Austin Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in Austin's Alcohol Scene

Leading the pack for December 2025, the JW Marriott Austin at 110 E 2nd St holds the top spot with total alcohol receipts of $1,067,482. Its sales are dominated by liquor at $701,605, with wine and beer contributing $253,254 and $112,623 respectively. This blend of luxury and variety seems to be winning over patrons.

Close behind, the Proper Hotel at 600 W 2nd St reported $981,483 in total sales. While liquor sales were quite strong at $676,794, the hotel also saw notable wine sales of $263,051. Beer, however, only accounted for $41,638, suggesting a preference for more upscale beverages.

Interesting Outliers and Trends

One of the most unique profiles comes from Ojos Locos Sports Cantina at 7522 N Interstate 35 Ste B, where beer sales were remarkably high at $634,072, contributing to their nearly $1 million in total sales. Liquor sales, at $346,045, were less than beer, and wine was almost negligible at $563, indicating a strong beer-focused clientele.

The Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is another standout with $860,054 in total receipts, where liquor leads the charge at $596,306. This trend highlights a diverse offering that appeals to both leisure and business travelers, with wine sales also being significant at $184,225.

Key Takeaways for Bar Owners

For those looking to emulate success, Black Sheep Lodge on 2108 S Lamar Blvd offers a blueprint with its balanced approach, achieving $696,525 in total sales. While liquor contributes $213,257, beer is the major player at $401,460, appealing to a broad demographic.

Meanwhile, Gibson Bar and The Dead Rabbit are great examples of establishments where liquor dominates the sales mix, with $536,195 and $442,212 respectively. These numbers suggest a strong cocktail or spirits program can drive significant revenue.

Wine-Centric Establishments

For establishments focusing on wine, Jeffrey's Restaurant & Bar/Josephine House leads the way with impressive wine sales of $267,479, despite total receipts being $415,046. This indicates a successful niche strategy in a competitive market.

Similarly, Perry's Steakhouse & Grille and Steiner Steakhouse, LLC both report wine sales exceeding their liquor sales, pointing to a trend where fine dining establishments capitalize on wine pairings to enhance the dining experience.

Top Areas for Alcohol Sales

In December 2025, Austin's zip code 78701 led the pack with a whopping $29,052,748 in alcohol sales, supported by 285 establishments. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife and downtown attractions, which likely contribute to its high sales figures. Following 78701, zip code 78704 recorded $10,919,709 in sales across 141 establishments, a popular area for both locals and tourists.

Sales Mix Differences

There are interesting differences in the types of alcohol favored in various zip codes. For example, in 78702, liquor dominates with a 69% share, while in 78703, wine enjoys a higher preference at 31%. Meanwhile, beer lovers can find a higher percentage of sales in areas like 78752, where beer accounts for 47% of sales, indicating diverse consumer preferences across the city.

Opportunities for New Establishments

Some zip codes show potential for new establishments. For instance, 78758 has a solid $7,527,537 in sales from just 85 establishments, suggesting room for growth. Meanwhile, areas like 78759 also have moderate sales but fewer establishments, indicating possible opportunities for new businesses.

Interesting Patterns and Insights

A notable pattern is the strong preference for liquor across most zip codes, consistently making up over 50% of sales in many areas. Additionally, while 78713 has the lowest sales at just $11,417, it stands out for its high wine sales mix at 65%, showing a niche market. Finally, the tiny figure for 78774 at $1,492 suggests little to no activity, likely due to limited or non-existent establishments.

Overview of Alcohol Sales in Austin

Over the past year, alcohol sales in Austin have experienced some interesting fluctuations, reflecting both seasonal trends and broader market dynamics. The peak month for sales was October 2025, with total receipts reaching a significant $118.6 million. This spike in sales is likely attributed to the vibrant festival and event season that attracts both locals and tourists, boosting the demand for all types of alcoholic beverages.

Seasonal Patterns and Monthly Changes

Throughout the year, we observed notable shifts in monthly sales, with the most dramatic being the jump in October. This month saw a 29.7% increase in receipts compared to September. Conversely, December 2025 saw a slight dip with a 1.98% decrease from November, which could be linked to post-holiday spending adjustments. The summer months, particularly June, experienced a downturn of nearly 20%, possibly due to the early summer lull before the holiday season ramps up.

Trends in Alcohol Categories

Liquor consistently led the sales mix, comprising the largest share of total receipts each month. October again stood out with liquor sales hitting nearly $70 million. Wine and beer sales showed more variability, with wine peaking in March and October, while beer sales were strongest in October, suggesting a preference for these beverages during social and outdoor events. Interestingly, wine sales remained relatively stable, indicating a consistent consumer base.

Market Insights and Business Implications

The data suggests that businesses in Austin's alcohol industry should prepare for significant sales opportunities during the fall, particularly in October. This period's high demand underscores the potential for strategic promotions and stock increases to maximize profit. The steady growth in establishments, apart from slight dips, indicates a competitive yet expanding market, suggesting that there's room for new entrants and innovation in product offerings.

Year-Over-Year Comparisons

While year-over-year data isn't explicitly available, the monthly variations and seasonal patterns provide a snapshot of the market's dynamics. The significant peaks and troughs suggest that external factors such as events, weather, and economic conditions heavily influence sales. Businesses should consider these factors when planning their strategies for the coming year, ensuring they're well-positioned to capitalize on peak periods and mitigate the impacts of slower months.