Business and consumers are both discovering why they like the idea of taking another look at alternatives to traditional cocktail spirits.

One simple reason......Many taste, look and smell like spirits!

The federal government collects approximately $1 billion per month from excise alcohol taxes on spirits, beer, and wine. Taxes on spirits are significantly higher than beer and wine at $13.50 per gallon, while beer is taxed at $18 per barrel and wine is $1.07-$3.40

per gallon. This is because spirits have higher alcohol content than the other categories.

Federal excise tax rates on beer, wine, and liquor are as follows:

• Beer   $18.00 per 31-gallon barrel, or $0.05 per 12-oz can 
• Wine   $1.07 - $3.40 per gallon, or $0.21 - $0.67 per 750ml bottle, depending on alcohol content 
• Distilled Spirits   $13.50 per proof-gallon^†, or $2.14 per 750ml 80-proof bottle 

† A proof gallon is a gallon of liquid that is 100 proof, or 50% alcohol. The tax is adjusted, depending on the percentage of alcohol of the product.

Some states like  Washington has the highest spirits tax in the United States at $33.22 per gallon. This is over $10 more than the second-highest tax in the state of Oregon at $21.95. Following these two states is Virginia with $19.89, Alabama with $19.11, and Utah with $15.92.

Liquor Licenses

First Step Beverage wine-based products allow businesses and venues to serve all the popular cocktails and mixed drinks without requiring a liquor license. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional innovative products and solutions for profitable

adult beverage services.

A Wine-based liquor alternatives allow businesses and venues to serve real cocktails without a mixed beverage permit, opening new revenue opportunities and avoiding the heavier tax burdens. First Step Beverage proudly supports an extensive line of spirit alternatives, from wine-based to non-Alcoholic allowing you to craft any cocktail imaginable. 

Now you can legally serve amazing cocktails with only a wine and beer permit and more profitably than ever.

The wine-based First Step Beverage product line offers retailers with Beer/Wine licenses the exciting opportunity to sell cocktail solutions using alternative alcohol. This assortment allows establishments to further meet the wants of the adult beverage

consumer while gaining a strong product margin.

Are you interested in changing the game and offering your customers something amazing?

Looking for more profitable sales?

Contact us at Sales@FirstStepBeverage.co for alternative solutions to your bar menu.