In the EU, drinking every day is most frequent in Portugal, with a fifth (20.7 per cent) of the population consuming alcohol daily, followed by Spain (13.0 per cent) and Italy (12.1 per cent). The lowest share of daily drinkers is around 1 per cent in Latvia and Lithuania.

Statistically, the Portuguese are among the highest consumers of alcohol in Europe. According to 2025 health reports, Portugal has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in the European Union, with the average adult consuming approximately 12 liters of pure alcohol per year. This is deeply tied to the country's social fabric and world-renowned wine culture; wine is a staple at lunch and dinner, and "Petiscos" (Portuguese tapas) are almost always accompanied by a glass of wine or a "Cerveja" (beer). In 2026, the Portuguese government expects to collect over €300 million in alcohol-related taxes, reflecting continued strong domestic consumption. Despite these high numbers, the culture emphasizes social drinking over "binge" drinking; alcohol is viewed as an accompaniment to food and conversation rather than a means to intoxication. However, because alcohol and tobacco contribute to roughly 20% of preventable deaths in the country, the government has introduced higher excise taxes and public health campaigns to encourage more moderate consumption habits among the younger demographic.