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Report
en_GB
Spirits consumers have consistently increased their consumption since 2023, with 34% of spirits drinkers say they are drinking more spirits in 2025 compared to 2024. Despite a rise among some…
US
Spirits and RTD
simple
US White Spirits Market Report 2025
"Variety, versatility and value will be essential to maintain sales of vodka, tequila, rum and gin at a time when consumers are rethinking their drinking."
Spirits consumers have consistently increased their consumption since 2023, with 34% of spirits drinkers say they are drinking more spirits in 2025 compared to 2024.
Despite a rise among some drinkers, adults who drink white spirits also are likely to drink beer, wine, dark spirits and RTDs. This creates challenges for white spirits brands to remain relevant to consumers who are interested in so many different types of alcohol.
Mintel forecasts that sales of distilled white and dark spirits will grow minimally from $99.9 billion in 2025 to $106 billion in 2030. The K-shaped economy in US means adults with disposable income are willing to spend on premium spirits, yet many more are reducing their alcohol consumption to save money and/or as part of healthy lifestyle goals.
On the premium end, tequila and mezcal are the only segments of white spirits that are growing in sales in recent years. This trend could continue as younger consumers see tequila as sophisticated and expensive: splurging on super-premium tequilas could be the expensive sneaker or designer purse of the alcohol world.
Key Topics Covered in the Report:
Alcohol consumption, frequency and trends from 2023-25
White spirits consumption, purchases and trends from 2024-25
Changes in spirit consumption and trends from 2024-25 and reasons for change
Ways of consuming white spirits
Perception of specific types of white spirits and white spirits purchase factors
Attitudes toward white spirits
Collapse All
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What you need to know
Outlook for white spirits
Opportunities
Brands can emphasize versatility and flavor
Top brands need a refresh to return to relevance
Alcohol is losing infrequent drinkers
Graph 1: alcohol consumption frequency, 2023-25
THE MARKET
Snapshot – market size and forecast
Consumers and the economic outlook
Market factors
Ready-to-drink cocktails are eclipsing the popularity of spirits
Shifts in tariff policies could cause white spirits consumers to switch
Alcohol is a cost that can be cut by lower-income households
Graph 2: change in frequency of drinking compared to one year ago, by household income, 2025
On the other hand, some consumers are spending more on premium and super-premium spirits
Market size and forecast
Spirits sales are forecast to see slower momentum through 2030
Sales and forecast of distilled white and dark spirits
Graph 3: market value forecast of distilled spirits, at current prices, 2019-2030
Sales and forecast of spirits
Market segmentation
Sales of white spirits, by segment
Graph 4: volume sales and forecast of white spirits, 2020-27
Sales of white spirits, by segment
Market share and brand share
Vodka leads spirits sales, but sees its category dominance slip
Sales of vodka, by volume and brand share
Tequila stays in the spotlight even though its growth slowed 2024
Sales of tequila, by volume and brand share
Rum sales, especially white rum, are shrinking
Sales of rum*, by volume and brand share
Gin sales slump, but Hendrick’s and other craft brands are able to find growth
Sales of gin, by brand
THE CONSUMER
Consumer fast facts
The white spirits consumer
White spirits stays competitive with wine, although both are beat out by beer
White spirits gender gap overshadowed by beer, dark spirits
Graph 5: consumption of white spirits – NET – any drink, by gender, 2025
Consumers’ quest for variety adds competition, as most white spirits consumers also drink many other types of alcohol
Graph 6: any consumption of alcohol by consumption of white spirits, 2025
White spirits purchase
White spirits consumers are equally interested in flavored and unflavored options
Flavored vodka and tequila bring in Black consumers; Hispanics are drawn to flavored tequila, mezcal and rum
Graph 7: purchase of white spirits, by race or ethnicity, 2025
Variety keeps drinkers aged 22-54 engaged
Graph 8: purchase of white spirits, by gender and age, 2025
While other white spirits retain drinkers, flavored tequila and mezcal welcome new ones
Graph 9: purchase of white spirits, 2023-25
Half of white spirits consumers seek variety within the category
Graph 10: repertoire of white spirit purchases, 2025
Graph 11: repertoire of white spirits purchase, by gender and age, 2025
Change in spirit consumption
Spirits see gains in consumption in the past three years
Graph 12: change in spirit consumption than one year ago, 2023-25
Flavored and flavorful white spirits are bringing in more drinkers
Graph 13: change in consumption of white spirits by individual white spirits types, 2025
