While this article focuses on building an app like Drizly, you can also check out our complete guide on how to create a mobile app for a broader overview of the process.
The on-demand economy has completely changed how consumers shop and interact with businesses. From groceries to medicines, almost everything is now just a tap away. One sector that has seen rapid growth recently is on-demand alcohol delivery โ a niche once limited by regulation but now thriving thanks to apps like Drizly.
If youโre planning to launch your own liquor delivery app, this guide will help you understand the market, identify key success features, and walk through every step of the app-building process.
Letโs explore how you can build an alcohol delivery app that serves your customers efficiently while growing your business.
The rise of on-demand liquor delivery: Facts and statistics
The pandemic accelerated the shift toward online shopping, and the alcohol industry wasnโt left behind. According to IWSR (International Wines and Spirits Record):
- The global alcohol eCommerce market is projected to exceed $42 billion by 2025.
- Alcohol eCommerce sales grew 66% between 2020 and 2025.
- In the U.S., app-based alcohol orders grew 90% year over year, and similar trends are emerging across other regions.
- As of 2025, 12 U.S. states allow full alcohol delivery, while 31 permit beer and wine only.
Consumer habits are also changing rapidly. Nearly half of millennials now prefer drinking at home, while a third consider in-store purchases inconvenient. This behavioral shift has opened massive opportunities for entrepreneurs to launch their own on-demand liquor delivery platforms.
Benefits of creating a liquor delivery app like Drizly
Launching an alcohol delivery app comes with regulatory challenges, but the benefits far outweigh them โ especially for businesses already operating physical or online liquor stores.
1. Low competition and high demand
While eCommerce and food delivery markets are saturated, alcohol delivery is still an emerging vertical. This means thereโs room for new players, especially in developing countries where competition remains minimal.
2. Simplified business operations
A mobile app centralizes business operations โ from inventory to billing and payments โ and allows for faster transactions and customer support. Automated systems handle order tracking, stock management, and notifications, saving time and improving efficiency.
3. Enhanced customer experience
With an app, customers can browse drinks, read descriptions, view recommendations, and place orders anytime, anywhere. Integrating live chat or recommendation tools adds a personal touch that websites canโt match.
4. Improved customer retention
Websites often face the โbuy and byeโ problem. An app stays installed on a userโs phone, leading to repeat visits and higher customer loyalty. Push notifications and personalized offers also encourage engagement and long-term retention.
5. Data-driven insights
Apps can collect valuable data โ from age and location to purchase habits and preferences. These insights help businesses personalize promotions, improve offerings, and make data-backed decisions.
Key features of a successful alcohol delivery app
To compete in the modern mCommerce ecosystem, your liquor delivery app needs to be feature-rich, intuitive, and secure. Hereโs a list of essential features to include:
- User-friendly UI and smooth navigation
- Multichannel sign-up and login options (email, Google, or social media)
- Personalized buyer, seller, and delivery agent profiles
- Smart product search, sort, and filter options
- Real-time order tracking and delivery updates
- โBuy Now,โ โAdd to Cart,โ and Wishlist functions
- Secure online payments and automatic billing
- Inventory and supplier management dashboard
- Age verification and consent form integration
- Loyalty programs, referral systems, and coupon support
- In-app chat for customer assistance
- Push notifications for updates and offers
- Ratings, reviews, and feedback collection
- Data analytics and performance insights
- Support for multiple languages and currencies
Your appโs success will depend on how well these features align with your target audience and local regulations. Keep your design clean, intuitive, and focused on a seamless checkout experience.
How to build a liquor delivery app like Drizly
You can build your own on-demand alcohol delivery app through three different approaches โ traditional coding, low-code platforms, or no-code app builders. Letโs explore the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Conduct market research
Research is the foundation of every successful app. Study competitors like Drizly, Minibar, and Saucey to identify what works and what doesnโt. Define your target market, demographics, and service areas.
Use your research to plan your appโs business model โ whether youโll sell directly, act as a delivery aggregator, or partner with local liquor stores. Also, analyze costs, potential ROI, and local compliance requirements.
Step 2: Get legal clearances
Because alcohol delivery is heavily regulated, legal compliance is non-negotiable. Consult experts to understand licensing laws in your target markets. Some jurisdictions require age-verification systems, delivery permits, or partnerships with licensed distributors.
Make sure all permissions are in place before moving to the development phase.
Step 3: Design and develop your app
Once youโve finalized your features and obtained clearances, itโs time to design and build your app. Start with wireframes or prototypes to visualize user flows.
For development, consider three main approaches:
- Traditional coding: Hire a development agency or team to build your app from scratch (best for custom, large-scale projects).
- Low-code: Use frameworks that speed up development with minimal manual coding.
- No-code (recommended): Build your app with a tool like AppMySite, where you can design, customize, and publish your app without writing any code.
With AppMySite, you can:
- Create an account and name your app.
- Customize your app design using intuitive drag-and-drop tools.
- Configure features like cart, payments, age verification, and notifications.
- Preview your app in real-time before publishing.
- Download your builds and publish to Google Play and the App Store.
This approach is faster, more affordable, and ideal for small businesses looking to launch quickly.
Step 4: Test, launch, and promote
After building your app, conduct thorough testing to ensure a seamless experience across devices. Involve beta users for real-world feedback.
Once youโre confident in your appโs stability, publish it to app stores and start marketing. Use social media, influencer campaigns, and partnerships with local liquor brands to boost awareness. Offer exclusive app discounts to encourage first-time downloads.
Read: Popular mobile app marketing techniques to grow your app
Final thoughts
From Drizly to Flaviar, several brands have proven that alcohol delivery apps can thrive in todayโs market. As awareness grows and regulations evolve, the potential for innovation in this space continues to expand.
If you already have a liquor website, nowโs the time to convert it into a mobile app. Platforms like AppMySite make this process effortless. You can design, customize, and launch a feature-rich liquor delivery app in days โ without writing a single line of code.
Start today and bring your liquor business online. Build your own on-demand alcohol delivery app with AppMySite and deliver convenience, efficiency, and delight straight to your customersโ doors.