Alcohol Consumption Trends: How They Change with the Seasons

As the seasons change, so do our activities, celebrations and even what we drink. Let’s take a look at how alcohol consumption can vary with the seasons and share some important tips on how to drink safely and responsibly.

Understanding Seasonal Changes in Alcohol Consumption

• Winter Warm-Ups: In the cold months, people often enjoy drinks that warm them from the inside out. Hot drinks like mulled wine, which is spiced and heated, and hot toddies, made with whiskey, honey and lemon, are especially popular choices that can warm you up during chilly winter evenings and are often enjoyed at holiday gatherings.
• Spring Refreshers: When spring rolls around, the weather starts to warm up, and everything begins to grow again. During this season, people often prefer lighter, cooler cocktails like mojitos, which are made with fresh mint, or other refreshing drinks like spritzers that include sparkling water and fresh fruit.
• Summer Cool Downs: Summer is known for its heat, and with that, an increase in thirst-quenching drink options. Many people choose cold beers, chilled white wines or mixed drinks like margaritas and pina coladas to enjoy at beach parties or outdoor barbecues.
• Autumn Spiced Sips: As the leaves change color and the air gets crisp, people begin to enjoy seasonal flavors like pumpkin and apple. Hard ciders (with alcohol) and soft ciders (without alcohol), become popular, as do richer, darker beers and cocktails that include spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. As the weather cools, people begin to enjoy slightly heavier drinks again.

Why Do Drinking Habits Change?

• Weather: The shift in temperature plays a big role. For example, warmer weather encourages cooler, lighter beverages.
• Social Activities: Winter holidays often involve indoor gatherings or gathering outside around a fire, while spring invites outdoor activities like picnics and early barbecues.
• Mood and Environment: During winter, some people experience what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that recurs annually during the colder months. The shorter days and less sunlight can make people feel tired and sad. The general mood lightens in spring as the days get longer and warmer, which can improve mood and energy levels, and people are drawn to drinks that reflect the fresh, optimistic atmosphere.

Tips for Drinking Safely and Responsibly

No matter the season, it’s always important to enjoy alcoholic beverages in a safe and responsible manner. Here are some tips for drinking responsibly:

• Know Your Limits: Understand how much alcohol is safe and appropriate for you to consume and stick to those limits.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can help keep you hydrated and reduce the effects of alcohol.
• Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, plan how you will get home safely to avoid drinking and driving. This might mean arranging a ride with a sober friend or another designated driver or using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.
• Eat Food: Eating before or while you drink can help slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
• Respect Others & Offer Alcohol-Free Options: Not everyone chooses to drink, so it’s important to have non-alcoholic options available at social gatherings. Consider offering:
• Mocktails: Tasty, seasonal non-alcoholic beverages that can be just as enjoyable as cocktails. Check out some simple recipes here.
• Alcohol-Free Beer & Alternatives: With the growing variety of alcohol-free beers and other non-alcoholic options, guests can still enjoy familiar flavors without consuming alcohol.
• Inclusive Atmosphere: Providing alcohol-free choices ensures everyone feels welcome and included, without the pressure to drink.