Top 10 Alcohol Consuming Countries In The World
Alcohol is something that is widely enjoyed across the world. Apart from a few notable cultures, almost every country on Earth has contributed its own alcoholic beverage. Despite its widespread popularity, some countries consume alcohol at much higher rates than others. Latvia consumes the most alcohol per capita at 12.9 liters a year per person. In second place is Czechia (Czech Republic) at 12.7 liters, and in third is Lithuania at 11.9 liters.
Top 10 Alcohol Consuming Countries In The World
| Rank | Country | Alcohol Consumption Per Capita |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latvia | 12.9 |
| 2 | Czechia | 12.7 |
| 3 | Lithuania | 11.9 |
| 4 | Austria | 11.9 |
| 5 | Antigua and Barbuda | 11.8 |
| 6 | Estonia | 11.6 |
| 7 | France | 11.4 |
| 8 | Bulgaria | 11.1 |
| 9 | Slovenia | 11.05 |
| 10 | Luxembourg | 11 |
1. Latvia 12.9 Liters/Per Capita
Nestled along the Baltic Sea, Latvia sits at the top as the country with the highest alcohol consumption in the world. Latvia has a rich drinking culture that dates back to the Middle Ages and has managed to carry on well into modern times.
Beer is the most popular drink of choice for Latvians. However, one of the most famous kinds of alcohol to come out of Latvia is Riga Black Balsam. This drink is a type of liqueur that has considerable popularity throughout Europe. According to legend, it was first concocted by a Latvian man, Abraham Kunze, in the 1700s after the Russian empress Catherine the Great was in Riga and requested something for an illness.
2. Czechia 12.7 Liters/Per Capita
Czechia is known for its deep love of alcohol. Beer making and brewing are long-held traditions in many parts of the country and are considered a point of national pride by many Czechs.
Czechia has the world's highest beer consumption rate but falls just a tad short of Latvia's overall alcohol consumption. Plzeňský Prazdroj is arguably the most famous and respected brewery in Czechia and has dozens of locations all across the country.
3. Lithuania 11.9 Liters/Per Capita
Not to be outdone by their Baltic cousins, Lithuania has built up quite a reputation when it comes to enjoying alcohol. Similar to Latvia, Lithuania also has a deep-rooted drinking culture that can be traced back nearly a thousand years.
Beer is the most popular drink of choice in Lithuania however, mead is the official drink of the country. Traditional Lithuanian mead was typically made with honey, water, berries, and a collection of herbs, giving the beverage a unique flavor and aroma.
4. Austria 11.9 Liters/Per Capita
Austria is yet another European country that has a long tradition of brewing and wine-making. Both beer and wine are common in Austria and are usually drunk along with lunch and dinner. Wine is more prevalent in Lower Austria, whereas beer is more popular in the rest of the country.
An interesting alcohol that is thought to originate from Austria is Zirbenlikör. Zirbenlikör is a liqueur that is made from a mixture of pinecones. This drink is usually taken on ski trips on long treks up mountains. It also has its uses in various cocktails too.
5. Antigua and Barbuda 11.8 Liters/Per Capita
Antigua and Barbuda is the only non-European country that makes it into the top 10 alcohol-consuming countries on Earth. Due to its location in the Caribbean Sea, typically Antigua and Barbuda is known for its high-quality rum.
Rum punch is a popular drink that is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. This simple drink can be achieved by mixing in cane sugar, lime, and rum. English Harbour Rum is a well-known brand of Antigan rum that is quite popular on the island.
6. Estonia 11.6 Liters/Per Capita
Trailing only a few positions behind its other Baltic cousins is Estonia. The usual staples of European drinking culture are present here as they are anywhere else. Having a glass of wine or a pint of beer with food is widely accepted in Estonia.
Vana Tallinn is another popular national drink in Estonia. This beverage is a rum-based liqueur that first came onto the scene during the Soviet Era in Estonia. Unlike the Soviet Union, Vana Tallinn is still around today and is enjoyed by many Estonians to this day.
7. France 11.4 Liters/Per Capita
The list of contributions that France has made towards alcohol is certainly long and varied. Even today France is internationally recognized as being one of the leading countries when it comes to wine making.
Wine is by far the most popular alcoholic drink in France, followed by beer and champagne. Another popular drink in France is pasits, an anise-flavored spirit. Pasits is a herbal liqueur that contains things like fennel and licorice root.
8. Bulgaria 11.1 Liters/Per Capita
Bulgaria is another European country that is famous for its alcohol production. Bulgarian beer and wine are popular not only in Europe but worldwide. Bulgaria's most popular traditional drink is something called Rakia.
Rakia is made from smashed fruits mixed with sugar and water. The mixture is left to ferment for a few weeks before it can be consumed. Rakia is often compared to a sweet and fruity brandy, with an average alcohol percentage between 40% and 50%.
9. Slovenia 11.05 Liters/Per Capita
Slovenia has always held a reputation for its unrivaled enthusiasm for wine and winemaking. The wine made in Slovenia might not be the most popular internationally, but within Slovenia, the process is taken very seriously.
There are dozens of brands of liquor that are native to Slovenia. Pelinkovac is perhaps the most notable. This drink is a herbal Jagermesiter and is famous for its unique smell and aftertaste.
10. Luxembourg 11Liters/Per Capita
One of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg punches well above its weight in terms of alcohol consumption and production. Beer is the most popular drink, followed by wine.
Wine production in Luxembourg is quite robust as well. Various kinds of Gewürztraminer, Crémant de Luxembourg, and Chardonnay are all made in a country with the utmost attention to care and detail.
Final Thoughts
Alcohol is enjoyed all around the world by countless people. However, there are some who enjoy drinking a little more than others. While drinking can have negative effects on your health if done in excess, certain studies do show that drinking in moderation can do wonders at reducing anxiety and stress.
