How to Compare Alcohol Content in Beer, Wine and Mixed Drink

A five ounce glass is equivalent to one 12 ounce beer.

The standard unit used to measure alcohol content is Alcohol Percentages by Volume or ABV. It is the amount of alcohol in a beverage compared to the entire volume of the drink.

All drinks are not created equal

There is a rule of thumb when it comes to comparing the alcohol content of consumed beverages. The average five ounce glass of wine is equivalent to a 12 ounce bottle of beer or a mixed drink containing a half ounce shot of 80 proof liquor. A standard drink can be defined as an alcoholic beverage that contains .6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.

Metabolizing alcohol

Regardless of how much alcohol you consume, your liver can only metabolize approximately one drink per hour. Keep in mind that one standard drink per hour is a safe drinking pace. More than one drink an hour can make you tipsy.

Misconceptions

Be careful not to fall for any of the common misconceptions regarding rushing sobriety. Time is the only way to metabolize alcohol. Drinking coffee may make you feel more alert, but it will not speed up your metabolic process.

References

• Alcohol Problems and Solutions: Alcohol Content of Beer, Wine and Distilled Spirits
• About: Alcoholism

Resources

• The Partnership for a Drug Free America