Introduction: A Global Toast to Changing Drinking Habits

From Moscow to Bombay, and from the vineyards of Greece to the beer halls of Austria, alcohol brings people, cultures, and celebrations together around the world. However, even if the clinking noise of glasses sounds the same everywhere, how much each country drinks might be quite different.

The global drinking habits in 2025 are displaying some very interesting changes in the direction noted by the Statista Research Department and World Population Review. Some countries have seen declining alcohol drinking due to stricter health regulations, while others have drunk more due to tourism, local craft, and social trends.

So, who are the world’s biggest drinkers in 2025? What country is the “best at drinking”? And where is India on the global alcohol graph? Let’s see.

Global Overview: How Much Does the World Drink in 2025?

Before we get into the top 10, it is useful to understand the larger context. Alcohol consumption globally is captured in litres of pure alcohol per person per year; this figure captures beer, wine, and spirits and provides the pure ethanol equivalent.

Based on 2025 estimates, the global average is around 6.3 litres per adult per year, which is a modest increase from pre-pandemic levels. Consequently, the distribution is uneven. For some countries, they can drink more than double, while for others, it’s better not to drink more than a litre.

This imbalance is influenced by:

• Cultural traditions (wine in Europe, vodka in Eastern Europe, beer in Australia)
  
  
• Climate and geography (colder countries often consume more spirits)
  
  
• Economic access and policy (taxes, bans, and religious restrictions)

Now, let’s look at the nations topping the charts.

Top 10 Countries With the Highest Alcohol Consumption in 2025

1. Russia – 16.8 Litres Per Person

Russia continues to rank at the top of the world’s alcohol consumption countries. Vodka has remained the country’s national spirit, integral to Russian tradition and identity. Even as the government imposed measures to decrease alcoholism, the prevalence of extreme cold and cultural acceptance of drinking, either liberally or heavily, has kept the per capita consumption high.

In a bit of a twist, we also saw in 2025 an increase in craft beer breweries and boutique-style distilleries, showing the drinking culture is modernising but still consistent with Russia’s long-standing drinking culture.

2. Greece – 14.5 Litres Per Person

Greece comes in second, boasting a long history with wine and ouzo. Here, drinking is not about getting drunk - it’s a way of life. Taverns, oceanfront cafés and festivals will have you enjoying a drink that is local. Tourists help, as the wine tourism in the islands continues to thrive, particularly in Santorini and Crete. For Greeks, it’s the booze for the festivities, not for drunkenness.

3. Lesotho – 12.9 Litres Per Person

This little mountainous nation in Africa might just surprise you. Drinking culture in Lesotho is shaped predominantly around traditional maize beers, such as Joala, which is also shared during community events. Drinking symbolises togetherness, friendship, and celebration. Even though these home-made and informal drinks serve as a somewhat vague contribution to the national beverages statistics, it is clear they have a large impact.

4. Madagascar – 12.1 Litres Per Person

Madagascar ranks fourth, thanks to its locally distilled sugarcane spirit, Toaka Gasy. It’s a drink that reflects both heritage and hardship - widely consumed during ceremonies but also tied to rural economies where distillation is a source of income. While the island embraces modernisation, traditional drinks still dominate.

5. Djibouti – 12 Litres Per Person

Positioned at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, Djibouti blends diverse drinking influences. Imported whiskies, traditional spirits, and social drinking norms make alcohol a part of hospitality here. Shared drinks symbolise welcome and goodwill - key values in Djiboutian culture.

6. Grenada – 11.8 Litres Per Person

The Caribbean’s “Spice Island” owes its rank to rum, the heart of its culture. Rum cocktails are everywhere - from beach bars to grand festivals. Traditional distilleries, many using sugarcane grown locally, have become both tourist attractions and cultural landmarks.

7. Poland – 11.3 Litres Per Person

Poland’s drinking traditions are legendary. Vodka flows freely at weddings, family gatherings, and holidays. But it’s not all spirits - craft beer is booming, especially among the youth. Poland’s ranking reflects a mix of cultural pride, cold winters, and a growing craft movement.

8. Bulgaria – 10.9 Litres Per Person

The history of winemaking in Bulgaria stretches back to the Thracian period. Traditional, local wines remain a major part of family celebrations, while newer bars and restaurants have embraced contemporary cocktails and some international spirits. The balance between local heritage and modernity keeps Bulgaria solidly in the world's top 10.

9. Australia – 10.3 Litres Per Person

Australia's romance with alcohol is no secret: sun, surf and beer are intertwined with the lifestyle, with craft breweries emerging throughout the country. Wine areas such as the Barossa Valley also contribute to per capita consumption. However, in 2025, social marketing focused on encouraging responsible drinking is increasingly becoming prevalent.

