Some places just know how to party. Around the world, certain countries have built entire lifestyles around clinking glasses, weekend hangovers, and age-old drinking traditions. Whether it’s wine with dinner, beer at a football match, or shots at a family gathering, alcohol plays a starring role in daily life for millions of people. We’re counting down some of the drunkest countries on the planet. Where the drinks are strong, the nights are long, and the hangovers are practically a national sport.
Romania: The Reigning Champion When it Comes to the Drunkest Countries
Romania holds the crown as the world’s top alcohol consumer, and it’s not even a close race. On average, each person drinks more than 4.49 gallons of pure alcohol per year. That includes beer, wine, spirits, and a fair share of homemade brews that are passed down through generations. Alcohol in Romania isn’t just for parties, it’s woven into everyday life. Family meals, church holidays, weddings, and even funerals often include plenty of drinks. You’ll also find many Romanians making their own spirits at home, like țuică, a strong plum brandy that is a local favorite. Drinking here is less about getting drunk and more about connecting with others. Still, with these numbers, it’s safe to say Romania knows how to let loose.
Czechia: Beer Is Cheaper Than Water
Czechia has earned its place among the world’s most drunkest countries, consuming about 3.51 gallons of pure alcohol per person each year. Beer is deeply ingrained in Czech culture and often costs less than bottled water in many bars and restaurants. Whether it is a quick pint after work or a lazy afternoon in a beer garden, drinking beer is a daily ritual. The country is home to world-renowned pilsners and countless regional brews. Social gatherings often begin and end with a drink in hand, and pubs are seen as extensions of the home. Drinking here is not rushed or reckless, it is relaxed and social. Czechia does not just enjoy beer, it celebrates it as a part of life, identity, and local pride.
Georgia: Where Wine Is Practically a Birthright
Georgia is known as one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Each person drinks about 3.78 gallons of pure alcohol per year, with wine being the standout favorite. Wine is more than a drink in Georgia, it is a cultural treasure and often homemade using ancient clay vessel techniques. At the heart of Georgian gatherings is the “supra,” a traditional feast led by a toastmaster who guides the night through stories, songs, and glasses raised high. Alcohol is present at nearly every celebration and is seen as a key part of hospitality. Guests are honored with homemade wine, and long meals stretch late into the night. Even in casual settings, drinking remains a bonding experience. Georgians drink to life, history, and friendship with pride.
Germany: More Than Just Oktoberfest
Germany is known worldwide for Oktoberfest, but its alcohol consumption goes far beyond one famous festival, making it one of the drunkest countries. Germans drink an average of 3.38 gallons of pure alcohol per person annually. Beer is the country’s best-known drink, with hundreds of local varieties and breweries in nearly every region. Wine and schnapps also hold strong cultural roots and are commonly served at family events and public festivals.
Drinking in Germany is both social and seasonal, with beer gardens bustling in summer and mulled wine flowing during the holidays. People of all ages enjoy a cold drink with meals or while chatting with friends. Alcohol is seen as a way to unwind, connect, and embrace tradition. In Germany, raising a glass is often part of everyday life.
Latvia and Moldova: Tiny Countries, Huge Numbers
Latvia and Moldova may be small in size, but their drinking stats are anything but. Latvians consume around 3.49 gallons per person, and Moldovans are close behind with 3.39 gallons. In both countries, much of this alcohol is homemade and unrecorded, coming in the form of fruit brandies, wines, and other strong spirits. Generations pass down recipes for traditional drinks that are enjoyed during holidays, festivals, and family dinners.
In Moldova, underground wine cellars stretch for miles, reflecting the nation’s love for the grape. Latvia leans toward stronger spirits and lively pub scenes, especially in Riga. Alcohol is a regular guest at most meals and gatherings. These countries prove that cultural heritage and small populations can make a big impact on global rankings.
Lithuania: A Quiet Contender
Lithuania is not often in the spotlight, but when it comes to alcohol consumption, it holds its own, making it one of the drunkest countries. Each adult drinks about 3.38 gallons of pure alcohol per year. Beer is a popular choice, but traditional spirits and meads also contribute to the total. Many Lithuanians still make their own drinks at home using recipes passed down through generations. Drinking is a part of most social occasions, whether it is a holiday, a wedding, or a relaxed dinner with friends. In recent years, a growing craft beer scene has added more flavor and diversity to the country’s drinking habits. Though not flashy or overly publicized, Lithuania’s drinking culture is steady, strong, and deeply ingrained in everyday life. It is quietly powerful and proudly local.
Ireland: No Shocks Here
Ireland’s legendary pub culture easily lands it among the world’s top drinkers. With 3.36 gallons of pure alcohol consumed per person each year, the Irish know how to enjoy their beverages. Guinness is a national icon, poured with care and often paired with laughter and storytelling. Whiskey, too, is deeply tied to Irish identity and is gaining popularity worldwide. The local pub is more than just a place to drink, it is a social hub where people come together to talk, sing, and celebrate. Birthdays, weddings, sports games, and even quiet afternoons often include a drink or two. Irish drinking culture emphasizes warmth, camaraderie, and fun. It is not just about how much is consumed, but how drinking brings people together.
Uganda: Africa’s Drinking Capital
Uganda might surprise some people, but it ranks among the highest in alcohol consumption across Africa. The average person consumes around 3.29 gallons of pure alcohol each year, and much of it comes from homebrewed drinks. Waragi, a powerful local gin, is commonly made and sold across communities. Banana beer and other traditional brews are shared during ceremonies, celebrations, and daily social events.
