What is Considered a Drink for a Man? A Guide to Challenging Stereotypes

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2022 survey in Tanzania, men's alcohol use was more socially acceptable, while women's was more heavily stigmatized, illustrating a widespread double standard. This disparity reveals much about the rigid cultural expectations surrounding what is considered a drink for a man and how these norms influence personal choices and social perception.

Quick Summary

This article examines the historical and cultural factors behind gendered drinking habits, highlighting the role of advertising and social pressure in shaping perceptions. It explores both traditional 'masculine' drinks and modern trends, ultimately arguing that personal taste and context are the only valid determinants of a man's beverage choice.

Key Points

Stereotypes are manufactured: The idea of a "manly drink" is not based on inherent masculine traits but on historically and culturally reinforced stereotypes and targeted marketing.
Marketing influences perceptions: Advertising has deliberately associated specific beverages, like whiskey and beer, with male-centric activities and identities to shape consumer behavior.
Personal choice is paramount: Modern drinking culture emphasizes that an individual's beverage preference, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, should be based on personal taste, not social pressure.
Classics are appreciated for quality: Traditional cocktails and spirits often labeled as "manly" are better appreciated today for their craftsmanship and flavor profile rather than for their gender association.
Mocktails reflect evolving tastes: The popularity of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages demonstrates a cultural shift towards prioritizing flavor and health over perceived gender conformity.
Rejecting rigid norms: Challenging gendered drink conventions fosters a more inclusive and less judgmental social environment for everyone.

Debunking the "Manly Drink" Myth

The notion of a "manly drink" is a cultural construct, not a reflection of reality. Historically, certain beverages became associated with masculinity due to marketing, social rituals, and class distinctions. Brown liquors like whiskey and bourbon, along with beer, have been prominently featured in advertising to project rugged, sophisticated, or working-class male images. This has created a false dichotomy, suggesting that robust, spirit-forward drinks are for men, while sweet, fruity, or complex beverages are for women. In reality, a man's drink is simply what he enjoys, and personal preference should always trump outdated stereotypes.

The Historical Context of Gendered Beverages

Gendered drinking norms have deep roots in history. In 19th-century gentlemen's clubs, for instance, powerful men cultivated specific tastes in spirits and wines to assert their social status. This elite culture of connoisseurship further cemented the idea that hard liquor and specific types of wine were masculine. In contrast, the Prohibition era in the United States led to the rise of cocktails to mask the taste of low-quality, illegal liquor. Over time, these mixes were also gendered, with certain drinks designated for men or women based on taste profile and presentation. This history shows that these so-called gender roles are far from natural, but rather, a product of specific social and historical moments.

The Power of Marketing and Social Pressure

Marketing has played a significant role in perpetuating beverage stereotypes. Advertisements for beer often emphasize themes of sports, friendship, and camaraderie, associating the beverage with social, male-dominated gatherings. Conversely, campaigns for wine or certain cocktails have historically targeted female consumers, reinforcing the separation. This continuous messaging creates social pressure, making some men feel self-conscious about ordering a drink that might be perceived as "unmanly," such as a fruity cocktail. However, surveys show that many people, including men, are challenging these norms, with a growing number of men enjoying a wider variety of beverages without concern for social judgment. The modern consumer prioritizes flavor and experience over adhering to rigid gendered expectations.

Traditional "Manly" Drinks and Their Modern Twist

Despite the evolving landscape, some traditional drinks remain popular among men. These classics are appreciated not for their gender association, but for their flavor, history, and craft. A list of these includes:

Whiskey: Including bourbon, rye, and Scotch, often served neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
Beer: A perennial favorite, with craft beer and diverse regional styles offering a wide range of options.
Martini: A timeless classic, favored for its simple elegance and customizable options, like a dirty martini with olive brine.
Old Fashioned: A simple, spirit-forward cocktail made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus.
Gin and Tonic: A refreshing, straightforward highball popular for its versatility.
Manhattan: A classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

Beyond the Stereotypes: Diverse Choices and the Rise of Mocktails

Modern trends show a clear move away from gendered drink choices. The rise of craft mixology and non-alcoholic options, or "mocktails," reflects a broader shift towards personal taste and health-conscious decisions. A man might just as easily enjoy a well-made tiki cocktail or a complex, layered mocktail as he would a classic beer or whiskey. The emphasis is on quality ingredients and a great flavor profile, not on whether the drink conforms to a societal expectation. The drink that is considered appropriate for a man is the one that brings him the most personal enjoyment, period.

Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Drink Choices


Feature	Stereotypical "Manly" Drink	Beyond Stereotypes: What Modern Men Enjoy
Flavor Profile	Often robust, strong, and bitter (e.g., Scotch neat).	Highly varied, from complex bitters to vibrant fruity notes and everything in between.
Presentation	Served in simple, heavy-bottomed glasses with minimal garnish.	Wide range of glassware and garnishes, with a focus on aesthetic appeal.
Base Spirit	Typically brown liquors like whiskey or rum.	Includes all types of spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic alternatives.
Social Context	Ordered to project a tough, mature, or straightforward image.	Chosen based on personal mood, pairing with food, or occasion.
Motivation	Conforms to traditional masculinity norms.	Expresses individuality and taste preferences, free from social pressure.

Conclusion: The Modern Man's Choice

Ultimately, the question of what is considered a drink for a man has only one answer: it is whatever a man chooses to drink. The historic and social factors that once created and reinforced rigid gender stereotypes around beverages are dissolving in the face of modern individualism and diverse personal tastes. Whether he prefers a classic Old Fashioned, an elegant martini, a crisp mocktail, or a tropical fruity blend, his choice is a reflection of his own palate, not his masculinity. The true mark of a person's drink is their personal enjoyment, and celebrating that diversity of choice is a far more sophisticated approach than adhering to outdated norms.

Gender double standards in drinking - Institute of Alcohol Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Historically, traditional 'man's drinks' included brown liquors like whiskey, bourbon, and scotch, as well as beer. These were often served neat, on the rocks, or in simple cocktails like the Old Fashioned, and marketed to appeal to a stereotypical male image.

No, it is not unmanly. Personal taste is the only factor that should determine a drink choice. The idea that fruity or sweet cocktails are inappropriate for men is based on outdated and restrictive gender stereotypes that have been perpetuated by marketing and social norms.

Marketing has historically used gendered imagery to associate certain drinks with masculinity or femininity. For example, beer ads often feature men and sports, while wine ads may target women, creating an artificial division between beverage types and genders.

Modern drink trends for men are increasingly diverse, focusing on craft and quality over gendered appeal. This includes craft beer, artisanal cocktails, and a growing acceptance of sophisticated mocktails and spirits-free options.

While some marketing and social psychology link drink choices to personality traits, these are broad generalizations and not definitive. Ultimately, a person's drink preference reflects their palate, mood, and personal taste at a given moment, not their inherent character.

The notion of a "classy" drink order is often tied to older, more formal drinking cultures and social expectations. However, true class and maturity are reflected in one's confidence and respect for personal choice, not in adhering to rigid rules about what is considered an acceptable drink.

The best drink for a man to order is the one that he enjoys most. Any competent bartender will respect a customer's individual preference, regardless of outdated gendered expectations. The modern approach values authenticity over conforming to stereotype.