The economy may be in a funk, the stock market erratic and jobs scarce, but Americans are spending more on top-shelf spirits, wine and beer than ever before, according to the just- released Cheers On-Premise Handbook 2003 published by Adams Beverage Group.

"In bars and restaurants across the country, Americans are cocktailing," said Tiziana Mohorovic, spokesperson for Adams Beverage Group. "Demand for high-end wine and beer products also is up, demonstrating that even in these difficult economic times, consumers are unwilling to give up the affordable luxuries to which they have become accustomed and feel they deserve."

Flavorful and colorful cocktails, such as cosmopolitans and mojitos, are being poured along with wheat beers and shiraz in bars and restaurants nationwide. Designer drinks have become the latest must-have fashion accessory.

"Dining out is an important part of the American lifestyle, and enjoying a cocktail is once again becoming an integral part of the experience," said Mohorovic.

Total adult beverage retail sales reached record levels in 2002 in restaurant and bars, and have been on the upswing for the past two decades. Retail sales climbed 7.2% to $68.7 billion representing the largest percentage increase in more than a decade. Top-shelf products across all spirit, wine and beer categories have been driving the growth.

The margarita remains the most popular mixed drink in the U.S., but the martini and cosmopolitan are gaining ground. The martini reigns in the Northeast and is the most popular cocktail in formal restaurants and hotels/clubs overall. Absolut is the most called for spirit brand, but its popularity is waning amid withering competition. The best-selling imported vodka lost market share in each of the last four years to utlrapremium competitive offerings. Among leading growth brands in restaurants and bars, Grey Goose takes the title for spirits and Kendall-Jackson for wine. And, Michelob Ultra -- the relative new low-carb low-calorie brew -- has proven to be an instant sensation among weight-conscious consumers.

Cheers On-Premise Handbook 2003 Final Edition is the first and only report of its kind. Contents include: five year trends in beverage alcohol consumption--specifically premium and superpremium category and brand growth; on-premise spirits, wine and beer cases and retail dollars; new beverage alcohol product introductions; consumer drinking preferences; exclusive results from Cheers OnTrac Bar Managers study, including spirit, wine and beer brand specific data by outlet, region and 31 key metro markets; restaurant industry trends, and consumer demographics. The cost of the publication is $1,500. The Adams Beverage Group serves all segments of the beverage alcohol industry through Cheers, Beverage Dynamics and StateWays magazines, Adams Beverage Handbooks and Adams Business Research.