Australians are drinking less, but opting for better quality booze.

Official data shows total consumption of alcohol fell for the sixth straight year in 2013, to a 17-year low.

Over the year, Australians aged 15 or over consumed an average of 9.88 litres of alcohol, or the equivalent of 2.2 standard drinks a day.

Beer drinkers consumed less in 2013 than they have in 67 years, while wine drinking hit a seven-year low, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show.

The nation's thirst for cider gained momentum, with cider consumption rising to about double what it was four years ago.