Arielle Cruz
New England is known for its diverse alcohol preferences, with a variety of liquors, cocktails, and craft beers gaining popularity across the region. Vodka is the dominant choice in the Northeast, including New England states like Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. However, whiskey and vodka are the most popular liquors across the country, with 33 states favoring one or the other. Tequila is also gaining traction in New England, especially in New Hampshire, where sales have been steadily increasing. Craft beer is another notable trend in New England, with states like Massachusetts and Vermont boasting impressive selections. Rum has historical significance in New England and remains a popular choice, especially in the form of the Cape Codder cocktail, which originated in the region. Overall, New England offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages to suit different tastes and preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common alcohol | Vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum |
| Most common cocktails | Vodka martini, gin and tonic, Cape Codder, margarita |
| Most common non-alcoholic drinks | Craft beer |
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What You'll Learn
Vodka is the most popular spirit in the Northeast
The Cape Codder, also known as the Red Devil, is a simple yet refreshing cocktail that combines vodka with cranberry juice and a splash of lemon juice, all poured over ice. It is said to have originated in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, where cranberry farmers created the drink to promote cranberry juice as a mixer. The drink's ingredients are significant, as cranberries are a popular crop in New England, and the region is known for its cranberry bogs and long history of cranberry farming.
While vodka is the dominant spirit in the Northeast, other alcoholic beverages are also popular in New England. For example, craft beer has a strong presence in the region, with New England being known for its excellent beer offerings. Additionally, New England has a long history with rum, which was first introduced through the triangle trade and has since become a popular liquor choice, especially in the form of the well-known brand Malibu.
In recent years, there has been a shift in drinking preferences in New England. While vodka remains popular, its market share has decreased slightly, while other spirits like American whiskeys, cordials, and tequilas have gained traction. Tequila, in particular, has experienced significant growth in New England, with consumers opting for premium and super-premium brands. This shift towards premium offerings is also reflected in the decline in sales of ultra-premium vodka brands.
Overall, while vodka can claim the title of the most popular spirit in the Northeast, including several New England states, the region also boasts a diverse drinking culture that embraces a variety of alcoholic beverages, from craft beers to cocktails and spirits like rum and tequila.
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New England's craft beer scene
New England is known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and thriving craft beer scene. The region has carved out a reputation as a hub for craft beer innovation, with a particular focus on hoppy beers. The New England craft beer scene has become so iconic that it is leading the charge in redefining craft beer across the United States. Each year, new breweries emerge in the region, pushing the boundaries of what craft beer can be and fueling demand.
Vermont and Maine stand out in this landscape, boasting the first and sixth spots, respectively, in breweries per capita nationwide. Within this craft beer haven, The Alchemist in Waterbury, VT, has achieved worldwide acclaim. Its double IPA, Heady Topper, sold in 16 oz cans, was once considered the best beer globally for several years. Hill Farmstead in Greensboro, VT, also gained recognition as the best brewery in the world by Ratebeer.com in 2015. These breweries are known not only for their impeccable quality but also for the rarity of their beers, with limited distribution outside of their locations.
Beyond these renowned breweries, New England offers a diverse range of craft beers. Julius by Tree House Brewing Company is a tropical and hazy IPA with notes of passion fruit, mango, and citrus. This golden IPA embodies the tropical fruit flavors and delicate, hoppy aromas that have become synonymous with the New England craft beer scene. Another standout is Baby Genius by Bissell Brothers, a pale ale with floral and citrusy notes and a soft, creamy body, making it exceptionally smooth and approachable.
The region's beer culture is deeply ingrained, with locals passionate about discussing their favorite brews, subtle flavors, and their takes on various breweries. New England's craft beer scene is not just about the beer itself but also the experience of visiting breweries, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and immersing oneself in a world-class beer culture. The region's long history of craft brewing, dating back at least 15 years before Buffalo's emerging scene, has allowed it to refine its offerings and establish itself as a leader in the craft beer landscape.
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Tequila is gaining popularity
While vodka is the most popular liquor in the Northeast region of the US, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, tequila is gaining popularity in New England, particularly in New Hampshire. In 2023, tequila volume in New Hampshire grew by 6.2% to 168,000 9-liter cases, and this growth is expected to continue. This increase in tequila consumption can be attributed to a shift in consumer preferences towards premium and super-premium brands, such as Espolòn Blanco, Teremana Blanco, 1800 Blanco, and Hornitos.
