What Gen Z Is Really Buying at the Liquor Store in 2025

What Gen Z Is Drinking in 2025: Sips, Style, and Straight-Up Vibes

Forget dusty wine cellars and old-school beer brands. In 2025, Gen Z is rewriting the alcohol game—and doing it with taste, aesthetic, and zero patience for brands that don’t get the assignment.

We’re talking vodka with edge, tequila that screams “Friday night out,” and canned cocktails designed to go straight from the fridge to the group chat.

So what exactly are Gen Zers throwing into their carts, coolers, and curated cocktail lineups? Let’s break it down—flavor-first, vibe-forward, and with a big pour of authenticity.

Smirnoff & Tito's: Vodka's Still Queen

If vodka were a person, she’d be effortlessly chill and ready for anything. Smirnoff still reigns thanks to its budget-friendliness and flavor drops that turn any pregame into a party. It’s mixable, accessible, and never tries too hard.

Tito’s, on the other hand, is like her slightly older, classier cousin—quality you can actually taste without blowing your budget. Clean, smooth, and always in stock at every rooftop hang.

Hennessy & Jack: The Icons Still Hit

Younger drinkers aren’t ditching the classics—they’re just giving them new life. Hennessy is still the go-to for flex drinks and vibey nights out, especially when it’s part of a cocktail moment. Jack Daniel’s keeps its legendary status strong, showing up in Gen Z homes for its versatility and no-nonsense cool.

Baileys & Malibu: Sweet, Flirty, & Insta-Ready

Gen Z doesn’t just drink—they curate the experience. Baileys brings that dessert-drink energy to cozy nights and holiday parties. Add some whipped cream, maybe a cinnamon rim, and boom—content.

Malibu's tropical, fruity vibes make it a summer staple that fits right into beach bags, brunches, and group selfies. These drinks aren’t just tasty—they look good doing it.

White Claw, Truly & Mike's: RTD Royalty

Canned is king. Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and seltzers are everywhere because they check every Gen Z box: easy to carry, flavor-packed, and low-key healthy.

White Claw and Truly are still the top picks for sippable bubbles, while Mike’s Hard is having a resurgence with its bright colors, fun branding, and that nostalgic-yet-now energy.

Tequila Glow-Up: 1800 & Beyond

Tequila is having a moment, and we’re not talking about cheap shots. Brands like 1800 are winning over Gen Z with cocktail-ready quality and sleek packaging. From spicy margs to mezcal blends, tequila’s become the center of mixology content and TikTok tutorials alike.

Sweet Wine & Easy Beer: Still in the Mix

While beer’s not always the first choice, certain names—like Modelo, Coors, and Stella Artois—still show up in Gen Z fridges, especially at house parties or BBQs. Wine, on the other hand, is going full flavor. Brands like Barefoot and Stella Rosa win big with fruity notes, affordable price tags, and crowd-friendly bottles.

Not Drinking? Still a Vibe

Even for those skipping alcohol, Gen Z isn’t missing the moment. Seedlip and Heineken 0.0 are major players in the sober-curious scene, offering non-alcoholic drinks that feel just as intentional (and photogenic) as the real thing. It’s not about missing out—it’s about choosing when and how to vibe.

Values That Matter

What makes Gen Z loyal to a brand? It's not just taste—it’s transparency. Organic ingredients, sustainable packaging, and social responsibility all matter. If your drink’s doing good and tasting good? That’s a win-win.

We’re also way more conscious about ABV levels, ingredients, and how drinks affect our energy—not just our night. Low-alc and hard kombucha options are on the rise, proving we want balance, not blackout.

Gen Z Buys with Taste, Intention, and Aesthetic in Mind

Whether it's a Smirnoff screwdriver, a canned mojito, or a non-alcoholic Negroni, Gen Z in 2025 isn’t just buying alcohol—we’re curating an experience. It’s less about tradition and more about vibes. We want options that are tasty, affordable, and aligned with how we live, party, and recharge.

Raise a glass—or a can—to the new era of drinking. It’s conscious, colorful, and totally Gen Z.

Stay tuned to Woke Waves Magazine for more drops on what Gen Z is sipping, loving, and reshaping next.

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