This question may be based on an erroneous observation, but at least in media and my personal experience in the Northeast, singing and drinking don't mix (karaoke excluded). Drinking songs appear to have a long history in most of Europe, and it seems like the kind of tradition/habit that wouldn't be given up without a reason. Was there social pressure from the Puritans or other religious groups?
They didn't, simply. From the classics "99 bottles of beer" to modern like "red solo cup" drinking songs still exist. The biggest difference is in American versus European drinking culture, but that's not what you asked.