Serving Size

Many people are surprised to learn what counts as a drink.  The amount of liquid in your glass, can, or bottle does not necessarily match up to how much alcohol is actually in your drink. They may contain more or less alcohol than a standard drink. That’s why it’s important to know how much alcohol your drink contains.

What is a standard drink?

Even though they come in different sizes, the drinks below are each examples of one standard drink:

  • 12 ounces of regular beer, which is usually about 5% alcohol
  • 5 ounces of wine, which is typically about 12% alcohol
  • 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor

Remember,  if a mixed drink contains two shots (3 ounces) then it is no longer one standard drink, it is two!

One standard drink equals 12 ounces of regular beer, which is usually about 5% alcohol 5 ounces of wine, which is typically about 12% alcohol 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, which is about 40% alcohol

What is one drink:

Drink

ABV

Size

Beer

5%

12 oz

Craft Beer

Depending on ABV

6-10 oz

Hard Cider

Depending on ABV

10-11 oz

Liquor

200 proof

0.5 oz

Liquor

100 proof

1 oz

Liquor

80 proof

1.5 oz

Malt Liquor

8%

6 oz

Red Wine

13%

4 oz

White Wine

10%

5 oz

Wine Cooler

5-7%

8-10 oz
Approximate number of standard drinks: KEG 31 GALLONS 330 drinks with 12 oz cups, FIFTH 25.6oz 25 drinks (100 proof) 17 drinks (80 proof), PINT 16oz 16 drinks (100 proof) 12.5 drinks (80 proof),WINE 25.6 oz 5 drinks (10% ABV)

Did you know?

Solo cups can be used to measure and keep track of your drinks. Use the lines on a 16-ounce solo cup as a guide!

You can use a solo cup to measure your drinks

Page last modified March 12, 2024
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