Madrid, February 25, 2025 — Beer has officially overtaken wine as Spain’s most consumed alcoholic beverage, according to the latest Survey on Alcohol and Drugs in Spain (EDADES) released by the Spanish Ministry of Health. The report highlights a notable shift in the country’s drinking habits, with beer now accounting for nearly half of all alcoholic beverages consumed, signaling a move away from Spain’s historically wine-centric culture.
Steady Alcohol Consumption, Changing Preferences
Despite the changing preferences, per capita alcohol consumption in Spain has remained relatively stable over the past decade. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the country’s adult population consumes between 9 and 10 liters of pure alcohol per capita annually. The breakdown of alcohol consumption is as follows:
- Beer: 40%–50% of total alcohol consumed
- Wine: 20%–25%
- Spirits: 15%–20%
Experts attribute beer’s growing popularity to its affordability and the expansion of the craft beer market, particularly in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.
Rise of Cocktail Culture
While beer and wine remain the dominant alcoholic beverages, the popularity of cocktails has surged in recent years, particularly in tourist hubs and metropolitan areas. According to the Spanish Hospitality Federation (Federación Española de Hostelería, FEHR), the number of specialized cocktail bars in Spain increased by 30% between 2022 and 2024.
Gin & tonics and innovative mixed drinks have become particularly trendy, with 24% of adults reporting that they enjoy cocktails at least once a month.
“We’ve observed a shift toward social experiences in bars offering innovative mixology,” said Lasse Huss Madsen from Drinkworld.com. “People are looking for something beyond a standard beer or glass of wine, and the market has responded with creative twists on classic cocktails.”
Balancing Tradition and Modern Drinking Habits
Despite these evolving trends, Spain continues to maintain a Mediterranean drinking pattern, characterized by moderate alcohol consumption with meals, particularly among older generations. However, younger adults are driving new drinking habits, including the ongoing popularity of botellón, a social practice in which groups gather in public spaces to drink.
- 15%–20% of people aged 15–34 report binge drinking at least once a month
- National campaigns continue to target underage drinking and excessive alcohol consumption through educational programs and tighter advertising regulations
Impact of the Pandemic and Evolving Consumption Trends
During the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption shifted towards home drinking, with supermarket beer and wine sales reaching record highs. As bars and restaurants fully reopened in late 2023, on-premise drinking rebounded, reinforcing Spain’s deeply ingrained social drinking culture.
“We’re seeing a balancing act,” explained Madsen. “On one hand, people enjoy the conviviality of going out for tapas with a cerveza. On the other, they got used to stocking up at home. The two habits now coexist.”
Public Health Concerns and Policy Initiatives
Spain’s relatively low taxation on alcohol has kept prices competitive, raising concerns about accessibility and potential alcohol misuse. Weekend alcohol-related hospital admissions remain a focus for the Ministry of Health, which plans to introduce new awareness campaigns promoting responsible drinking later this year.
The EDADES report underscores Spain’s evolving relationship with alcohol. While beer continues to grow in popularity, the nation’s social drinking culture remains vibrant, with over three-quarters of adults admitting to consuming alcohol in the past year. Despite shifting trends, the tradition of enjoying a drink—whether a beer, wine, or cocktail—remains an integral part of Spanish life.
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