Men aged 22-54 are most likely to increase drinking, followed by women of the same age
Graph 14: change in consumption, by gender and age, 2025
Reasons for drinking more spirits
Relaxation leads, but consumers are switching up where and what they drink
Graph 15: reasons for drinking more spirits, 2025
Malibu campaign encourages people to “Clock Off”
Socialization is driving a rise in women’s consumption
Graph 16: reasons for drinking spirits more often, by gender, 2025
Content creators showcase restaurant-quality batch cocktails at home
Value and wellness trends are reflected in changes in reasons to drink more between 2024 and 2025
Graph 17: reasons for drinking more spirits, 2023-25
Reasons for drinking fewer spirits
Spirits drinkers who are cutting back are motivated by health and value as well
Graph 18: reasons for drinking less spirits, by spirits consumption, 2025
Spirits drinkers who are drinking less are finding their own paths to enjoyable moderation in 2025, compared with 2023
Graph 19: select trended reasons for drinking less spirits, 2023-25
Ways of consuming white spirits
Mixed drinks and classic cocktails lead at-home consumption
Drinkers aged 35-44 are interested in exploring the range of ways to consume white spirits
Graph 20: ways to drink white spirits at home, by age, 2025
Refresh popular classic cocktails with new, but familiar twists
Graph 21: types of white spirits cocktails consumed in the past year, 2025
New twists on popular cocktails have a ready audience in white spirits consumers who drink 3+ types of spirits
Graph 22: cocktail consumption, by repertoire of white spirits purchases, 2025
Textured cocktails might be the key to engaging Gen Z adults
Graph 23: cocktails consumed with white spirits in the past year by Generation Z adults , 2025
Associations with white spirits
White spirits are torn between celebrations and easy drinking
Graph 24: associations with specific spirits, 2025
Vodka is a go-to for parties, while younger consumers think it’s trendy and celebratory
Graph 25: associations with vodka, by generation, 2025
Grey Goose campaign emphasizes the benefits of savoring the good times
Gen Z helps tequila shed its party image
Graph 26: associations with tequila, by generation, 2025
Gen Zs and Millennials show appreciation for gin, but don’t stick with it
Graph 27: associations with gin, by generation, 2025
Factors that drive choice in white spirits
Flavor, price and brand lead choice
Graph 28: factors that influence choice of one white spirit over another, 2025
White spirits buyers place a bigger emphasis on flavor and past positive experiences
Graph 29: top three factors that would influence choice of one spirit brand over another, by white spirit purchase, 2025
Younger men prioritize US-made and trendy brand
Graph 30: select reasons to choose one white spirit over another, by gender and age, 2025
Attitudes towards white spirits
White spirits are regarded for their versatility, but consumers are still open to some variety
Graph 31: attitudes about white spirits – NET, any agree, 2025
Most consumers have found their favorite drinks and brands
Graph 32: attitudes about white spirits – NET, any agree – away-from-home consumption choices, by age, 2025
Continue to pique cocktail curiosity and amp up flavored options
Graph 33: attitudes about white spirits – NET, any agree – versatility and flavor, by age, 2025
Absolut campaign highlights versatility in a range of classic cocktails
Brands can showcase versatility and promote special editions worthy of collecting
Graph 34: attitudes about white spirits – NET, any agree – versatility and collecting, by gender and age, 2025
Imported brands enjoy a premium reputation, but consumers are cautious about price hikes from tariffs
Graph 35: select attitudes about white spirits – NET, any agree – tariffs and origin, by gender and age, 2025
There’s curiosity about new spirits, but brands have to build up consumers’ confidence
Graph 36: attitudes about white spirits – NET, any agree – openness to new types, by age, 2025
PRODUCT, INNOVATION AND MARKETING
Launch activity and innovation
Retail launches of white spirits has dropped from a pandemic peak
Graph 37: launches of vodka, tequila, gin and white rum, by moving annual periods, 2020-25
White spirits brands are not just refreshing packaging, they are innovating
Sweet flavors offer easy mixability
Spicy, herbal and floral notes could help brands stand out
Graph 38: flavor landscape for vodka, tequila and rum, 2025
Tequila takes over white spirit launch activity at retail
Graph 39: share of white spirit launches, by sub-category, 2020-25
White spirits tie to a place to transport drinkers
Smaller bottles encourage trial among curious consumers
Companies can expand options of imported white spirits
Marketing and advertising
Tito’s Handmade Vodka aims to elevate everyday experiences
White spirits brands move in for sports fans
Sazerac’s brands ride the rising wave of casual dining chains
Patrón touts purity of ingredients to stand out from other tequilas
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