A "standard drink" of alcohol is about one-half ounce of pure alcohol. This is slightly more than the typical person can metabolize in an hour. How do you know how much alcohol is in different containers?

The size of a container is not the best way to measure “a drink."

Some “single serving" drinks may be the equivalent of two or more standard drinks, depending on the glass or container size. 

  • Beer – Most domestic beer is 5% alcohol and is sold in 12-ounce cans or bottles, each one of which is a standard drink. Craft beers may contain 8% - 10% alcohol or more.
  • Wine – The typical bottle of wine is 12% alcohol. 5 ounces of wine (about half of a wine glass) is a standard drink.
  • Liquor/Distilled Spirits – One ounce of 100 proof distilled spirits (a small shot) is a standard drink. 

It can be difficult to estimate the number of standard drinks in a single mixed drink made with liquor. Depending on factors such as the type of spirits and the recipe, a mixed drink can contain from one to three (or more) standard drinks.

Check out the Gordie Center's Standard Drink chart to make more informed decisions about alcohol:

Standard Drink Chart horizontal

You can also view this short Gordie Center video to learn more about measuring a standard drink:

Wondering about larger containers?

Below are the approximate number of standard drinks per container for different types of alcohol.

Beer at 5% alcohol

  • Pony keg (7.75 gallons, 12 ounce cups) = 82 drinks
  • U.S. keg/half barrel (15.5 gallons, 12 ounce cups) = 165 drinks

Wine at 12% alcohol

  • a standard 750-mL (25-oz.) bottle = 5 drinks
  • a magnum (64 ounces) = 13 drinks

Spirits or “hard liquor” at 80 proof

  • a mixed drink = 1 or more drinks*
  • a pint (375 ml.) = 8.5 drinks
  • a fifth (25 oz.) = 17 drinks
  • a handle (1.75 L or 59 oz.) = 40 drinks

Spirits or “hard liquor” at 100 proof

  • a mixed drink = 1 or more drinks*
  • a pint (16 oz.) = 16 drinks
  • a fifth (25 oz.) = 25 drinks
  • a handle (1.75 L or 59 oz.) = 59 drinks*

*Note: It can be difficult to estimate the number of standard drinks in a single mixed drink made with liquor. Depending on factors such as the type of spirits and the recipe, a mixed drink can contain from one to three (or more) standard drinks.

Sources: https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/

http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/ToolsResources/DrinkSizeCalculator.asp