Most Adults Drink; Beer Is Clear Favorite

Nearly three in 10 U.S. adults (29%) drink alcohol at least once a week, including 10% who drink weekly and 5% who drink daily, according to Harris Interactive.

Just under half (49%) drink at least once a month. Only 22% never drink at all. Men drink more regularly than women; 38% of men drink at least once a week, compared with 21% of women.

Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage; 63% of those who drink at least several times a year choose beer when they drink, while 54% choose domestic wine. Only 28% drink imported wine — the same proportion who drink tequila. Four in 10 (41%) drink vodka, and 34% drink rum.

Beverage choice differs by gender: men have a strong preference for beer, while women prefer wine. Age also affects drink preferences. Consumers ages 21-46 (Gen Y and Gen X), favor beer, while Boomers are more evenly divided between beer-lovers and wine aficionados. Adults ages 66 and older favor domestic wines. [Food/Beverages, Human Behavior]

Source: Harris Poll #46, April 2011, Harris Interactive, Regina Corso, SVP Public Relations and Youth Research, 161 Sixth Ave., New York, NY 10013; 585-214-7412; info@harrisinteractive.com; www.harrisinteractive.com. Price: Available online at no charge.

© Copyright 2011, EPM Communications, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of publisher.

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