The World’s Most Alcohol-Consuming Countries in 2025

Alcohol consumption has always reflected a mix of culture, climate, tradition, and economic habits. In 2025, global drinking patterns show clear regional differences, with Europe continuing to dominate per-capita alcohol consumption rankings. While some countries are reducing overall intake due to health awareness and policy changes, others maintain deeply rooted drinking traditions that keep consumption levels high.

This article explores the top 10 countries that drink the most alcohol in 2025, ranked by estimated per-capita consumption of pure alcohol among adults, not total population size. The focus is on how much alcohol an average adult consumes in a year, which offers a clearer comparison across nations.

How Alcohol Consumption Is Measured

Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to understand the measurement method.

Alcohol consumption is usually calculated as:

• Liters of pure alcohol per adult (15+ years) per year

• Includes beer, wine, spirits, and traditional or homemade drinks

• Accounts for both recorded and estimated unrecorded consumption

This method allows fair comparison between countries with different beverage preferences and population sizes. Projections for 2025 are based on long-term consumption patterns and statistical trend modeling rather than short-term spikes.

1. Romania

Romania stands at the top of the list in 2025, maintaining one of the highest per-capita alcohol consumption levels in the world.

Why Romania Ranks First

Romania has a strong tradition of homemade spirits, especially fruit brandies such as țuică and palincă. These beverages are often produced privately and consumed regularly, especially in rural areas. While beer and wine are widely available, spirits dominate total alcohol intake.

Key Factors

• High consumption of strong homemade alcohol

• Cultural acceptance of daily drinking

• Limited decline despite public health campaigns

In 2025, Romania’s average adult consumption remains well above global and European averages, keeping it firmly in first place.

2. Georgia

Georgia ranks second and is globally famous for its ancient wine culture, which dates back thousands of years.

Cultural Influence

Wine is deeply integrated into Georgian identity, social life, and religious celebrations. Traditional winemaking in clay vessels, known as qvevri, is still common. Alcohol is not just consumed casually but is central to social rituals such as supra (feasts).

Consumption Profile

• Wine accounts for a large share of alcohol intake

• Homemade and family-produced wine boosts unrecorded consumption

• Drinking is frequent, though not always excessive per occasion

These cultural factors keep Georgia among the highest-consuming nations per adult in 2025.

3. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic continues its long-standing reputation as one of the world’s biggest beer-drinking nations.

Beer Culture

Beer in the Czech Republic is often cheaper than bottled water and consumed daily by many adults. Pubs play a central role in social life, and beer is considered part of the national heritage.

Why Consumption Remains High

• Very high beer intake per person

• Strong domestic brewing industry

• Cultural normalization of daily drinking

Although spirits and wine are also consumed, beer remains the primary driver of the country’s high alcohol intake in 2025.

4. Latvia

Latvia ranks fourth, reflecting a broader pattern seen across Eastern and Northern Europe.

Drinking Preferences

Latvians consume a mix of beer and spirits, particularly vodka and herbal liqueurs. Alcohol often plays a role in social gatherings and seasonal celebrations.

Contributing Factors

• Cold climate encouraging stronger drinks

• High availability of locally produced alcohol

• Cultural acceptance of regular consumption

Despite some recent health initiatives, Latvia’s per-capita alcohol consumption remains among the highest in Europe in 2025.

5. Moldova

Moldova is another country where alcohol, especially wine, is deeply woven into daily life.

Wine as a Way of Life

Moldova is one of the world’s most wine-dependent cultures per capita. Many families produce their own wine, which significantly increases total consumption beyond commercial sales.

Key Characteristics

• High unrecorded alcohol consumption

• Frequent wine drinking with meals

• Strong rural traditions

In 2025, Moldova continues to rank among the top alcohol-consuming nations despite limited international visibility.

6. Lithuania

Lithuania has historically struggled with high alcohol consumption, particularly spirits.

Policy vs. Reality

Although Lithuania introduced stricter alcohol regulations in recent years, overall per-capita consumption remains high due to established habits and social norms.

Consumption Breakdown

• Strong spirits are widely consumed

• Beer remains popular among younger adults

• Drinking often occurs during weekends and holidays

While consumption has stabilized, Lithuania still ranks sixth globally in 2025.

7. Germany

Germany’s place on this list may surprise some, but its combination of beer, wine, and spirits results in very high overall intake.

Why Germany Ranks High

Germany has one of the world’s largest beer markets and a strong wine-producing tradition, particularly in regions like Bavaria and the Rhine Valley.

Cultural Drivers

• Beer festivals such as Oktoberfest

• Strong regional brewing identity

• Widespread acceptance of moderate daily drinking

Although binge drinking is less dominant than in some countries, the sheer consistency of alcohol consumption keeps Germany in the top 10 in 2025.

8. Ireland

Ireland remains one of the most alcohol-consuming countries per capita, driven largely by beer and spirits.

Pub Culture

Irish pubs are more than drinking venues—they are social hubs. Alcohol consumption often accompanies music, sports, and community interaction.

Key Trends

• High beer and whiskey consumption

• Drinking concentrated on weekends

• Strong cultural association with alcohol

Despite rising awareness and moderation trends, Ireland’s per-adult alcohol intake remains high in 2025.

9. France

France’s inclusion reflects the enduring influence of wine on daily life.

Wine and Lifestyle

Unlike binge-drinking cultures, France is characterized by frequent but moderate consumption, often with meals. However, when measured annually, total intake remains high.

Why France Still Ranks High

• Daily wine consumption

• Strong domestic production

• Cultural normalization from a young age

Even with declining trends among younger generations, France’s average adult alcohol intake keeps it in the global top 10 in 2025.

10. Russia

Russia rounds out the top 10, though its ranking has fallen compared to earlier decades.

Changing Patterns

Government restrictions, pricing policies, and public health campaigns have reduced consumption since the early 2000s. However, spirits—especially vodka—still play a major role.

Current Situation

• Spirits dominate alcohol intake

• Consumption remains high in certain regions

• Cultural habits persist despite regulation

In 2025, Russia remains among the world’s heaviest alcohol-consuming countries, though no longer at the very top.

Global Trends in 2025

Several broader patterns emerge from the 2025 rankings:

• Europe dominates global alcohol consumption per capita

• Homemade and unrecorded alcohol significantly affects rankings

• Beer leads in Central Europe, wine in Southern and Eastern Europe, and spirits in Northern and Eastern regions

• Health awareness is slowing growth but not dramatically reducing totals yet

The top 10 alcohol-consuming countries in 2025 highlight how culture outweighs population size when it comes to drinking habits. Smaller nations with strong traditions often consume far more alcohol per adult than larger countries.

While global attitudes toward alcohol are slowly shifting, deeply rooted customs continue to shape national consumption patterns. Understanding these trends is essential for policymakers, health professionals, and researchers studying public health and social behavior worldwide.