From Kirkland to Classics: The Top Alcohol Choices at Costco Across the US

Jun. 20, 2024

When you think of Costco, you probably envision bulk toilet paper, giant tubs of peanut butter, and deliciously gigantic hot dogs – but did you know it’s also a haven for alcohol enthusiasts, too? In fact, their Kirkland Signature brand of spirits are known to rival or even beat top-shelf competitors that typically sell at a much higher price, making it a secret one-stop-shop for those who imbibe on a regular basis.

We’re exploring the most popular Costco alcohols in each state, showcasing regional preferences for spirits, wines, and beers and local tastes and seasonal trends influence alcohol purchases. From budget-friendly options to premium classics, Costco’s liquor selection has something for every palate and occasion.

Favorite Costco Alcohols Overall

Because Costco makes consuming in bulk affordable, it makes sense that people would use that approach to ensure they have enough of their favorite alcohol to serve their family gatherings for the whole year (and collect those rewards dollars!).

Before diving into specific preferences, here’s a breakdown of every state’s favorite Costco alcohol overall – including spirits, wine, and liqueur.

They Take a Whiskey Drink

Alabama: Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey
Arkansas and Rhode Island: Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old Scotch Whiskey
Colorado and Massachusetts: Kirkland Signature 12 Year Blended Scotch
Connecticut, Indiana, and Nebraska: Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whiskey

They Take a Vodka Drink

Arizona, Missouri, and Wisconsin: Kirkland Signature French Vodka
California: Smirnoff Vodka
New Jersey: Kirkland Signature American Vodka

They Take a Lot of Other Drinks

Gin (No Juice)

Delaware, Idaho, South Dakota, & Utah: Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin
Minnesota, Tennessee, & Virginia: Tanqueray Dry Gin
Oklahoma, Oregon, & Pennsylvania: Hendrick’s Gin

Rum & Tequila

Georgia & Illinois: Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
Florida & West Virginia: Kirkland Signature Tequila Reposado
Kansas: Kirkland Signature Tequila Blanco

Wine Wonders

Alaska: Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon
Hawaii: Kirkland Signature Rosé
Iowa: Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel
Kentucky: Kirkland Signature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Maryland: La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Montana & New York: Kirkland Signature Prosecco
New Hampshire: Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret
North Carolina: Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
North Dakota: Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut
Wyoming: Stag’s Leap Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon

Liqueurs

Louisiana & Maine: Disaronno Originale Amaretto
Texas: Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
Washington: Kirkland Signature Irish Cream Liqueur

Whisk(e)y Lovers Unite

Maybe it’s the woodsy scent, the burn, or that it just gets you there, but no matter why people choose whiskey as their go-to, they’re devoted.

State-Famous Whisk(e)ys:

Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey

Crown Royal’s smooth, sweet taste makes it a favorite in Alabama, Michigan, and South Carolina, perfect for sipping neat or mixing in classic cocktails like a citrusy old-fashioned.

Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey

Wyoming prefers the Kirkland Signature Irish Whiskey, known for its crisp peat flavor and warmth, making it a great choice for celebrating at home with loved ones.

Scotch Whisk(e)ys:

Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch

This blended Scotch is a hit in Louisiana and New Hampshire, loved for its creamy and malty notes that make it perfect for indulgent cocktails or sipping solo.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whiskey

Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Nebraska, and Texas love Johnnie Walker Black Label’s iconic, smoky flavor profile that has captivated whiskey lovers for years.

Bourbon:

Kirkland Signature Single Barrel Bourbon

North Dakota’s preference for this bang-for-buck bourbon showcases a love for robust flavors with a smooth finish – without overpaying.

Vodka Enthusiasts

Often associated with cranberries, soda, and college students, vodka is the clear (literally) classic when it comes to flexibility and feel-good times. While still possible to enjoy neat, these vodkas are great for mixing up something everyone can enjoy.

Kirkland Signature French Vodka

The silky, smooth Kirkland Signature French Vodka, often compared to premium brands, is loved in Arizona, Missouri, and Wisconsin for its purity and excellent value.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, crafted from corn and known for its clean, crisp finish, is a special favorite in Vermont and Washington, both states who value artisanal quality.

Gin Gems

Tanqueray Dry Gin

Kentucky, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Virginia appreciate the classic, juniper-forward taste of Tanqueray Dry Gin, ideal for a refreshing gin and tonic or a sophisticated martini.

Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin

Residents of Idaho and Utah appreciate the classic, wry taste and affordability of Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin, ideal for any gin lover and delicious as any other.

Rum and Tequila Time

Calling all party people! If you’re like many other consumers of alcohol who sip rum or tequila and are transported to a happy place, then you know it makes sense people are more than excited to save money on both at Costco. That island flavor, though!

Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

The bold, spicy flavor of Captain Morgan is a hit in Georgia and Illinois, perfect for adding a tropical twist to cocktails or getting spicy on the rocks.

Kirkland Signature Tequila Reposado

This aged tequila, with its full-bodied and slightly oaky flavor, is a top choice in Florida, Maryland, and West Virginia, perfect for slow sipping or deeply-flavored cocktails.

Red, Red, (and White) Wines

Wine is in a category all its own when it comes to fandom – you’ve seen the memes, t-shirts, coasters, decor, etc. But seasoned winos also know that affordable wine can be just as amazing as its more expensive counterparts.

Bold Reds

Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon

For sippers in California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon wins. Known for its robust cherry profile, it’s perfect for a cozy evening by the fire.

Ménage à Trois Red Blend

This popular red blend captures the hearts of wine lovers in Texas, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, and Ohio. Its harmonious mix of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon offers a complex yet balanced taste that’s hard to resist (in a second glass).

Apothic Red Blend

Apothic Red Blend’s bold and fruity flavor is a hit in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona. A blend of dark fruit flavors and subtle hints of mocha and vanilla make it a crowd-pleaser – and great for harder-to-please red wine drinkers.

Smooth and Sweet

Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling

Dominating the state scene, Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling is the favored choice when it comes to white wine. With a crisp, and fruity profile, this ultra-drinkable wine is ideal for those in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota, and Missouri.

Kirkland Signature Champagne Brut

This elegant and crisp champagne is favored in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. It’s ideal for toasting special occasions and small gatherings.

Kirkland Signature Rosé

For those who love wine with a pinkish hue, Kirkland Signature Rosé is the top pick in New Jersey, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi – with a light and fruity flavor perfect for summer.

Costco’s diverse, extensive, and fun alcohol selection proves they offer a bottle of something for everyone and for every occasion. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur, a vodka enthusiast, or can’t get enough of nature’s juice, they’ve got you – and your annual 4th of July party – covered.

Methodology:

The information for this study was collected by analyzing Google Trends data in the US from 2019-2024 on 50 popular alcohols available from Costco. Sources include CostcoFDB, 20SomethingFinance, Eat This, Not That, and Cheapism.

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