Tequila's rise in popularity in New England reflects a broader trend of Americans' diverse liquor preferences. Out of 14 different types of liquor examined in a study, 11 were found to be the most popular in at least one state. This includes less common liquors like absinthe in Nevada and vermouth in Utah. While vodka and whiskey are the most popular liquors across the country, with 33 states favoring one or the other, regional variations exist. For example, whiskey is preferred in the West, South, and Midwest, while vodka reigns in the Northeast.
New England has a strong craft beer scene, with notable breweries such as Treehouse and Trillium producing exceptional NEIPAs. The region also has a rich history with rum, which was first introduced through the triangle trade and played a significant role in its economy and culture. Hot buttered rum and eggnog are classic cold-weather drinks associated with New England, and the Cape Codder, a cocktail featuring cranberry juice, is considered a quintessential New England beverage.
The increasing popularity of tequila in New England, specifically in New Hampshire, showcases the dynamic nature of alcohol preferences and the willingness of consumers to explore different spirits. While vodka continues to hold sway in the Northeast, the rise of tequila indicates a shift towards premium options and a diversification of tastes. As consumers in New England seek out new drinking experiences, tequila offers an appealing alternative to traditional favorites. This trend underscores the importance of understanding regional variations in liquor preferences and the potential for certain liquors to gain traction in unexpected regions.
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Whiskey is a close second
While vodka is the most common alcohol in New England, whiskey is a close second. In fact, whiskey or vodka is the most popular liquor in 33 different states. Whiskey is particularly popular in the West, the South, and the Midwest.
In New England, whiskey has been gaining share in the state's spirits market since 2018, along with cordials, tequilas, and prepared cocktails. Tequila has seen a notable increase in popularity in New Hampshire, with volume sales increasing by 6.2% in 2023.
New England has a strong historical association with rum, which was first introduced to the region through the triangle trade. Rum-based drinks such as hot buttered rum and eggnog are commonly consumed during cold weather, while the Cape Codder, a vodka-based cocktail, is considered a refreshing summer drink.
The region also boasts an impressive craft beer scene, with breweries like Treehouse and Trillium offering a wide range of exceptional beers, including New England IPAs (NEIPAs).
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Rum has long ties with New England
New England has long been associated with rum, with a history that dates back to the early days of the colonies. The first rum distillery in the Thirteen Colonies was established on Staten Island, New York, in 1664, and by 1667, Boston, Massachusetts had its own distillery. Rum production quickly became a thriving industry in the region, and New England became a centre for distilling due to its technical expertise, metalworking, cooperage skills, and abundant lumber.
Rum was widely consumed in New England, and it played a significant role in the region's culture and economy. It was often combined with various tonics, including spring water, citrus juices, spices, and beer, and was rarely consumed plain. The region's taverns offered a range of rum-based drinks, with recipes varying from tavern to tavern and house to house. Rum was also used in cooking, as it is today in certain New England cookies known as Joe Froggers.
New England rum was considered cheap and of inferior quality compared to imported rum from the West Indies. However, it was widely consumed by those who could not afford the more expensive varieties. The region's distilleries also produced extra-strong rum that was used as a form of currency in the slave trade. Rum became one of the most important commodities in New England, contributing to the development of a complex production chain and stimulating the shipbuilding industry.
The production and consumption of rum in New England were so significant that it even played a role in the American Revolution. The Molasses Act of 1733, which imposed a heavy tax on molasses imports, and its successor, the Sugar Act of 1764, angered colonists and may have contributed to the growing tensions that led to the revolution.
Today, rum distilleries are once again popping up along the New England coastline, from Maine to Rhode Island. These distilleries honour the region's history by employing traditional methods and using local agricultural products, connecting the present with New England's long and fascinating history with rum.
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Frequently asked questions
Vodka is the most popular liquor in the Northeast, including New England states like Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
A vodka martini is popular in Rhode Island and Connecticut. In Massachusetts, a popular drink is vodka with cranberry and grapefruit juice. The Cape Codder, considered the "Most New England Cocktail", is made with vodka, cranberry juice, and lemon juice.
Tequila has been gaining popularity in New England, especially in New Hampshire. Whiskey is also a common alcohol in the region, with Scotch being a notable favourite in Massachusetts.
New England has a thriving non-alcoholic craft beer scene. Some popular options include Sam Adams NA beers and Athletic Brewing (Connecticut).