A large portion of the country’s alcohol is unrecorded, made informally without commercial oversight. Despite economic challenges, alcohol remains a part of life for many Ugandans. It brings people together and holds cultural value in various rituals. With such deep-rooted customs, Uganda has carved out its place among the world’s most spirited drinkers.
Spain: Wine With Everything
Spain is a country where wine flows almost as freely as water, making it one of the drunkest countries. With each person consuming around 3.33 gallons of alcohol per year, it is no surprise that drinking is part of daily life. A glass of red with lunch or a splash of sangria in the evening is completely normal. Wine is not just for special occasions, it is a standard at meals across all regions. Spanish festivals often last for days, and drinks are shared as part of the fun. Beer is also popular, especially in the hotter regions, where an ice-cold “cerveza” helps beat the heat. Spain’s approach to alcohol is relaxed and social. It is not about excess, it is about enjoying the moment with good food and better company.
United Kingdom: Pints and Pub Life
The UK drinks around 3.01 gallons of alcohol per person annually. British pub culture is known worldwide, and for many locals, it is the center of social life. A trip to the pub after work or during the weekend is a regular activity. Beer is the most common choice, especially traditional ales and lagers, but cider and gin are also popular. Special occasions like football matches, holidays, and family events are often paired with several rounds of drinks. In recent years, there has been a rise in craft breweries and boutique distilleries offering new twists on old favorites. While public health campaigns have tried to curb excessive drinking, alcohol remains a deeply embedded part of UK culture.
France: Sophisticated but Steady
France’s relationship with alcohol is one of elegance and consistency, but they still remain one of the drunkest countries. The average person drinks about 3.09 gallons of pure alcohol annually. Wine, naturally, is the drink of choice, often served with lunch and dinner in both homes and restaurants. Even young adults are introduced to wine in a cultural and respectful context. Rather than binge drinking, the French prefer to sip slowly and enjoy the flavors. Sparkling wine, aperitifs, and digestifs all have their place depending on the occasion. In the countryside, family vineyards still thrive, keeping age-old traditions alive. Alcohol in France is not just for parties, it is part of life’s rhythm. Every toast, every bottle opened is about savoring the moment and honoring history.
Australia: Cold Beer, Warm Weather
Australians drink around 2.80 gallons of pure alcohol per person each year. With its sunny climate and outdoor lifestyle, drinking is a big part of Aussie social culture. Beer is the national go-to, especially during barbecues, beach days, and sporting events. Wine and cocktails are gaining popularity, particularly in urban centers. Alcohol is common in casual settings, where friends gather after work or during weekends to unwind. Many Australians start drinking in their late teens or early twenties, and it remains a regular habit into adulthood. There is also a strong craft beer movement that celebrates local ingredients and innovation. Whether you are in the city or the outback, there is a good chance a drink is nearby.
Russia: Still Vodka Country
Russia may not top the charts like it once did, but it still maintains a strong drinking culture. The average person consumes about 3.04 gallons of alcohol per year. Vodka remains the national favorite, traditionally enjoyed straight and often accompanied by a toast. Though newer generations are turning to beer and cocktails, many households still keep vodka stocked for guests and special gatherings.
Drinking in Russia is often linked to celebration and hospitality, with rounds shared to mark birthdays, promotions, or holidays. Homemade alcohol, especially in rural areas, continues to influence the country’s consumption levels. While efforts have been made to reduce excessive drinking, Russia’s historical connection to alcohol keeps it firmly on the global list.
Poland: Vodka, Beer, and Big Celebrations
Poland averages about 3.09 gallons of alcohol per person each year, making it one of the drunkest countries. Vodka is the star here, often served neat and in generous portions during family meals, weddings, and traditional celebrations. Polish vodka is known for its purity and smoothness, with brands that date back centuries. Beer is also hugely popular, and the country has a growing craft beer scene. Alcohol is deeply integrated into Polish hospitality, where offering guests a drink is a sign of respect and warmth. Many Poles also produce their own flavored vodkas and fruit liquors at home. Holidays and national events often include large gatherings with plenty of food and even more drinks. Poland’s position on this list is both cultural and celebratory.
United States: Big Country, Big Drinkers
The United States averages about 2.59 gallons of alcohol consumption per person annually. With such a massive and diverse population, the ways Americans drink vary widely from state to state. Beer leads the way, especially during sports games, holidays, and social get-togethers. Wine and spirits are also popular, particularly among older adults and in urban areas.
Craft breweries and distilleries have taken off across the country, making locally made drinks trendy and accessible. While some regions lean more conservative when it comes to alcohol, others are known for their party scenes and nightlife. Alcohol is tied to both celebration and relaxation. It is a key part of American culture, from tailgates to weddings and everything in between.
Raise a Glass
Whether it is wine in France, beer in Czechia, or homemade gin in Uganda, alcohol remains a major part of life in many countries around the world. Some nations drink to celebrate tradition, while others use it as a way to connect socially or unwind after a long day. What these rankings really show is how culture, history, and lifestyle influence what, when, and how people drink. From casual sips to rowdy parties, every country on this list has its own unique relationship with alcohol.
Read More: No Amount of Alcohol is Good For You. Here’s Everything That Happens To Your Body When You Drink It.