Why are 1.2 ounce hard seltzer and 1.5 ounce of liquor both standard drinks?
Ever wonder why a 1.2-ounce serving of hard seltzer equals a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor makes up a standard drink? You’re not alone! Now hold this as an interesting fact to keep in mind that a lot of people scratch their heads. You would think that those drinks would vary widely in alcohol content, but the trick here is measuring alcohol. So why a shot of alcohol equals a can of beer at the same target ABV?
The idea of what constitutes a standard drink
One standard drink is a common measurement anchor for alcohol consumption. A typical drink in the United States contains about 14 grams (0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol. This standardization enables individuals to keep track of their alcohol consumption, as per health guidelines, ensuring that consumers have a clear concept of how much alcohol they are consuming.” Whether it’s beer, wine or spirits, you should understand how much alcohol exists in each beverage.
I think it was a real eye-opener to me how many people, quite frankly, will drink without even knowing how much alcohol is actually in what they’re drinking. I’ll admit I got sucked into this too — I’d pick up a drink not even realizing how much alcohol was in it. And then when I knew about standard drinks, then it became so much easier for me to self-regulate and make better choices.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in Common Beverages
Though various alcoholic beverages contain varying amounts of pure alcohol, the ability to define a “standard drink” allows for a standard comparison. As an example, a regular beer, 12oz can contains about 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) which is equivalent to one standard drink. That’s because 12 ounces of 5 percent ABV beer contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol and counts as a standard drink. Similarly, a 5-ounce glass of wine with 12 percent ABV also equals a standard drink, since it contains the same 0.6 ounces of alcohol.
In the case of distilled spirits, that would be a 1.5-ounce shot at (40 percent ABV) or 80 proof, which is one standard drink. That little shot has the same amount of alcohol as a can of beer or a glass of wine, but because it contains a much higher concentration of alcohol, the serving size is smaller. ”
The Case of Hard Seltzer
Hard seltzers have been taking the world by storm, marketed as a light and refreshing alcoholic beverage alternative for those seeking a lighter alcoholic beverage alternative. In fact, their low-calorie and low-sugar character distinguishes them from typical beer or wine. But how do they stack up in terms of alcohol content?
A standard hard seltzer has around 5 percent ABV — in line with the average beer. (You can read more about the servings in the details.) A standard can of hard seltzer is 12 ounces, and at 5 percent ABV it contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. That puts it in the same alcohol-content range as a beer or a glass of wine.
But I hear you saying: “What about that 1.2-ounce reference to hard seltzer? You’ve likely heard this argument, but what you need to grasp here is that 1.2 ounces is not indicative of what’s in an entire can or bottle of the hard seltzer. A typical 12-ounce can with a 5 percent ABV contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, and that’s what constitutes one standard drink.
Until I started drinking hard seltzers, I had no idea how much the serving size affected whether I was having a standard drink or not. P.S. I always thought smaller cans would mean less alcohol, but actually, 12 ounces is the magic number for a standard drink!
Comparison of Hard Seltzer vs Liquor
A 1.2-ounce serving of hard seltzer and a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor are both technically standard drinks, which may seem like a head-scratching fact at first blush. But let get clarity to the confusion! Hard seltzers are normally 12 ounces, and a 12-ounce can with 5 percent ABV fits the definition of one standard drink. Liquor, on the other hand, is served in very low volumes; a standard sip of liquor consists of a 1.5-ounce pour of 40% ABV (80 proof) liquor.
Confusion arises because a serving size is confused with what is inside a drink. And although 1.2 ounces of hard seltzer may sound like a small amount, the serving size for hard seltzer is typically 12 ounces, not 1.2 ounces. A shot, at 1.5 ounces, has a much higher concentration of alcohol, but its 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol is also in a smaller volume, so it is one standard drink.
I’ve argued with friends, over probably too many drinks, whether a shot of liquor hits harder than a can of beer, but reading the nitty-gritty math, it’s clear: they each contain about the same amount of alcohol if you compare them ounce-for-ounce so far as standard drinks go. So this has less to do with the appearance of the drink, but everything to do with an understanding of alcohol content and serving size.
Personal Experience in Understanding standard drinks
I remember when I was out at a bar with a group of friends. Some ordered beers, others opted for hard seltzers, thinking they were lighter picks. So, I wondered how much alcohol was in these drinks, and I did a little research. It didn’t take long, however, before I started calibrating my perceptions: Yes, the kinds of alcohol and the sizes of their servings varied, but there was a standard drink concept even so.
That got me to realize that many people undermine the alcoholic nature of hard seltzers based on their “light” reputation. But did I know that hard seltzer has the same amount of alcohol as a beer or glass of wine? It made tracking what I ingested and keeping myself from becoming too drunk — especially when switching from one type of liquor to another — far simpler.
What to Know About Standard Drink Measurements
Below are some reasons why it is important to know what standard drink measurements are:
- Health: People can follow health guidelines on drinking when they have a standard drink. Men should have no more than two standard drinks a day, women — one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Being aware of what you’re drinking in terms of alcohol will help you stay within these recommendations.
- Sensible Drinking: What it comes to. Knowing exactly what constitutes a standard drink lets you measure how much alcohol you’re consuming, so that you aren’t drinking too much too quickly. I’m aware of alcohol affecting me so much more when I’m counting how many standard drinks I’m having.
- Legal Implications: When driving or performing other tasks that require your full focus, one should be aware of standard drink sizes to effectively know if you’ll remain within a legal limit for alcohol consumption. For example, if you’re aware of how many standard drinks are in your cocktail or beer, you can can work out whether you’re below the legal BAC limit for driving.
- Social Situations: Just like in social situations, it’s important to watch how many cocktails you drink. When I drink socially, I calculate my “standard drinks,” especially when you’re being served several different kinds of liquor. It helps me really pace myself and drink responsibly throughout the night.
Conclusion
So in summary, a 1.2-ounce serving of hard seltzer does not equal a standard drink, but a 12-ounce can of hard seltzer at 5 percent ABV does. Similarly, a 1.5-ounce shot of a 40 percent ABV liquor is one drink. It’s the alcohol content — not the volume — that becomes the equivalent standard drink.
Learn more about how to measure standard drinks and alcohol content to make informed choices and create a culture of responsible drinking. Like how I was drinking out a lot more, partying used to be an endless chugging of parties and hit back to back drinks out with friends, keeping tack of how many standard drinks I was having was very useful for me to prevent myself from getting overboard in how much I was drinking. Learning about standard drinks moved the marker for me, and I hope you can have a better understanding too. So if you simply pay attention to the alcohol in your drinks, you can have smarter drinks, a safer experience, and a good time without the worry!