People in the Netherlands are now drinking more beer, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, in restaurants, hotels, and cafés. The majority, 73 percent, however, drink most often at home, and 51 percent at friends’ or family’s homes. The findings come from the 2026 National Beer Survey by Nederlandse Brouwers among more than 1,500 adults.

According to the researchers, for many people, drinking beer remains a social activity to do with loved ones. Forty-seven percent of beer drinkers say it brings people together and, similarly, think that drinking it brings people together.

“Beer is so much more than a drink,” said Fred Teeven, chairman of Nederlandse Brouwers. “For many Dutch people, a glass of beer plays a role when people come together: at home with family or friends, at events, or together in the pub.”

When it comes to more people drinking beer when out and about, Udo Delfgou, director of the Koninklijke Horeca Nederland, said that “beer and hospitality belong together. We are proud that this combination is becoming more popular. Beer is evolving fast- from innovations to new tatste experiences. Guests like to taste that from a cold tap.”

Forty-four percent of people aged 18 and older said they drink beer regularly, with Pintsler still the favorite. The study also found that beer is drunk most often on warm summer days and at informal gatherings with friends and family.

Fifty-seven percent associate drinking beer with being sociable, which is also why 48 percent like to go out to get beers. People under 30 in particular link beer with sociality and festivity.