There’s a cultural reset happening across bars, brunch tables, and backyards—and Gen Z is leading the charge. While Millennials embraced espresso martinis and bottomless brunch, Gen Z has taken a different route. You’ve likely heard the claim: “Gen Z doesn’t drink.” But that’s only part of the picture.
The reality? Gen Z is drinking—but they’re drinking differently. They’re curating cocktails with as much intention as they curate their digital personas. They question ingredients, prioritize how the drink makes them feel, and often prefer slower, more mindful moments over raucous ones. This isn’t about drinking less fun. It’s about drinking with more clarity.
If you’re wondering what Gen Z drinks when they do drink, we’re breaking down six beverages leading the charge in this cultural shift—and what these preferences reveal about this bold, curious generation.
1. The Moscow Mule: Reclaimed and Reimagined
They’re not just drinking it—they’re researching it. Gen Z loves a good origin story, and the Moscow Mule has one. From its 1940s Hollywood roots to its unexpected rise thanks to a clever copper mug marketing scheme, the Mule’s vintage charm makes it feel both classic and cool. It’s not just a drink—it’s a conversation starter, a piece of cocktail history served over ice.
But the draw isn’t just nostalgia—it’s ritual. Making a Moscow Mule from scratch allows for intentionality. Gen Z tends to treat the cocktail process as a form of self-expression: measuring fresh lime juice, choosing small-batch ginger beer, carefully layering crushed ice in their copper mug mule set. The result? A cocktail that feels artisanal and earned, not automated. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about being present.
Even non-drinkers are joining in. The Mule has become one of the easiest cocktails to adapt for sober-curious lifestyles. Swap vodka for botanical zero-proof spirits or even sparkling water, and the flavor still sings. The copper mug mule set adds the tactile experience Gen Z craves—cool to the touch, visually striking, and just traditional enough to feel elevated. Whether spiked or not, the Moscow Mule fits perfectly into a generation that values vibe and versatility.
Why Gen Z Loves It:
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Aesthetic Goals:The hammered copper mug is a Gen Z status symbol. It doesn’t just chill the drink—it makes it pop on TikTok.
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Ingredient Consciousness:They’re swapping out mass-market mixers for craft ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and sustainably sourced vodka.
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Ritual Energy:Learning how to make a Moscow Mule at home is more than mixology—it’s a vibe.
The resurgence of the moscow mule owes a lot to its customizability. Gen Z drinkers often swap vodka for tequila, mezcal, or even non-alcoholic spirits. The versatility of a pure copper mug set makes this cocktail ideal for everything from solo sipping to house parties. The sensory experience—the icy copper, the zing of lime, the fizz of ginger beer—makes it a multisensory ritual, not just a drink.
2. Sip Margs: Canned Cocktails With Clean Cred
What sets Sip Margs apart isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the branding. Gen Z gravitates toward brands that speak their language: bold fonts, pastel gradients, minimal labels, and transparent sourcing. Sip Margs nails the aesthetic without trying too hard, which builds trust and shareability. It’s the kind of can you want to be seen holding—at a beach picnic, pool party, or in a ‘what’s in my tote bag’ TikTok.
Beyond that, Sip Margs taps into Gen Z’s ritual of moderation. These aren’t drinks to binge—they’re drinks to sip with intention. With flavor profiles that balance sweetness, citrus, and a hint of spice, one can feels satisfying without feeling heavy. The fact that it’s tequila-based adds to the appeal, since agave spirits are viewed as “cleaner” and less likely to cause hangovers—another wellness-based logic Gen Z buys into. And with influencer and founder Alix Earle behind the brand, Sip Margs has serious cultural clout. Her cool-girl lifestyle and beachy authenticity have made the cans a staple in weekend recaps and “get ready with me” content across TikTok.
Why Gen Z Loves It:
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Transparency: Labels list every ingredient. That matters to a generation that reads everything—from food labels to skincare lists.
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Wellness Alignment: Lower in sugar and calories than traditional margaritas, with just enough buzz.
