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Gen Z isn’t actually drinking less.

Jul 21 2026

Gen Z isn’t actually drinking less. Headlines constantly claim that young people are abandoning alcohol, a new study by IWSR found that 74% of Gen Z have had at least one drink in the past six months, up from 66% three years ago. Millennials led that stat at 81%, while Baby Boomers were the lowest at 71% and Gen X in the middle at 77%. Gen Z is also drinking more cocktails than any other gen, with 84% saying they had a mixed drink in the past six months. They’re also most likely to follow government health guidance on consuming alcohol—so pacing or limiting themselves may be part of what earns them the “drinking less” reputation. YPulse data shows that Gen Z’s “sober curiosity” has redefined how, when, and why they drink—but it’s clear that young adults are not ditching alcohol completely. (Futurism)

👀 Read more from YPulse: Are Gen Z Adults Really Not Drinking Anymore?

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