Remember when we got all those warnings early in the pandemic about being careful about how much wine, beer, and/or booze we were pouring down our throats while we were forced into locking down at home?

It seems as though some states' residents heeded the warning, while others thought that if people in other states cut back on their drinking there would be more liquor for the rest of us.

Which group do you think Illinois and our Midwestern neighbors falls into?

"C'mon Billy, wait for your first Packers game!" (Getty Images)
"C'mon Billy, wait for your first Packers game!" (Getty Images)
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Photo taken in Roma, Italy
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It's No Secret That Midwesterners Enjoy Some Elbow-Bending Fun, But If You Want To Hang With The Big-Time Drinkers, You've Gotta Leave The Midwest

If that's all it takes for you to start making travel arrangements, I would suggest setting my navigation system for the state of...New Hampshire, of all places.

According to WorldPopulationReview.com, the "Granite State" (see, I pay attention every presidential election when an undue amount of attention is focused on New Hampshire's presidential primary, which is how I know Granite State, if you care) leads the United States in per capita alcohol consumption with 4.67 gallons.

The state that polishes off the least amount of hooch shouldn't be hard to guess. If you shouted "Utah" pat yourself on the back and go grab a nice, un-caffeinated soft drink. The folks in Utah manage to put away 1.35 gallons of alcohol per capita per year.

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This is not the Osmond family. (Getty Images)
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Also, not the Osmonds. (Getty Images)
Also, not the Osmonds. (Getty Images)
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Let's Get To Illinois' And The Midwest's Drinking Numbers

Illinois is ranked 28th out of the 50 states in alcohol consumption, with the average drinking-age Illinoisan consuming 2.32 gallons per year.

If you've ever spent more than 10 minutes north of the cheddar curtain in Wisconsin, it shouldn't be the slightest bit shocking to learn that Wisconsin residents easily outdrink us FIBs in Illinois. Per capita, Wisconsinites finish off almost three gallons (2.93). That number is good enough to put Wisconsin at #8 overall in the United States.

Obviously, our other Midwestern neighbors aren't as important as Illinois and Wisconsin, but here are their numbers and overall rankings anyway:

  • Iowa: 2.4 gallons/#24
  • Indiana: 2.15 gallons/#37
  • Michigan: 2.36 gallons/#25
  • Minnesota: 2.79 gallons/#12
  • Missouri: 2.52 gallons/#21
  • Kentucky: 1.95 gallons/#44

What Are the Signature Drinks From Every State?

 

Top 5 Thirst-Quenching Margaritas in Rockford, According to Yelp

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