One way Americans are coping with the new coronavirus is with more booze. U.S. sales of alcoholic beverages rose 55% in the week ending March 21, according to Nielsen.
Spirits like tequila, gin and pre-mixed cocktails led the way, with sales jumping 75% compared to the same period last year.
Wine and beer sales were also way up. And online sales far outpaced in-store sales. Nielsen said online alcohol sales were up 243%. A Nielsen spokesperson suspects growth rates peaked that week as people loaded up their pantries before stay-at-home orders went into effect.