*This article was originally published in November 2021 and last updated in November 2025
Rum sales continue to maintain a steady rate across the U.S., solidifying rum’s position as a significant player in the American spirits market.
The consumption data from Beverage Information Group shows a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging markets dominating total volume, with Florida and California maintaining their commanding positions. The per capita rankings reveal intriguing regional preferences, with Northern and coastal states demonstrating particularly strong individual consumption patterns that reflect diverse drinking cultures and seasonal tourism impacts.
1. Florida: 2.6 Million Cases
The Sunshine State remains the leader in America’s rum consumption, with over 2.6 million cases sold in 2024. Florida’s tropical climate, robust tourism industry, and coastal lifestyle culture make it the natural leader for rum consumption. The state also ranks seventh nationally in per capita consumption with 142 cases per 1,000 residents, demonstrating that this dominance reflects both population size and genuine consumer preference.
2. California: 2.0 Million Cases
The Golden State maintains its strong second-place position with nearly 2.0 million cases consumed in 2024. The state’s per capita consumption tells a different story, with individual consumption rates falling below the national top ten.
3. New York: 1.5 Million Cases
The Empire State claimed the bronze medal with 1.5 million cases in 2024. New York’s vibrant nightlife scene and diverse population contribute to steady rum consumption, with the New York City metropolitan area representing one of the nation’s most significant markets for the category.
4. New Jersey: 918k Cases
The Garden State came in fourth place with over 918,000 cases, showing impressive strength for a smaller state. New Jersey also ranks eighth nationally in per capita consumption with 129 cases per 1,000 residents, indicating genuine regional preference beyond just population density.
5. Texas: 883k Cases
Texas rounds out the top five with nearly 883,000 cases consumed in 2024. While Texas represents a substantial total volume market, its per capita consumption patterns differ significantly from those of smaller states, with population size playing a more significant role than individual preferences.
6. Illinois: 865k Cases
Illinois consumed just over 865,000 cases in 2024, likely concentrated heavily in the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding regions.
7. Michigan: 835k Cases
Michigan demonstrates a strong preference for rum, with over 835,000 cases consumed, maintaining its position as the leading control state market for rum consumption. The Great Lakes region remains consistently loyal to the category.
8. Pennsylvania: 833k Cases
The Keystone State consumed just over 833,000 cases in 2024, maintaining its position as an important control state market for rum distribution and sales.
9. Wisconsin: 650k Cases
Wisconsin’s consumption of over 650,000 cases places it firmly in the top ten, with the state also ranking fifth nationally in per capita consumption at 146 cases per 1,000 residents, reflecting a strong regional drinking culture in the Upper Midwest.
10. Minnesota: 638k Cases
Minnesota rounds out the top ten with over 638,000 cases and earns a special distinction as the fourth-highest per capita consumer nationally, with 150 cases per 1,000 residents, demonstrating an exceptional individual preference for rum despite the state’s northern climate.
Per Capita Champions
While large states dominate total volume, the per capita rankings reveal distinct regional consumption patterns that tell a different story about rum preference across America:
- New Hampshire: 232 cases per 1,000 residents
- North Dakota: 178 cases per 1,000 residents
- Alaska: 165 cases per 1,000 residents
- Minnesota: 150 cases per 1,000 residents
- Wisconsin: 146 cases per 1,000 residents
- Maine: 144 cases per 1,000 residents
- Florida: 142 cases per 1,000 residents
- New Jersey: 129 cases per 1,000 residents
- Hawaii: 124 cases per 1,000 residents
- Iowa: 120 cases per 1,000 residents
The per capita data reveal a fascinating pattern, with Northern states unexpectedly dominating the rankings alongside predictable coastal leaders. The strong showing by Upper Midwest states like North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin suggests that rum consumption transcends climate stereotypes, with regional drinking cultures and traditions playing significant roles beyond simple weather patterns.