Uber Eats has revealed its sixth annual Cravings Report, highlighting the most popular and unusual delivery requests of the year. In a notable shift from last year’s findings, where tequila topped the list, vodka has reclaimed the number one spot as the most ordered alcoholic beverage in 2024.

In previous years, the popularity of agave spirits grew significantly, even surpassing American whiskey sales in 2022. Despite predictions that tequila might overtake vodka as the leading category by value in the U.S., vodka continues to hold its ground, remaining the top-selling spirit.

The report indicates that Tito’s Vodka emerged as the favored brand among consumers. In fact, vodka stands alone as the only hard liquor among the top five alcohol requests on Uber Eats, which include Corona Extra Mexican Lager, Michelob Ultra, Josh Cellars cabernet sauvignon, and Oyster Bay Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

This trend aligns with the ongoing movement towards lower alcohol by volume (ABV) beverages, which was also noted in last year’s report. The aim for more mindful drinking has driven an increase in zero-proof spirits, particularly during designated sober months. January 2023 saw a remarkable growth of 75% in non-alcoholic beverage orders compared to the previous year. This year’s top non-alcoholic drinks were all zero-proof beers, starting with Stella Artois non-alcoholic beer.

Interestingly, while vodka remained the go-to spirit, margaritas stood out as the preferred cocktail choice for many, being frequently paired with various food orders. The report outlined that the most popular food and drink pairings included frozen margaritas with steak and margaritas on the rocks with tacos.

Not only has there been a surge in alcohol sales on Uber Eats, especially during significant events like Election Night, but college towns continued to dominate late-night orders. The report also distinguished healthier cities based on their delivery habits, with Miami leading the list, followed by Tampa and Columbus, Ohio.

Additionally, the report shared some unique delivery requests, including a notable trend towards "eating for two," where pregnant women sought cravings fulfillment through the app.

For further insights, you can check the full Uber Eats Cravings Report.

Tony Crowder, a whiskey enthusiast from Ripley, Tennessee, has initiated a petition to change the state’s restrictive liquor laws that prevent the shipment of distilled spirits from other states. For Crowder, enjoying whiskey means frequent travel to distilleries, which is often burdensome due to travel constraints and the risk of breakage. The longstanding Tennessee law, rooted in the Prohibition era, permits local distilleries to ship alcohol within state lines but not from outside.

Despite the repeal of national Prohibition with the 21st Amendment in 1933, Tennessee maintained its restrictions. Crowder’s frustration has led him to seek change through an online petition, aiming for a minimum of 2,000 signatures before presenting it to state lawmakers like Rep. Chris Hurt, who shows interest in his concerns.

Crowder believes reforming the law could enhance consumer access to a diverse range of spirits and stimulate economic growth in Tennessee’s alcohol industry. In 2018, the distilled spirits sector contributed an estimated $8.6 billion to the state’s economy, bolstered by tourism related to whiskey and bourbon trails. Crowder supports the idea that allowing shipments could level the playing field for smaller distilleries against larger, well-known brands that dominate wholesaler portfolios.

Support for Crowder’s petition extends to industry figures, including Lee Kennedy from Leiper’s Fork Distillery, who argues that direct-to-consumer shipping would benefit small-scale distilleries.

The petition is currently active on change.org but has garnered fewer than 500 signatures so far. Crowder hopes the collective effort will illuminate the need for reform and prompt state officials to reconsider the existing laws.

Zacapa Rum has announced its continued collaboration with the Latin American Fashion Summit, honoring the Colombian luxury brand Agua Bendita and its cofounders, Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez, with the Visionary of the Year award.

The award recognizes Agua Bendita for its dedication to community empowerment, particularly its efforts to work with rural Colombian artisans in producing handcrafted pieces. Hinestroza and Álvarez founded Agua Bendita in 2003, creating swimsuits from surplus fabrics sourced from local clothing factories in Medellin. The brand has since expanded significantly, launching a luxury collection in 2018, known as Agua by Agua Bendita, and selling its products in over 70 countries.

In addition to honoring Agua Bendita, the award ceremony reflects Zacapa Rum’s commitment to supporting designers who celebrate heritage, craftsmanship, and community upliftment. Last year’s inaugural Visionary of the Year award went to Raul Lopez of Luar, who collaborated with Zacapa Rum for a special project.

Agua Bendita’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is evident in its collaborations and business model, as it partners with major U.S. retailers like Net-a-porter and Moda Operandi, while also venturing into resale with a platform established in the U.S. This year, they also hosted their first pop-up store in Dallas, enhancing their brand visibility in the U.S. market.

For more details, visit the official pages of Zacapa Rum and Agua Bendita.

A vodka produced from agave, inspired by tequila-making techniques, has been awarded the title of the world’s best vodka at the New York World Spirits Competition 2024. This prestigious competition, managed by The Tasting Alliance, celebrated Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, a newcomer to the market that debuted earlier this year in May.

The competition, held in Brooklyn over the summer, involved blind tasting by experts, including spirits journalists and bartenders. While the results for various categories were revealed earlier, the overall Best In Show honors were disclosed this month. Weber Ranch competed against other notable entrants such as Derring-Do Vodka from Florida, DE CAJON Vodka from Peru, and Por Osos Vodka from Texas.

Weber Ranch 1902 stands out due to its unique composition, crafted entirely from Blue Weber agave. This approach sets it apart from the majority of vodkas, which typically utilize ingredients like wheat, potatoes, or corn. Priced at $29.99 for a 750 ml bottle, this vodka combines the rich flavors of agave with the traditional crispness of vodka. The agave used is mature, at least seven years old, and is distilled in Jalisco, Mexico before being blended with water from the Trinity Aquifer in Texas.

The official tasting notes indicate fruity and sweet undertones, with flavors of green apple and pineapple, presenting a warm finish that reduces the typical harshness associated with vodka. This distinct flavor profile allows it to function well both when sipped neat and as a cocktail mixer.

The acknowledgment of Weber Ranch comes at an interesting juncture in the spirits industry, as tequila and vodka vie for consumer attention. While tequila sales have risen, vodka has seen a slight decline. Weber Ranch pairs the richness of tequila with the classic characteristics of vodka, illustrating that consumers can enjoy both without having to choose one over the other.

For more information on the New York World Spirits Competition, visit The Tasting Alliance.