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Portability & Vibe: Sleek branding, real ingredients, and grab-and-go ease. These drinks belong in a canvas tote next to a Kin Euphorics bottle and an oat milk latte.
Gen Z doesn’t just consume products—they want to feel aligned with the brands behind them. Sip Margs makes that easy. The brand is fun but thoughtful, indulgent without being excessive, and built for experiences—not blackouts.
3. Houseplant Sparkling THC Beverages: Alcohol Optional
One of the most defining Gen Z drinking trends? Sometimes, there’s no alcohol at all. Brands like Houseplant (founded by Seth Rogen) are leading the THC beverage category—offering sparkling drinks infused with low doses of cannabis instead of liquor.
THC beverages like Houseplant are resonating because they offer something Gen Z craves: control. Unlike alcohol, which can hit unpredictably and linger for hours, low-dose THC drinks provide a more manageable, often more uplifting effect. Many Gen Zers describe it as a “social float”—just enough to relax and connect, without the cognitive fog or emotional crashes that sometimes follow a night of drinking. For a generation that values mental clarity and next-day productivity, this level of predictability matters.
There’s also a huge appeal in the ritual of sipping, even without alcohol. Houseplant’s branding feels elevated—sleek cans, intentional design, and flavors like grapefruit or lemon that feel sophisticated, not childish. Whether it’s used as a nightcap, a party drink, or a post-work decompression ritual, the experience mirrors that of traditional cocktails. It’s no wonder that THC beverages are becoming staples at gatherings where you’ll find Aperol Spritzes and Moscow Mules on the same table—Gen Z’s drink culture is inclusive, experimental, and entirely on their terms.
Why Gen Z Loves It:
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Mental Clarity: A mellow high without the crash or hangover.
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Social Rituals Without Pressure: THC drinks allow for connection and relaxation without intoxication.
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Cool-Factor & Function: Stylish packaging and curated effects—without sacrificing control or comfort.
THC beverages represent the convergence of three major Gen Z values: wellness, aesthetic, and balance. In many cases, these drinks are consumed at the same gatherings as cocktails—showing that for Gen Z, it’s not about picking one lane. It’s about drinking with autonomy and intention.
4. Aperol Spritz: Low-ABV, High Aesthetic
This Italian staple is still having a moment—and this young generation is keeping it alive. The Aperol Spritz hits the sweet spot between sophistication and chill, with its bright color and gentle bitterness.
It also checks one of their favorite boxes: low ABV. With just a splash of prosecco, Aperol, and a little soda water, the Spritz offers the perfect daytime buzz without pushing anyone over the edge. It’s the kind of drink that pairs beautifully with a long lunch, a sunset moment, or a leisurely Sunday gathering—where the vibe is more about presence than performance.
Gen Z has also embraced the Aperol Spritz for its European energy. Whether they’re traveling abroad or simply chasing that “Italian summer” feeling from home, sipping a Spritz feels like a statement: I enjoy life slowly, intentionally, and in style. You’ll often see them paired with mezze boards, burrata toasts, or even vintage glassware sourced from thrift shops—proving that the Spritz isn’t just a cocktail, it’s a lifestyle aesthetic.
And true to who they are, many in this generation are remixing it. Some swap Aperol for herbal alternatives like Cappelletti or add a splash of kombucha or hibiscus tonic for extra depth. Others serve it over ice in a genuine copper mug to blend visual cool with unexpected tradition. In their hands, the Aperol Spritz becomes more than a trend—it becomes a canvas for self-expression.
Why Gen Z Loves It:
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“European Summer” Energy: A sunset, a terrace, a Spritz. It’s the ultimate aspirational moment.
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Low ABV: At around 11% alcohol, it aligns with Gen Z’s “drink but don’t overdo it” ethos.
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Social Sharability: It looks as good as it tastes—and yes, that matters in a visual culture.
5. Dirty Shirley 2.0: Nostalgia Meets Clean Label
The Dirty Shirley is back—but make it grown-up. Gen Z is leaning into nostalgic drinks like this one, then upgrading them with better ingredients and lower sugar.
Why Gen Z Loves It:
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Childhood Throwback, Adult Edge: It’s cheeky and comforting all at once.
