Romanians' deep-rooted alcohol consumption dates back to the 19th century

Romanians continue to rank among Europe's highest alcohol consumers, a trend with roots stretching back over a century and a half. Historical accounts from the 19th and early 20th centuries reveal that wine and plum brandy (țuica) were consumed in impressive quantities, sometimes from a very young age.

According to a recent OECD report, Romania recorded a consumption of 12.3 liters of pure alcohol per capita in 2025, the highest in the European Union. This statistic might suggest a national tradition of alcohol consumption, as historical records from the 19th and early 20th centuries indicate that rural Romanians were "brothers" with wine and spirits.

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The peasant drinks spirits throughout the year, his morning drink and before every meal is spirits. For work, the peasant believes in spirits as in a fountain of strength.

The primary drivers of abusive alcohol consumption in the past were abject poverty and a chronic lack of education in rural areas. Villagers, lacking other comforts or opportunities, sought refuge in alcohol, often spending their meager earnings in taverns. While not all peasants were heavy drinkers, the number of those consuming alcohol excessively was alarmingly high for physicians of the era.

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the appalling abuse of drinks by peasants

Doctor Manolescu noted in 1895 that "the peasant drinks spirits throughout the year, his morning drink and before every meal is spirits. For work, the peasant believes in spirits as in a fountain of strength." He added that anyone undertaking work, whether for themselves or others, must have spirits available. Tavern owners and innkeepers profited greatly from this vice, expanding their businesses across villages.

Physician Gheorghe Crăiniceanu observed the "appalling abuse" of drinks by peasants in the Argeș region. He also remarked that "plum brandy is consumed excessively, causing the rural population to decline morally and physically. Spirits are also seen by the peasant as a panacea for almost all illnesses; every hour of rest is spent in drunkenness." This excessive consumption often led to alcoholism, with doctors blaming a long-standing tradition of drinking alcohol on any occasion, from weddings and baptisms to moments of sorrow or joy.

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plum brandy is consumed excessively, causing the rural population to decline morally and physically. Spirits are also seen by the peasant as a panacea for almost all illnesses; every hour of rest is spent in drunkenness.