What were consumers stocking up on during the last full month of summer? Wine proved to be a popular choice, as it experienced an uptick over July thanks to consumer interest in summer reds. Get these and more insights from Drizly’s August 2023 sales.

August’s Fastest-Growing Wine, Beer, and Spirits Categories

Last month, non-alcoholic spirits experienced the highest year-over-year sales increase within the spirits category, underscoring the fact that consumers are seeking out NA options year-round. The top sellers in August were Seedlip Grove 42, St. Agrestis Phony Negroni, Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative, Seedlip Spice 94, and Kin Euphorics Lightwave.

Once again, the California Common/Steam Beer category led growth in beer year-over-year as consumers continue to stock up Anchor Steam, following the news that Anchor Brewing Company would close. Within the wine category, Verdejo varietal wines were the fastest growing year-over-year; the top seller was Gulp/Hablo La Mancha Verdejo, a producer that is better known for its orange wine.

Market Insights: Fayetteville, Arkansas

The fastest-growing market on Drizly, the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was bolstered by the fact that Arkansas is one of the newest states to legalize alcohol delivery. In line with market trends in the South, Fayetteville over-indexes on liquor sales, accounting for 51 share of sales last month. It also over-indexes on beer (22 percent of share) while wine holds 25 percent of share.

Subcategory Share on Drizly in Fayetteville, Arkansas, August 2023

1. Vodka: 15 percent
2. White Wine: 12 percent
3. Light Lager: 9 percent
4. Red Wine: 7 percent
5. Bourbon: 7 percent
6. Flavored Whiskey: 3 percent
7. Silver / Blanco Tequila: 3 percent
8. Hard Seltzer: 3 percent

Inside August’s Fastest-Growing Beverage Brands

Mom Water ranked as the beer brand with the highest year-over-year sales increase last month. Mom Water – a line of fruit-infused vodka waters without carbonation – was led by their Mom Squad Variety Pack, Karen Lemon Blueberry, and Sandy Coconut Mango.

Top Friulian producer Livio Felluga led year-over-year growth among wine brands last month. Among their red and white wines, their Pinot Grigio was the best seller. Within the spirits category, Blackened American Whiskey was the fastest-growing brand, further proving the power of celebrity whiskey brands – Blackened is a collaboration between Metallica and the late legendary craft distiller Dave Pickerell.

Consumers Are Reaching for More Wine

Drizly users were purchasing more wine in August, with wine share increasing nearly a full percentage point month-over-month (from 35 percent to 36 percent). Red wine was a key driver of this growth – seeing an uptick from 30 percent of wine share to 32 percent of wine share – echoing sentiments from Drizly’s consumer report earlier this year, she respondents noted they would be reaching for more red wine this summer. Rosé, on the other hand, dropped a percentage point in share from July to August.

Alcohol Consumers Are Embracing Coconut Water

Among the fastest-growing categories month-over-month was an extras category: coconut water. This indicates that coconut water is becoming more popular among beverage alcohol consumers, either in cocktails or as a way of hydrating while drinking. Top sellers included Vita Coco, Harmless Harvest (which rose from No. 6 to No. 2 year-over-year), Vita Coco Pressed, Foco, and Vita Coco with Pineapple.