Why are 1.2 ounce hard seltzer and 1.5 ounce of liquor both standard drinks?
Ever been puzzled by the fact that a 1.2-ounce serving of hard seltzer and a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor are both standard drinks? You’re not alone! Which is an interesting fact that can leave a lot of people scratching their heads. You might think that these drinks would differ greatly in alcohol content, but the trick lies in measuring alcohol. So, why exactly is a shot of alcohol equivalent to a can of beer of the same target ABV?
The Concept of a Standard Drink
One standard drink is a unit used to measure alcohol consumption. A standard drink in the United States has about 14 grams (0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol. This standardization allows individuals to track their alcohol intake and follow health guidelines, making sure people have a precise understanding of how much alcohol they’re drinking. Whether it’s beer, wine or spirits, it’s important to know how much alcohol is in each drink.
I think it came as a huge surprise to me that so many people will literally drink without knowing exactly how much alcohol they are consuming. I’ll confess I too fell victim to this – I’d pick up a drink not thinking about how much alcohol it really contained. And then once I had the knowledge of standard drinks it was so much easier for me to self-regulate and make better choices.
Alcohol Percentages (By Volume) in Various Drinks
While different alcoholic drinks contain different amounts of pure alcohol, allowing for the definition of a “standard drink” enables a uniform comparison. For example, a standard 12-ounce can of regular beer contains approximately 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), equal to one standard drink. That’s because 12 ounces of 5% ABV beer has roughly 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol and constitutes a standard drink. Likewise, a 5-ounce glass of wine at 12 percent ABV also counts as a standard drink, because it has the same 0.6 ounces of alcohol.
For distilled spirits, that would be a 1.5-ounce shot at 40% ABV (80 proof), which is one standard drink. That small shot has as much alcohol as a can of beer or a glass of wine, but because it has a much higher concentration of alcohol, the serving size is smaller.”
The Case of Hard Seltzer
Hard seltzers have taken the world by storm, marketed as a light and refreshing alcoholic beverage for those who are looking for a lighter alcoholic beverage option. What differentiates them from regular beer or wine is their lightness, with lower calories and less sugar. But how do they compare with regard to alcohol content?
A typical hard seltzer has about 5% ABV — on par with your typical beer. (Read more about the servings in the details.) A standard can of hard seltzer is 12 ounces, and at 5 percent ABV it has roughly 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. That makes it similar to a beer or a glass of wine in terms of its alcohol content.
But, I hear you asking: “What about that 1.2-ounce mention of hard seltzer? You’ve probably heard people make this argument, but what you need to understand here is that 1.2 ounces is not representative of the total contained within a can or bottle of hard seltzer. A typical 12-ounce can with an alcohol content of 5 percent ABV has 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, and that’s what makes it one standard drink.
I had no idea until I started drinking hard seltzers that the serving size so greatly impacted whether or not I was having a standard drink. P.S. Keep in mind that I had always thought that smaller cans had less alcohol, but it actually turns out that 12 ounces is the magic number for a standard drink!
Hard Seltzer vs Liquor Comparison
At first blush, it may seem perplexing that a 1.2-ounce serving of hard seltzer and a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor are both considered standard drinks. But lets clarify the confusion! Hard seltzers are typically served in 12-ounce servings, and a 12-ounce can with 5 percent ABV counts as one standard drink. Unlike beer, liquor is served in much smaller quantities; the standard serving of liquor is 1.5 ounces of 40% ABV (80 proof) liquor.
The confusion comes when a serving size is confused with the content of the drink. While 1.2 ounces of hard seltzer appears to be a small quantity, the serving size of hard seltzer is usually 12 ounces, not 1.2 ounces. A shot of liquor, at 1.5 ounces, has a much higher concentration of alcohol, but because its 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol is in a smaller volume, it is also one standard drink.
I’ve heard friends argue whether a shot of liquor packs a “stronger” punch than a can of beer, but if you get into the nitty-gritty of the math, it’s obvious: they each have about the same amount of alcohol in them if you count them as standard drinks. This has to do less with the look of the drink, but more with knowing the alcohol content and serving size.
Personal Reflection on Grasping Standard Drinks
I recall the time I went to a bar with a bunch of friends. Some chose beers, while others went for hard seltzers, believing they were lighter choices. I became curious about the alcohol content in these drinks, so I did a little research. Before long, I came to see that even though the types of drinks and serving sizes differed, there is still a standard drink concept that exists.
I quickly found out that a lot of people underestimate the alcohol content in hard seltzers because of their “light” reputation. But after learning about standard drinks, I could confidently say a hard seltzer has as much alcohol as a beer or glass of wine. It made tracking my intake and preventing myself from getting too drunk, particularly when switching between different types of liquor, much easier.
What You Need to Know About Standard Drink Measurements
There are several reasons why it is important to understand what standard drink measurements are:
Health: Having a standard drink allows people to observe health guidelines on alcohol intake. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men should not consume more than two standard drinks per day, and women — one. Knowing what you’re drinking in terms of alcohol will allow you to remain within these guidelines.
Sensible Drinking: It boils down to conscious choices. Understanding what makes a standard drink allows you to track your alcohol intake so that you’re not drinking too much too quickly. I’ve realized that when I keep track of how many standard drinks I’ve consumed, I’m far more aware of alcohol’s effect on me.
Legal Considerations:
Whether you’re behind the wheel or when doing anything that needs your full attention, knowing standard drink sizes can help you make sure you stay within legal limits for alcohol consumption. As an example, say you know how many standard drinks are in your cocktail or beer, then you can estimate if you’re under the legal BAC limit for driving.
Social Situations: Like when at social situations, it’s wise to be mindful of how many cocktails you consume. When I do drink socially, I tend to count my “standard drinks,” particularly when you have several different kinds of alcohol being served. This allows me to pace myself and enjoy responsibly throughout the evening.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a 1.2-ounce serving of hard seltzer does not equal a standard drink, yet a 12-ounce can of hard seltzer with 5% ABV does. Likewise, a 1.5-ounce shot of 40 percent ABV liquor is a standard drink. Understand that it is the alcohol content, not the volume, that determines the equivalent standard drink.
Knowing how to measure standard drinks and understanding alcohol content can help you make informed choices and promote responsible drinking habits. In what seemed like an endless stream of parties and drinks out with friends, keeping track of how many standard drinks I had consumed really helped me stay in control of how much I was drinking.
Learning about standard drinks changed my drinking game, and I hope you benefit from understanding it too. Focusing on the alcohol content in your drinks, you can drink smarter, stay safe, and enjoy your time without a worry!