During which period did Americans' demand for alcohol evolve from ciders to liquor?

The evolution of Americans' demand for alcohol from ciders to liquor began to take shape after the American Revolution. This shift was influenced by several factors, including changes in social norms, the growth of distilling technology, and the increasing availability of grains needed for producing spirits.

In the colonial period, while ciders (especially from apples) were a popular alcoholic beverage due to the prevalence of apple orchards, the post-Revolutionary War era saw a surge in the distillation of whiskey and other spirits. This was driven by a thirst for new cultural identities and economic opportunities as the nation began to assert itself. Additionally, with the westward expansion and increased grain production, distilled liquors became more accessible and affordable, leading to their rising popularity among American consumers.

Therefore, the period after the American Revolution marks a significant turning point where preferences shifted towards distilled liquors, reflecting broader changes in American society and economy.