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In Pennsylvania, This is the Most Popular Alcoholic Drink – By a Lot

Author Anne Erickson
Woman making a Red Bull Energy drink mixed with alcohol (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Folks in Pennsylvania love a good alcoholic drink. Just remember not to drink and drive, because that’s incredibly dangerous and irresponsible. That said, that latest report from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board shows that Pennsylvania residents spent a lot on alcohol in 2022-23. So, what’s the most popular alcoholic drink in the state?

First, let’s look at numbers. During that fiscal year 2022-23, according to the new report, the PLCB had total sales of $3.15 billion. That includes liquor and sales taxes, bringing a $136.3 million or 4.5% increase over the previous year. Moreover, net income for the year totaled $260.8 million. That’s down $70.1 million or 21.2% compared to the fiscal year 2021-22. The PLCB adds that, “Increases to PLCB’s pension and workers’ compensation obligations were the biggest contributing factors to the decrease in net income.” Also, “Contributions to the General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement and public safety initiatives, among other important public services, totaled $813.4 million.”

Now, let’s get into Pennsylvania’s most popular alcoholic drink. In top product categories by dollar sales, unflavored vodka was No. 1 on the list with more than $335 million. So, we love our vodka in the Keystone State. The next most popular alcoholic drinks were American whiskey and tequila rounded out the top three, as Pennsylvanians spent about $285 million on bourbon and $110 million on tequila. Moreover, for the top alcohol items by units, the state moved more than 4 million bottles of 50 mL Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, making it No. 1 on the list. That’s almost double the next item, which was New Amsterdam Vodka at 2.4 million mini bottles of New Amsterdam Vodka. The next three spots on the tally were all volumes of Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

As for areas where the most alcohol was sold, 35% of the statewide sales came from Allegheny, Philadelphia and Montgomery. Allegheny County was No. 1, spending more than $352 million on alcohol. Philadelphia was No. 2, spending almost $283 million, and Montgomery was No.3, spending nearly $251 million. Find the full report here.

7 Easy Ways to Make Extra Money

  • 1. Sell Items You Don't Need Anymore

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Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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Author Anne Erickson
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