Some Gen Z are switching to drinking earlier in the day. According to Bacardi’s 2026 Cocktail Trends Report, more than a third (34%) of Gen Z in the U.S. are eating, drinking, and socializing earlier in the day. Bacardi says this shifting trend marks “the arrival of the daycap,” when people indulge in a cocktail in the afternoon or early evening. (How European!) For Gen Z, who are making more dinner reservations at 6 p.m. over later slots and opting for low-ABV cocktails, a daycap can feel simply like indulging in a little treat, not kicking off a wild night. Overall, alcohol is becoming less of a determining factor for fun in young people’s social lives, with YPulse data showing that 81% of 21-29-year-olds agree they don’t need alcohol to have a good time, and 61% even admitting that it’s “not cool to drink.” (Food & Wine)
👀 Read more from YPulse: Are Gen Z Adults Really Not Drinking Anymore?
