Standard alcoholic drink

Comparison of standard alcoholic drinks.

Beer, wine, and hard liquor (distilled spirits) all contain alcohol. The following common alcoholic drinks contain equal amounts of alcohol and are often referred to as a drink or a standard drink.

  • One mixed drink containing 43 mL (1.5 fl oz) of 40% hard liquor, such as vodka, gin, rye whiskey, or rum
  • One 142 mL (5 fl oz) glass of 12% wine
  • One 341 mL (12 fl oz) bottle of 5% beer, hard cider, or hard seltzer.

Proof is the amount of alcohol in hard liquor or distilled spirits. The percentage of pure alcohol in the hard liquor is usually one-half the proof. For example, a 100-proof liquor is about 50% pure alcohol. Thus, the higher the proof, the more pure alcohol the hard liquor contains.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.