10. Austria – 9.9 Litres Per Person

Austria closes the list with its famous beer halls and wine taverns. Drinking is a social tradition, especially during seasonal events like the Viennese Wine Festival. From rustic taverns to modern bars, the culture of hospitality ensures that the glass is rarely empty.

What About India? Our Place in the Global Alcohol Graph

Though India doesn't place among the top 10 countries for alcohol consumption, it's still one of the fastest-growing alcohol markets in the world. In 2025, India's average alcohol consumption was about 4.98 litres per person per year - significantly lower than many champions around the world, but progress has been made compared to past years.

Why the moderate ranking? Several factors play a role:

• Religious and cultural diversity - Large parts of India practice abstinence or restrict alcohol use.
  
  
• Liquor laws and taxes - High excise duties, state-level bans (like in Gujarat or Bihar), and complex licensing systems limit availability.
  
  
• Social stigma - Particularly in rural and conservative areas.
  
  
• Urban lifestyle shifts - On the flip side, metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi are seeing a surge in premium whisky, gin, and wine consumption, especially among Gen Z and millennial drinkers.

India’s market isn’t defined by volume - it’s defined by evolution.
Consumers are drinking less but better, showing a preference for premium spirits, craft beers, and low-ABV cocktails.

How Many Alcoholics Are There in the World in 2025?

Estimates of the global prevalence of alcohol-use disorders derived from the WHO and World Population Review indicate that around 280 million people globally meet the criteria for alcohol-use disorders. This represents globally about 5.5% of the population aged 15 and over, an estimate which has been stable over the past ten years.

In Russia, the UK, and parts of Eastern Europe, there are declining trends attributed to rigorous health policy, while in developing countries, including India, there are modest increases attributed to increased affordability of alcohol and acceptance among some socio social groups.

The “Drunkest” Countries in the World: Beyond Numbers

Statistics reveal a portion of the narrative, while drinking culture reveals the remainder. The "drunkest countries" aren't always the same as the countries that consume the most alcohol; instead, they're the countries with the most alcohol misuse.

• Belarus and Moldova, though smaller, historically report some of the world’s highest rates of binge drinking.
  
  
• The United Kingdom and Ireland continue to battle weekend binge culture.
  
  
• Japan and South Korea report high rates of workplace drinking traditions (nomikai).
  
  
• Nordic countries are shifting towards moderation, led by younger generations embracing “sober curiosity.”

The message: while global drinking is rising slightly, how people drink is changing - moving toward mindfulness and moderation.

Alcohol Trends in 2025: What’s Changing Globally

1. Health and Wellness Movements - Low-ABV and alcohol-free alternatives are booming.
   
   
2. Premiumization - Drinkers prefer smaller quantities of higher-quality products.
   
   
3. Cultural Shifts - Gen Z is redefining social drinking; “mocktails” and “mindful sipping” are mainstream.
   
   
4. Regional Diversification - Africa’s traditional brews and Asia’s rice-based spirits are gaining recognition globally.
   
   
5. Tourism & Experience Economy - Wine trails, distillery tours, and cocktail festivals are driving alcohol tourism.

India’s Unique Position: A Country of Contrasts

India’s alcohol story is one of contrasts, from the dry states enforcing complete prohibition to urban nightlife hubs that rival global party destinations.

• Whisky remains India’s dominant spirit, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total alcohol sales.
  
  
• Beer consumption is seasonal but rising, especially among younger consumers in Tier-2 cities.
  
  
• Wine is gaining traction as a lifestyle drink, with Indian wineries like Sula and Fratelli expanding exports.
  
  
• Homegrown spirits such as Greater Than Gin and Amrut Whisky are earning global acclaim.
  

Even though India ranks outside the global top 10, its market growth rate outpaces that of most European countries.
The focus has shifted from how much we drink to how well we drink.

Read also: Which Cocktail Mixing Methods Bring Out Unique Flavors in Spirits?

Which Country Is Best at Drinking?

That ultimately depends on what you mean by "best."

 By volume, Russia is still number one.

 If best means blending culture and drinking harmoniously, historically, countries such as France, Greece, and Italy best illustrate drinking the right way - with food, companionship, and ritual rather than excess.

 In contrast, newer markets like India and Vietnam are demonstrating how developing economies are breaking up established drinking habits - whereby taste and quality and social experience matter far more than quantity.

Final Thoughts: Raising a Glass to Change

The global alcohol landscape in 2025 is complex.

 Yes, there are still countries that lead in litres per person, but many other countries are rethinking their relationship with alcohol, including India.

India's low consumption rate does not reflect any lack of enthusiasm, but rather a combination of tradition, regulation and modernity.