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Better-For-You Base: They’re subbing in natural cherry syrups, organic sodas, and premium vodka.
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Custom-Ready: You might see one in a coupe glass, or even an authentic copper mug for flair.
This cocktail reflects a broader Gen Z drinking habit: remix culture. They don’t want to erase the past—they want to evolve it, flavor by flavor.
6. Espresso Tonic: The Non-Alcoholic Power Move
For many Gen Zers, coffee is the cocktail. Enter: the Espresso Tonic—a buzzy, non-alcoholic beverage that delivers bold flavor, fizz, and function in one glass.
It’s not just about the caffeine—it’s about the ritual, a recurring theme across many of Gen Z’s favorite drinks. Whether it’s carefully measuring out lime juice for a savory moscow mule or choosing the perfect glass for an Aperol Spritz, this generation values beverages that create a moment. The Espresso Tonic taps into that same mindset: it’s a purposeful, visual, and energizing experience. Often replacing boozy brunches or 3 p.m. slumps, it becomes a midday reset—a non-alcoholic ritual that still feels elevated.
What makes it especially appealing is its flavor profile. The bitterness of espresso cuts through the bubbly tonic, creating an unexpected balance that’s both punchy and smooth. Some add orange peel or rosemary for a botanical twist, turning it into a fully styled mocktail. Others pour it over nugget ice in clear glass tumblers or even chilled copper mugs for extra flair—because for Gen Z, how a drink looks is just as important as how it tastes.
You’ll find Espresso Tonics popping up on menus at third-wave coffee shops, but also at bars offering sober-curious alternatives. It’s become a bridge drink—social and sophisticated, with none of the downsides of alcohol. For Gen Zers who want to sip something grown-up without compromising energy or clarity, the Espresso Tonic checks every box.
Why Gen Z Loves It:
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No Hangover, All the Energy: Perfect for daytime socializing.
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High-Low Culture Mix: Coffeehouse meets cocktail hour.
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Instagram-Ready: The layered visuals are peak Gen Z design.
It’s being served at hip cafes and modern bars alike—and often garnished like a cocktail. Think dried orange, sprigs of rosemary, or edible flowers. Gen Z is building their own language of celebration, and this drink speaks it fluently.
The Gen Z Cocktail Mindset
These drink choices aren’t just trends. They’re signals of a deeper cultural shift. Gen Z’s drinking habits reflect their values: autonomy, intentionality, and creative rebellion.
✦ Less About Escape, More About Experience
They’re not drinking to forget the week. They’re drinking to mark a moment, to connect, to indulge without losing clarity.
✦ Aesthetics with Integrity
The drink has to look good—but it also has to feel good. That’s why functional drinkware like a copper mug mule set is back in the spotlight: it enhances flavor, presentation, and ritual.
✦ Curated over Default
From ingredients to glassware, everything is chosen with care. This is the generation of Pinterest boards and personalized Spotify playlists—so their drink choices follow suit.
FAQs: What Gen Z Really Drinks
Is Gen Z really not drinking?
Not quite. They’re drinking differently. Low-ABV, non-alcoholic, and THC beverages are popular—but so are classic cocktails made with better ingredients.
Why the obsession with Moscow Mules?
They’re simple, clean, and customizable—and learning how to make a Moscow Mule gives Gen Z a sense of ownership over the experience. Plus, that real copper drinkware? Pure aesthetic, something this generation really values.
Are they buying fancy barware?
Yes. Aesthetic matters. From glass straws to hammered copper mugs, this young generation invests in pieces that elevate the moment and reflect their taste.
Final Sip
Generation Z isn’t anti-drinking. They’re anti-mindless drinking. They want drinks that align with their wellness goals, their social energy, and their visual aesthetic. Whether it’s a beautifully balanced Moscow Mule, a sleek THC seltzer, or a nostalgic Dirty Shirley with a twist, they’re raising glasses in their own way.
Want to upgrade your own ritual? Start by elevating your setup. Explore the copper mug mule set that turns any drink into a Gen Z-approved experience.