How Many Drinks Are You Really Having This Weekend?

"Just a glass of wine with dinner," you might say. But is that glass really one standard drink? And what if you swap your usual white wine for sherry or Madeira? The difference might surprise you.

Understanding the alcohol percentage in your drinks is crucial, especially if you're trying to be more mindful of your intake or cutting back. With oversized glasses and free refills making it hard to keep track, those drinks can add up faster than you realize. Some beverages are also less innocent than they appear. Let's explore further!

Why Alcohol Percentage Matters

Not all alcoholic drinks are the same. The amount of ethanol in different beverages is measured as "alcohol by volume" (ABV). You'll find this percentage on the container—sometimes in small print, but it's there! ABV indicates how strong a drink is: the higher the percentage, the more potent the alcohol.

Both high and low ABV drinks come with risks. Stronger drinks can lead to intoxication faster, increasing the chance of alcohol poisoning. Meanwhile, lower-ABV options might trick you into thinking you're sober until the effects hit all at once. That’s a recipe for trouble!

So how much is too much? This is where "alcohol units" or "standard drinks" become important.

What Is a "Standard Drink"?

According to the NIAAA, one standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• 12 ounces of regular beer (typically 5% alcohol)
• 5 ounces of wine (typically 12% alcohol)
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (typically 40% alcohol)

Alcohol Percentage Content Countdown

1. Beer: Buyer Beware

Beer is one of the world's most popular drinks. In 2021 alone, global consumption reached about 185.60 million kiloliters—enough to fill the Tokyo Dome roughly 150 times. China has been the top consumer for 19 years, with the U.S. not far behind. Consumption even rose after the COVID-19 pandemic, adding about 7.13 million kiloliters compared to the previous year.

However, beer's popularity is now declining. Rising craft beer prices and the sober-curious movement have contributed to lower sales. In fact, 2023 saw the lowest beer shipments in 25 years.

Typical alcohol content: 4% to 6%, though it can range from 0.5% for low-alcohol versions to over 12% for strong craft brews. The brewing process and yeast type affect the final ABV.

Note of caution: Even though beer generally has lower alcohol content, drinking large amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning, liver disease, and dependency.

2. Cider: When Apples Let Loose

Hard cider is similar to beer in alcohol content and production. It's fermented from sugary fruits, usually apples. The type of apples and fermentation length influence the ABV, which typically falls between 4% and 8%.

Note of caution: Cider's sweet taste can mask the alcohol, making it easy to overconsume. This can lead to intoxication, dizziness, severe hangovers, and long-term health issues if it becomes a habit.

3. Seltzer: Sneaky Sips

Hard seltzers have surged in popularity, often marketed as a "healthier" alternative to beer. Made by fermenting sugar cane or mixing carbonated water with alcohol and flavoring, they resemble regular seltzer. The market grew from $12.45 billion to $14.65 billion in just one year and continues to rise.

Typical alcohol content: 4% to 6%, similar to beer.

Note of caution: Despite marketing, hard seltzer isn't light or refreshing compared to non-alcoholic options. It can still dehydrate you and cause unpleasant hangovers, especially if you drink more than planned.

4. Wine: Watch Your Glass

Wine can be tricky when monitoring ABV. Typical reds and whites range from 12% to 15%, with some zinfandels reaching 17% or higher. Fortified wines like port or sherry can hit 20%.

Note of caution: A standard drink is 5 ounces, but many wine glasses hold much more. Restaurants often pour double servings. Long-term excessive consumption increases risks of heart disease and alcohol dependence.

5. Brandy or Cognac: Behind the Glamour

Brandy and cognac have a sophisticated image and are produced by distilling wine, which raises the ABV to 35–60%.

Note of caution: These drinks are much stronger than wine. Proceed with caution, especially if you're sensitive to high-alcohol beverages or tend to overindulge.

6. Tequila and Gin: Take It Slow

These are distilled spirits, made through fermentation and distillation. Tequila, from the blue agave plant, must be at least 35% ABV (usually around 40%). Gin, made from juniper berries, also typically hovers around 40%.

Note of caution: Tequila shots can quickly lead to dangerous intoxication and risky behavior. Gin's medicinal aroma might suggest health benefits, but the distillation process removes any advantages from juniper berries.

7. Rum: Rocky Road Ahead

Rum is made from sugarcane byproducts like molasses or sugarcane juice, through fermentation and distillation. Historically, it was used as currency and mixed with water by pirates to make "grog."

Typical alcohol content: Around 40%, but overproof rums can reach up to 75%.

Note of caution: Overproof rum is especially hazardous and can cause rapid alcohol poisoning. Long-term abuse may lead to brain damage and liver disease.

8. Whiskey

Whiskey is distilled from fermented grains like barley, corn, rye, or wheat and aged in casks for years—sometimes up to 70!

Typical alcohol content: 40% to 50%.

Note of caution: Like other hard liquors, whiskey can cause quick intoxication. High congener levels may worsen hangovers, especially headaches.

9. Vodka

Vodka is typically distilled from grains, potatoes, or fruits. It's usually around 40% ABV but can be as high as 95%.

Note of caution: Vodka's clear appearance and lack of strong flavor make it easy to overconsume, risking rapid intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and organ damage.

Summing Up

Alcohol content can sneak up on you if you're not careful. Stay aware of what's in your glass, and consider trying mocktails for new flavors without the morning headache. If you're ready to change your relationship with alcohol for good, Quitemate is here to help!