College students often have to make decisions that deeply impact their lives, such as whether to study medicine or study law or choose Grey Goose instead of Popov.

Miami University graduate Justin Sims makes his decision and grabs the gut-wrenching plastic jug of Popov at the liquor store. Residents across the state are following the same trend as Sims - opting to buy middle- to low-shelf liquor brands instead of top-shelf in an attempt to save money.

But despite tough economic times, Oxford residents and Miami students shelled out more than $2.326 million on liquor at Oxford Spirits during the 2009 fiscal year, which ended in June, according to the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

"I find myself buying more beer or a lot of the cheapest liquor, whatever gets the job done and saves money," Sims said. "I think people are buying the strongest stuff you can get because you can mix it with whatever you want to make it taste good."

This trend isn't unique to Oxford either.

Ohioans spent nearly $730 million on spirituous liquor in 2009 - a record high compared to 2008's sales of $698 million, according to Matt Mullins, spokesman for the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

The Division of Liquor Control defines spirituous liquor as any intoxicating liquor containing more than 21 percent alcohol by volume.

Although liquor sales have risen dramatically, the number of gallons consumed has only slightly gone up. According to the Division of Liquor Control, 10.6 million gallons of liquor were sold this year compared to 10.3 million gallons in 2008.

Mullins said the rise in liquor sales has more to do with the higher prices than increased consumption.

"The gallon sales only went up by three percent, so that's not significant," Mullins said. "Gallon sales in the 1980s, for example, were much higher, but dollar sales were much less than today. This means people were drinking more and liquor was cheaper."

Sam Rao, owner of Oxford Spirits, has noticed this same trend.

"Costs are rising on items like gas and food so people are cutting their budget on things like premium drinks," Rao said. "People are buying cheaper brands, but at higher quantities."

The increase in sales does not bring in additional money to vendors like Rao.

"People will see that figure and think I should be rich, but it doesn't work like that," Rao said.

The liquor store owner said although he does get a small commission on sales, he has no control over the price of liquor and that the state receives all the revenue.

This revenue will boost Ohio's economy and the state is putting it to good use, according to Mullins.

The Division of Liquor Control transferred $163 million of the $730 million from liquor sales to the General Revenue Fund. What is left has been used to fund a variety of projects across the state, from improving liquor law enforcement to alcohol testing programs.

Rao said the fact that so much money is being made from liquor sales is "definitely good for the economy because the money is going to fund schools and aid programs" throughout the state.

Alan Kyger, Oxford's director of economic development, said the presence of Miami students is a "huge factor" for the city's revenue stream.

"With 16,000 students and 9,000 residents, our town doubles in size in one weekend," Kyger said. "Most all Oxford businesses rely on students. From bookstores to eateries to bars, they bring in a lot of business. We don't revolve around Miami, but what happens at Miami affects us all. The impact of the students on the local economy is great."

Although Kyger said the city of Oxford doesn't rely solely on the university, Rao and his business do, with students making up more than 60 percent of his customer base, he said.