Who drinks more, the USA or Europe?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Region records the highest per capita alcohol consumption globally. This striking statistic sets the stage for a deeper look into a common question: who drinks more, the USA or Europe? While Americans consume substantial quantities, the data reveals significant differences in both total volume and drinking patterns between the two regions.

Quick Summary

An examination of alcohol consumption data shows that Europeans generally consume more pure alcohol per person annually compared to Americans. Differing drinking patterns, cultural attitudes, and policy approaches contribute to these distinct regional habits. Trends indicate slight declines in Europe but relatively stable consumption in the USA.

Key Points

Europe drinks more per capita: The European Region consistently shows the highest per capita pure alcohol consumption worldwide, according to the WHO.
USA has more abstainers: A higher percentage of Americans abstain from alcohol altogether compared to the average European population.
Binge drinking is prevalent in USA: Among those who drink, heavy episodic drinking is a more common pattern in the USA than in many European countries.
Cultural factors influence habits: European drinking is often more integrated into daily life, whereas American habits are often characterized by more polarized and occasional heavy consumption.
Consumption trends are changing: While Europe's consumption is high, it has been gradually decreasing over recent decades, while US consumption has been more stable.
Alcohol policies differ significantly: Differences in drinking age, taxes, and marketing regulations contribute to the varying consumption patterns and related harm in the two regions.

European Consumption Leads Global Rankings

For a comprehensive answer to the question, "who drinks more, the USA or Europe?", public health data is the most reliable source. The World Health Organization (WHO) consistently reports that the European Region leads the world in per capita alcohol consumption. While the European Region is not limited to the European Union (EU), data from Eurostat confirms that the EU also represents the heaviest-drinking area globally, with many member states ranking among the highest in worldwide consumption. In 2020, for example, the average EU citizen consumed 9.8 litres of pure alcohol per year, a rate significantly higher than the USA's average for the same period.

Per Capita vs. Drinking Patterns

While per capita intake is a crucial metric, it's vital to examine the specific drinking behaviors that contribute to these averages. One of the key distinctions is the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking, often referred to as binge drinking.

Europe: While overall consumption is higher, countries display diverse drinking habits. Some, like the Czech Republic and Germany, report high per capita rates and frequent binge drinking episodes. However, countries like Spain and Italy have relatively high daily consumption but lower rates of heavy episodic drinking, indicating a more integrated role for alcohol in social and culinary life.
USA: American drinking patterns are marked by a significant percentage of abstainers and a high prevalence of heavy episodic drinking among those who do consume alcohol. In 2020, for example, a higher percentage of the population in the USA abstained from alcohol compared to the EU average. Yet, data also indicates a substantial proportion of Americans engage in heavy drinking episodes, contributing to the country's alcohol-related harm statistics.

Comparison of USA and Europe Alcohol Consumption (2020 Data)


Feature	Europe (EU Average)	USA (Average)
Pure Alcohol per Capita	9.8 litres	9.9 litres (adjusted)
Heavy Episodic Drinking	19% (monthly)	33% (monthly)
Daily Drinkers	8.4%	Data varies, but lower than EU
Gender Drinking Gap (Ratio)	2.33 men per woman	Higher male consumption, but ratio varies
Prevalence of Drinkers	78% (UK example)	71%

Note: Data from different sources may show slight variations, particularly when comparing EU averages with US national figures.

Factors Influencing Regional Drinking Habits

Several factors contribute to the distinct drinking habits and comparative consumption levels seen in Europe and the USA. These include culture, availability, and public health policies.

Cultural Differences

Europe's long history of alcohol production and consumption is deeply embedded in its cultural fabric. In many European countries, drinking wine or beer with meals is a common practice, and a more relaxed attitude towards moderate consumption often prevails. This contrasts with a more restrictive and often polarized American approach, which can sometimes lead to binge drinking behavior when alcohol is consumed.

Availability and Regulation

European countries generally have lower drinking ages and more relaxed alcohol regulations than the USA. This wider availability and longer history of normalization from a younger age can shape lifelong attitudes toward alcohol. The American system, with its patchwork of state-level laws, generally has a higher legal drinking age and stricter sale regulations.

Recent Trends and Policy

While Europe has historically out-consumed the USA, recent trends show a slight decrease in overall European consumption, particularly within the WHO European Region, which saw a 21% decrease between 2000 and 2019. In contrast, American consumption has remained relatively stable in recent years, though patterns have been influenced by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. European nations are increasingly implementing evidence-based policies, such as taxation and marketing restrictions, to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Europe as a whole, and specifically the European Union, drinks more than the USA based on per capita pure alcohol consumption. While the USA has a lower overall rate, American drinking culture is characterized by a higher proportion of abstainers and a greater frequency of heavy episodic drinking among those who do drink. The comparison highlights how regional drinking habits are shaped by complex interactions between culture, history, and public policy. While trends indicate declining consumption in parts of Europe, the region still faces a higher burden of alcohol-related harm, necessitating continued public health efforts. For more detailed information on alcohol policy, consult authoritative health organizations like the World Health Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to various reports from sources like CEOWORLD and Euronews based on WHO data, countries like Czechia, Latvia, and Germany often feature prominently among the highest per capita alcohol consumers within Europe.

Historical and cultural factors play a significant role. In many European nations, alcohol, such as wine or beer, is traditionally part of meals and social customs, leading to more moderate, but frequent, consumption patterns from a younger age. In contrast, American culture has historically had a more polarized view on alcohol, often associated with heavier, less frequent drinking.

Yes, the legal drinking age is a notable difference. Europe generally has a lower minimum age for buying and consuming alcohol, whereas the US enforces a minimum age of 21 across all states. This impacts how and when people are introduced to alcohol.

Yes, there are distinct patterns. The USA has a higher percentage of abstainers, but those who do drink often engage in heavy episodic drinking or binge drinking more frequently than their European counterparts, particularly in certain countries.

Yes. European alcohol consumption has seen a gradual decline over recent decades, though at a slower rate recently. US consumption has remained relatively stable, although drinking patterns can fluctuate due to factors like economic conditions and public health events.

Due to its higher overall consumption levels, the WHO European Region experiences the highest burden of alcohol-related harm in the world, including a high number of alcohol-related deaths and illnesses.

Yes, preferences differ and reflect cultural norms. Americans traditionally favored spirits but have seen a rise in craft beers, while Europe shows regional preferences, such as wine in Southern Europe and beer in the North.