When I first learned that a can of hard seltzer and a small shot of whiskey both count as “one standard drink,” it didn’t quite make sense to me. The volumes are clearly different — 12 ounces versus just 1.5 ounces. But once I understood how alcohol content plays into the definition of a standard drink, it all became clearer.
In the U.S., a standard drink is defined not by volume, but by the amount of pure alcohol it contains. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), one standard drink contains about 14 grams (0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol. This measurement helps people understand and compare how much alcohol they’re actually consuming, regardless of the type of beverage.
Understanding the Standard Drink
So, what does 14 grams of pure alcohol look like in different beverages? Here’s how it breaks down:
- 12 oz of beer (5% alcohol by volume or ABV)
- 5 oz of wine (12% ABV)
- 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40% ABV, like vodka, whiskey, or rum)
- 12 oz of hard seltzer (typically around 5% ABV)
Even though the volumes differ, the alcohol content is the same. That’s why they are all considered one standard drink.
Why Hard Seltzer Counts as a Standard Drink
Hard seltzers have exploded in popularity in recent years. Most of them contain around 5% ABV, which is similar to regular beer. So, when you drink a 12-ounce can of hard seltzer, you’re essentially consuming the same amount of alcohol as in a bottle of beer — approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol.
It’s easy to forget this because hard seltzers often taste fruity, fizzy, and light, and they’re often marketed as “better-for-you” options. But don’t be fooled by the packaging — the alcohol content is still there.
Why 1.5 Ounces of Liquor Also Counts
Now let’s look at hard liquor. Spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and bourbon usually clock in at 40% ABV (or 80 proof). That means they have a much higher concentration of alcohol than beer or seltzer. So, even though a shot is only 1.5 ounces, it contains the same 14 grams of pure alcohol. It’s just a smaller amount of liquid with more alcohol packed in.
This is why bartenders serve liquor in small pours — it keeps the amount of alcohol in line with one standard drink.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you go out with friends and have:
- 1 can of hard seltzer
- 1 glass of wine
- 1 shot of tequila
You’ve had three standard drinks, even though the drinks looked and felt very different in size and taste. This understanding is especially important if you’re tracking alcohol intake, watching your health, or trying to stay within safe drinking limits.
Why This Matters
The idea of a standard drink exists to help people make informed decisions about alcohol. It allows us to:
- Monitor alcohol consumption more accurately
- Understand the effects of different drinks on the body
- Plan safer drinking habits, especially when driving or taking medications
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults who choose to drink do so in moderation — that’s up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men. Keeping track using standard drinks makes that much easier.
For reference, here’s a useful guide from the NIAAA: What Is a Standard Drink?
Final Thoughts
Even though a 12-ounce can of hard seltzer and a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor look nothing alike, they contain the same amount of pure alcohol. That’s the logic behind both being considered one standard drink.
When we start thinking in terms of alcohol content instead of just volume, we can make smarter, healthier choices. Whether it’s a fruity hard seltzer or a neat glass of bourbon, what really matters is the alcohol within — not the size of the pour.
If you drink, drink smart. Knowing what counts as a standard drink is a great first step.