Dispiriting news for spirits: revenue fell 2.2% to $36.4 billion in 2025, CNBC reports.
This data comes from industry trade group Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, which cites economic pressure and weaker consumer confidence as factors.
Volume, however, rose 1.9% to 318.1 million 9-liter cases. This indicates that while the U.S. is still drinking spirits, they are most likely shopping for lower-priced items.
Nearly every major spirits category posted revenue declines. Vodka sales fell 3% to $7 billion. Sales of tequila and mezcal — the industry’s fastest-growing segment for several years — fell 4.1% to $6.4 billion. American whiskey and cordials revenue dropped 0.9% and 3.2%, respectively.
The exception? Ready-to-drink products.
Sales of premixed cocktails, including spirits-based, ready-to-drink beverages, increased over 16% compared to the year prior, reaching $3.8 billion. The RTD category has more than doubled its market share since 2021.
