Whether it’s Russia or India, every country around the world shares a certain fascination with drinking. One thing they all have in common is that celebrations often call for a drink. Beyond festivities, factors like culture, climate, and geography also influence how much alcohol a nation consumes. According to the Statista Research Department and the World Population Review 2025, the latest list of countries with the highest alcohol consumption might surprise you. Check out the full list here. Also, have you seen where India ranks?
This country ranks first on the list globally with an average alcohol consumption of 16.8 litres per person annually. The staple here is vodka, but recently the country has seen a rapid growth in boutique distilleries and craft beers. Drinking has always been a part of Russian culture and society at large. The harsh and long winters are the reasons behind higher alcohol use, despite the country facing major health issues due to alcohol.
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Greece is in the second position with an average alcohol consumption of 14.5 litres per person annually. Its popular drinks include ouzowhich is greatly enjoyed in local tavernas or even seaside by the people. No festival, feast, or social gathering is complete without the menu having some kind of spirit on it. Wine enthusiasts across the globe are attracted to the islands like Santorini only because they have vineyards. Greece believes drinking is a lifestyle and a celebration that one must not miss.
Lesotho has an average alcohol consumption of 12.9 litres per person annually. The traditional maize-based brews like Joala are actually the center of the country’s alcohol habits. Drinking here has deep communal and celebratory roots. It is a small and mountainous nation but yet it holds alcohol as a part of its daily life. The country’s ranking shows off Africa’s traditional brewing culture, which is very unique.
This country actually registered an average of 12.1 litres per person of annual alcohol consumption. It is largely influenced by a home-distilled sugarcane spirit named Toaka Gasy. This local drink is one of the highlights during communal rituals and gatherings. The growing urban population of this country is seen experimenting with new spirits and eventually contributing to the ranks. Their local traditions include homemade brews, but these brews are also bringing up various health issues. The island nation’s drinking habits reflect both heritage and economic struggles.
With about 12 litres per person annually, this country is known to blend various traditional African-Middle Eastern distillations and imported whiskies. The unique geographical location of the country actually influences its drinking customs, with shared drinks always being a part of its social occasions. They believe in good hospitality, and alcohol, many times, is an expression of their welcome, and hence the numbers.
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Grenada is celebrated for its amazing rum culture and is a part of the top 10 drinking countries. Talk about Caribbean celebrations or even everyday life as such, and you cannot help to mention rum in it. From local events to huge festivals, rum-based cocktails can be seen everywhere. Their traditional distilleries have also become an important tourist attraction these days.
Poland celebrates its longstanding relationship with vodka, and probably that is why it has made it to the list of the top 10. Be it any reflective gathering or any joyous celebration, vodka is always served in Poland. There are also many craft breweries that are coming up in order to attract the young crowd. After all, drinking is an important part of Polish hospitality. One of the main reasons behind Poland’s hearty drinking is its own culture and customs.
Bulgaria is known across the globe for its vibrant wine industry, and it is now one of the 10 countries with the highest alcohol consumption in 2025. An integral part of all their local family events or even national celebrations is local wine. In urban areas, one can also see an increase in the popularity of spirits and beer. It is since ancient Thracian times that wine production has been practiced in this country.
The alcohol scene in Australia is more centered on its wine cultures and thriving beachside beer. One of the most loved pastimes here is socializing over a drink. As the country’s climate is sunny, it influences people to drink outdoors. Craft breweries and wineries contribute to its diverse market. Australia also faces growing public health campaigns about responsible drinking.
Austria ranks in the 10th position, which is known across the globe for its historical “beer halls” and wine regions. Social drinking is a part of their customs, especially during seasonal festivals. Austrian wines from the Wachau valley are world-renowned. Coffeehouses and cellar taverns support a rich drinking culture. Both traditional and modern bars are known to appeal to different generations.
India ranks well below the top alcohol-consuming countries. It had an average alcohol consumption of about 4.98 litres per person annually in 2025. Factors behind this include religious beliefs, high taxes, liquor bans in several states, and strict regulations that limit consumption.
Despite these, urban centers like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi are seeing an increase in premium whisky and wine sales. India’s position on the global list talks about moderate average consumption but robust market expansion, especially among younger generations.
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According to the Statista Research Department and the World Population Review 2025, Russia tops the list of countries with the highest alcohol consumption in 2025. India does not feature in the top ten globally, thanks to various government rules and regulations.
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