Is drinking culture dead amongst the younger generations? That appears to be what recent polls and studies are showing. Instead of reaching for a beer or cocktail on the weekend, they’re partaking in other drinks: “functional beverages.”

There are a multitude of reasons as to why the younger generations (those ages 18 to 34) aren’t active, frequent alcohol drinkers. From a greater sense of wellness, interest in these so-called “fun beverages,” increasing prices, to mindfulness of alcohol’s negative effects, younger people have reframed what it means to socialize and unwind.

And because of this shift, it seems that drinking may no longer be the default. For some, a night out doesn’t require alteration of their ability to think reasonably and act properly, instead it’s found in the instant dopamine boost of simply pulling an energy drink from the fridge or embarking on a coffee run in the early morning, followed by a Diet Coke to wind down in the evening (for some reason it's quite the craze).

Let’s Look at The Numbers

In a recent study by Gallup, it was found that young adults (aged 18 to 34) who participate in drinking alcohol is roughly 50%, a rate that has dropped when compared to their prior study two years earlier which reported 59%. These numbers place young adults right next to older adults in terms of who is a greater participant in alcohol consumption.

So what’s driving this trend?

Let’s take a look at an assortment of reasons for why younger adults are reaching more for the mocktails than they are cocktails.

A Shift Toward Wellness Culture

We’ve all seen it—collagen face masks, fish oil pills, endless supplements, workout bands, and red light therapy. This is likely what you think of when you hear the term “wellness culture.” Yes, the term has earned itself a bad reputation through its trendiness and promotional features, but the intent behind it is valuable. It’s certainly worth pausing for a moment to consider the health implications for the things we consume and partake in. A prime example of this: alcohol.

In the same Gallup study performed in 2025, nearly 66% of young adults perceive moderate drinking to be bad for health. This is a considerable increase from 51% in 2023.

In recent years, we’ve found out that alcohol can have serious health implications. According to the American Cancer Society, excessive drinking can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, such as liver cancer. Even a drink here and there can pose the risk for other types of cancer, such breast cancer. The consumption of alcohol can cause damage to body tissues, alter how the body absorbs and removes harmful, foreign chemicals, alters natural levels of hormones, and increases weight. And, it’s important to note that when it comes to cancer risks, “the amount of alcohol you drink over time seems to be the most important risk factor… the type of alcoholic drink isn’t as important.”

So when it comes to the connotations alcohol possesses as of recently, then sure, it has given more than enough reason for young adults (who are more likely to accept these realities) to stay away from alcohol.

So before you brush off “wellness culture,” just remember that some skepticism is healthy—and you can be better for it.

The Rise of “Functional Beverages”

For many young adults, who are either on-the-go, busy college students, recent college graduates at their first “adult job,” or are newlyweds tackling how to file taxes and train their puppy simultaneously, the preferred drink isn’t alcohol at the end of the day—it’s a caffeine boost to start the day.

There seems to be a shift towards what could be called a “beverage obsession”—the inclination to start one’s day off with a caffeinated drink, followed by an afternoon pick-me-up, all while making sure to stay consistent with drinking water.

The popularized drinks—Celsius, Alani, and Red Bull—have been the go-to choices for those who dislike the taste of coffee. And while this preference is fine, it’s become known that caffeine too has its health implications, especially considering all of the additives you’ll find hidden in plain sight in the ingredients list. From sucralose to taurine to higher-than-recommended doses of caffeine, these drinks might not be the best alternatives to get in your “fun drink of the day.”

I mean, tack on the fact that there’s been rumors swirling about on social media that a woman found a rat at the bottom of her Alani can. Other rumors include suspicious ingredients in Celsius that could be flagged as cocaine for athletes who participate in regular drug testing. Of course, these rumors have caused a flurry of speculation across social media platforms, but again, a healthy skepticism is needed so we can flag this for future reference.