What Is a Standard Drink?

A standard drink is any alcoholic beverage that contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. Because adult beverages contain different alcohol concentrations, 14 grams looks different depending on what type of drink is being served. Here is what a “standard drink” looks like for the most common types of alcohol:

12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol)

8-9 ounces malt liquor (7% alcohol)

1.5 shot of 80 proof liquor (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, tequila, brandy)

2-3 ounces cordial, aperitif, or liqueur (24% alcohol)

5 ounces wine (12% alcohol)

3-4 ounces sherry or port (17% alcohol)