Most Drinkers in U.S. Still Prefer Beer, Poll Indicates

Beer is by far the most popular drink among Americans who consume alcoholic beverages, with 50% preferring a brew over wine or liquor, a Gallup Poll shows.

The poll also said the percentage of those who drink, the frequency and amount of consumption, and the favorite alcoholic beverage have not changed significantly since 1985.

The poll reported that 65% of those surveyed said they “have occasion to use alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine or beer,” and beer is by far the favorite drink.

Thirty percent drink wine most frequently and 20% drink liquor, the poll showed.

Twelve percent said they planned to cut down drinking, 3% said they would quit and 82% said they planned to do neither, the rest expressing no opinion. That was only slightly changed from a poll in 1984, when 14% said they planned to cut down, 2% would quit and 83% planned neither and the rest had no opinion.

The findings were based on interviews July 10-13 with 1,607 people over the age of 18 and the poll has a 3% margin of error.

While the proportion of drinkers is lower than in the late 1970s and the early 1980s, the percentage has remained fairly stable over the last few years. Polls show a low of 55% in 1958 and a high of 71% in 1976 and 1978.