Beer remains the preferred alcoholic beverage in U.S.
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Beer has typically been the preferred alcoholic beverage in Gallup's trend.
The latest results are from a July 5-9 update of Gallup's annual Consumption Habits poll.
Gallup has found that beer is most popular among men; this year, 62% of male drinkers say they prefer beer, compared with 19% of female drinkers. Less-educated and middle-income Americans also tend to choose beer.
For the past two decades, at least three in 10 drinkers have said they prefer wine, peaking at 39% in 2005. Wine was slightly less popular in the early to mid-1990s.
Women are significantly more likely than men to prefer wine, at 50% vs. 11%, respectively. This beverage is also preferred more among college-educated adults.
The 26% of drinkers who name liquor as their beverage of choice is the highest in Gallup's 25-year trend, but similar to the 24% recorded in 2004. The percentage naming liquor has typically been closer to 20%.
Future measurements will help determine whether the current figure marks the beginning of a trend toward an increased preference for liquor. ■