Gen Z is quietly reshaping drinking culture, and brands that aren’t paying attention risk falling behind.This generation doesn’t play by the old, outdated rules of the beverage industry. They’re the ones drinking less but drinking better. They’re opting for sustainably sourced ingredients and becoming more mindful about how they consume. They’re skipping the vodka-soaked nights for sober meetups and mocktails that slap harder than some spirits.
If beverage brands want to survive, then right now is the moment to understand Gen Z’s drinking habits. We’re breaking it all down for you , from their sober-curious revolution to their obsession with eco-friendly packaging. Read on, take notes, and evolve.
Understanding Gen Z’s Drinking Preferences
Gen Z isn’t your wine-and-beer, Friday-night “Cheers!” generation. Nope. They’re deliberate, conscientious drinkers who care about what their beverages stand for just as much as what they taste like.
- Quality Over Quantity
Gen Z doesn’t want cheap booze that burns going down. They’re trading frat-party keg stands for craft cocktails and artisan spirits. A bespoke gin distilled with lavender and chamomile for $40? That’s a yes. A $10 bottle of artificially-flavored vodka? Absolutely not. For this generation, alcohol is more about the experience, the taste, and the story behind it.
- Sober-Curious Lifestyle
“So, do you drink?” isn’t a simple question anymore—not for Gen Z, anyway. With the rise of the sober-curious movement, this group is redefining socializing without alcohol. Non-alcoholic alternatives are booming. Think zero-proof spirits that still taste like something (hello, Seedlip!) and mocktails so complex they rival their boozy counterparts. For Gen Z, not drinking is just as “in” as sipping on a trendy microbrew.
- Niche Is Nice
Hyper-personalized beverages are the name of their game. Cold brews brewed for 48 hours? Adaptogen-infused teas for stress relief? Fermented beet sodas that scream “artisanal”? Gen Z doesn’t just want drinks; they want drinks with meaning. Their tastes lean toward creative and niche options that make them feel seen, unique, and maybe just a bit edgy.
Key Trends in Gen Z Drinking Habits
If the industry is paying attention, there are some undeniable trends shaping the landscape. Here are the ones to watch if you want your brand to resonate with this next-gen audience.
1. Low and No-Alcohol Drinks
This trend isn’t going anywhere. Gen Z is normalizing the idea that drinking less (or not at all) doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an elevated experience. That’s led to a tidal wave of low-alcohol drinks like session IPAs or canned spritzers with a mellow buzz—and, of course, entirely alcohol-free spirits that bring the flavor without the buzz.
2. Functional Beverages
Performance matters to Gen Z—so it’s no shock that they’re flocking to functional drinks that promise more than just good taste. Think adaptogen sodas, CBD-infused sparkling waters, and protein-packed cold brews. They want their drinks to offer a boost, whether it’s energy, focus, relaxation, or wellness benefits. Bonus points if it’s marketed like self-care in a can.
3. Eco-Friendly Everything
Sustainability isn’t optional—it’s a bare minimum. Gen Z is focused on reducing their carbon footprint, and they expect the same from the brands they support. That means recyclable packaging, ethically-sourced ingredients, and transparent supply chains. If your drink costs the earth, Z’s leaving it on the shelf.
What This Means for the Beverage Industry
The beverage industry has some decisions to make. Stick to the old-school playbook and watch Gen Z spend their dollars elsewhere. Or, lean into these trends and become a brand that the next generation actually cares about.
- Reimagine Product Lines
Your basic beer or boring bottled water isn’t going to cut it anymore. Innovate or evaporate. It’s time to experiment with non-alcoholic options, vitamin-enhanced drinks, eco-conscious packaging, and new flavor profiles that wow.
- Go Sustainable, or Go Home
If you’re not investing in sustainability, don’t expect Gen Z’s loyalty—or their money. Companies that reduce waste, commit to carbon-neutral goals, and make transparency a priority are winning big. Just ask brands like Liquid Death, whose sustainability-first branding has captured the hearts (and wallets) of younger drinkers.
- Get Real with Branding
Gen Z has a sixth sense for BS. They’ll sniff out inauthentic marketing faster than you can say, “limited-time offer.” Your branding needs to be real, intentional, and aligned with their core values. More transparency, less fluff.
- Appeal with Storytelling
Gen Z doesn’t just buy products—they buy stories. Build a narrative around your beverage brand that strikes a chord. Is your company empowering women farmers in Ethiopia through fair-trade coffee? Tell them! Does your gin distillery repurpose leftover food waste? Shout it from the rooftops!
How Beverage Companies Can Adapt
Want to win over Gen Z? Here are the strategies that’ll help the beverage industry keep up—and cash in.
- Launch Low-ABV or Non-Alcoholic Options
If your lineup only includes full-proof drinks, diversify. Start catering to the sober-curious demographic with mocktails, low-alcohol beers, or spirit-free spirits that taste just as complex as the real deal.
- Double Down on Function
Add a reason (or three) for customers to pick your drink over others. Add probiotics for gut health, adaptogens for stress relief, or antioxidants for immunity—functional ingredients that add value to every sip.
- Market with Purpose
Gen Z cares about causes. Support local communities, invest in renewable energy, or partner with nonprofit organizations. But remember—don’t just slap a green label on it. Prove it.
- Showcase Authenticity Online
For Gen Z, scrolling through Instagram and TikTok is just part of the daily routine. Use these platforms, but keep it honest. Create behind-the-scenes videos, host Q&A sessions, and stay active in the comments. Show them there’s a real, relatable team behind the brand.
Are You Ready to Adapt?
Here’s the truth about Gen Z’s impact on the beverage industry: They’re not trends. They’re transformations. From low-alcohol drinks to sustainability and sober-curious lifestyles, this generation is reshaping what, how, and why we drink.
The companies that evolve with them? They’ll dominate the market for years to come. Those that don’t? They’ll vanish and become irrelevant.
The choice is yours. Step up, experiment, and create products Gen Z is dying to talk about—or stay the course and hope for the best. Want to start with a bold move? Get in touch with Social Revolt Agency to develop your Gen Z marketing plan.
Are your products ready for Gen Z’s high standards? Hopefully. But if you’re still figuring it out, don’t wait. Pivot now, with purpose.
