(In)famous Croatian Alcohol Culture is Changing

May the 16th, 2026 – The Croatian alcohol culture is changing, at least for a large part of the youth. The country’s young people are now consuming less alcohol than ever before. Croatia has long been associated with cafe and bar culture, late-night gatherings, wine, beer and rakija traditions deeply woven into everyday social life, particularly in particular reasons (we’re looking at you, Zagorje).

Despite those old customs, a quieter cultural shift may now be emerging, especially among younger generations. There is growing evidence that younger people in Croatia are drinking less alcohol than previous generations did, following a broader trend already visible across much of Europe. the youth are altering old social habits and customs For countless generations, alcohol played a central role in Croatian social culture. Coffee bars, night cafes, weddings, football gatherings and family celebrations were all closely tied to drinking culture, whether through beer, wine or homemade rakija. Looking at modern Croatia, younger people increasingly appear to be approaching alcohol differently. A more prominent health and fitness culture, all sorts of wellness trends, mental health awareness and changing nightlife habits are all influencing consumption patterns, particularly in larger cities such as Zagreb, Split and Rijeka. Croatian cafes and bars are also gradually expanding their popular alcohol-free options, including non-alcoholic cocktails and beers, reflecting changing demand among younger customers. Importantly, Croatia’s globally known cafe culture is far from disappearing. People still spend hours socialising over one cup of coffee, especially compared to many northern European countries. However, the role alcohol plays within those social routines seems to be slowly but surely evolving. Younger people are more likely to moderate their drinking or avoid excessive alcohol consumption altogether, especially during the working week. In many urban circles, heavy drinking no longer automatically carries the same social status it once did.

Key points

• Despite those old customs, a quieter cultural shift may now be emerging, especially among younger generations.
• There is growing evidence that younger people in Croatia are drinking less alcohol than previous generations did, following a broader trend already visible across much of Europe.
• the youth are altering old social habits and customs For countless generations, alcohol played a central role in Croatian social culture.
• Coffee bars, night cafes, weddings, football gatherings and family celebrations were all closely tied to drinking culture, whether through beer, wine or homemade rakija.
• Looking at modern Croatia, younger people increasingly appear to be approaching alcohol differently.