	cognac
Lowa	Whiskey	Michigan	Whiskey	Minnesota	Vodka
Kansas	Scotch	Mississippi	Cognac	Missouri	Whiskey
Kentucky	Bourbon	Montana	Whiskey	Nebraska	Whiskey
Nevada	Absinthe	New Hampshire	Vodka	New jersey	Vodka
New Mexico	Tequila	New York	Vodka	North Carolina	Vodka
North Dakota	Vodka	Ohio	Vodka	Oklahoma	Whiskey
Oregon	Whiskey	Pennsylvania	Vodka	Rhode island	Vodka
South Carolina	Whiskey	South Dakota	Whiskey	Tennessee	Whiskey
Texas	Tequila	Utah	Vermouth	Vermont	Scotch
Virginia	Scotch	Washington	Whiskey	Washington .D.C	Gin
West Virginia	Whiskey	Wisconsin	Brandy	Wyoming	Whiskey

Source Google Trend 2021-2022

The Most Popular Liquor Type – Overall

RANK	LIQUOR TYPE	RANK IN STATES
1^st	Whiskey	1^st in 18 states
2^nd	Vodka	1^st in 15 states
3^rd	Cognac	1^st in 4 states
	Scotch	1^st in 4 states
	Tequila	1^st in 4 states

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Final Thoughts

It turns out that whiskey is the most popular type of liquor in most U.S. states, closely followed by vodka. On the other hand, tequila and rum, which are considered staple liquors, are less popular in many states. This means that there is quite a significant gap between whiskey, vodka, and other liquors.

Summary

Whiskey is identified as the most popular liquor type in the United States, closely followed by vodka, with cognac, scotch, and tequila sharing the third spot.
The states with the highest per capita spirits consumption are New Hampshire, Delaware, Washington D.C., and Nevada.
Jinro Soju, a Korean brand, achieved significant global sales growth in 2020, with a remarkable 10.4% increase.
Tequila’s popularity is noted in states with strong Mexican influences, including California, Texas, and Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state drinks the most spirits per capita?

According to VinePair, New Hampshire, Delaware, Washington D.C., and Nevada residents drink the highest spirits per capita.

What is the most popular liquor in every U.S. state?

The most popular liquor in every U.S. state varies, as regional preferences can differ. However, some commonly preferred liquor includes whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, gin, Irish whiskey, and Hennessy. Popular brands like Jose Cuervo and Fireball also have a significant presence in different states. Factors such as sales data, consumer preferences, and regional drinking culture are considered to determine the most popular liquor in each state.

What liquor is sold the most in the U.S.?

Well, whiskey is the most popular type of liquor in most U.S. states, with vodka coming in a close second. On the other hand, liquors like tequila and rum are less popular in many states. This creates a significant gap between whiskey and vodka and the other liquors.

What is the US’s best selling liquor?

High Noon is the top selling alcohol brand in the US, while Tito’s Vodka is the top selling liquor brand in the country.

Clint Brock

Clint Brock stands at the helm of Rock Market Beverage, a landmark as the first liquor store in Rockmart and the freshest face in Polk County, Georgia's liquor market. With a fervent passion for retail business development, Clint's journey took root in Rockmart in 2010, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial endeavors. His commitment extends beyond business; he is deeply invested in cultivating growth within both individuals and the community. Clint's transition to Rockmart was not just a business move; it became a pivotal chapter in his life, embedding him deeply in the fabric of the city and underscoring his dedication to its development and prosperity.