In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 most popular liquor brands in America. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the American liquor market, the recent acquisition in the liquor industry, and the success enjoyed by celebrity-owned liquor brands, head to 20 Most Popular Liquor Brands in America.
5. Fireball
Category: Cordials and Liqueurs
Cases Sold in 2021: 6.78 million
Although Fireball is popular as a flavored whiskey brand, it does not technically qualify as ‘whiskey’. Clocking in at a lower 33% ABV, Fireball is more of a flavored whiskey, or to get technical, a ‘specialty’ distilled spirit. This is also why Fireball shots are just so easy to knock back.
Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) noticed Fireball’s success and released its own cinnamon-toasted liquor, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, in 2014. The blended whiskey and its bright red and gold branding could be said to bear a striking resemblance to Fireball. So much so that Sazerac filed a lawsuit against Brown-Forman when they used ‘Fireball’ as an ad word on Google, claiming that using the term for advertising infringed on Fireball’s trademark. The parties settled the suit out of court.
4. Bacardí
Category: Rum
Cases Sold in 2021: 6.83 million
Known for its high quality and smooth taste, Bacardí rum is made with a special combination of molasses from sugarcane, yeast, and water. All in all, about 26% of spirit drinkers in the United States drink Bacardí. Bacardí is the most popular rum in America.
3. Crown Royal
Category: Whisky – Canadian
Cases Sold in 2021: 7.92 million
Made from a mixture of corn, barley, and rye distillates, Crown Royal is a blended Canadian whisky brand that was created by Seagram in 1939, and now owned by Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) since 2000.
The liquor giant made its Super Bowl debut in 2023 with an ad for its Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, when the company bought a 30-second spot tentatively slated for the third quarter. The company has also announced plans to build a new $185 million distillery for the brand.
Crown Royal sits among the Top 10 Alcohol Brands in the World.
2. Smirnoff
Category: Vodka
Cases Sold in 2021: 8.79 million
Founded in 1864, Smirnoff was the first vodka to use charcoal filtration in its distillation process. One of the most popular alcohol drinks for parties, Smirnoff was acquired by International Distillers and Vintners in 1987, and then passed down to its subsequent owner, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO). Although it had its origins in Moscow, the brand is now produced in several countries, including the U.S., Canada, Italy, and others.
With its 28.1 million cases sold globally, Smirnoff Vodka ranks among the Most Popular Liquors in the World.
1. Tito’s
Category: Vodka
Cases Sold in 2021: 11.07 million
Founded in 1995, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is America’s original craft vodka and has the honor of being the Most Popular Vodka Brand in America. Tito’s is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality vodka that is widely available and gluten-free. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the Most Popular Liquor in U.S.A.
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