Standard Drink: What Counts as One?

What is considered a "standard drink"?

Which of these is considered a "standard drink? a) A large glass of wine (approx. 10 oz.) b) A can of beer (approx. 12 oz.) c) Two shots of liquor (approx. 3 oz.)

Answer: option (b)

Answer and Explanation

In the United States, a "standard drink" is any drink containing approximately 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol, equivalent to a 12 oz. can of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1.5 oz. of liquor.

Among the choices given: a large glass of wine (approx. 10 oz.), a can of beer (approx. 12 oz.) and two shots of liquor (approx. 3 oz.), the one considered a "standard drink" is a can of beer (approx. 12 oz.).

A "standard drink" in the United States is generally understood to be any drink that contains about 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. This would roughly equate to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces (1 shot) of liquor.

Therefore, two shots of liquor (approx. 3 oz.) would be considered two standard drinks, and a large glass of wine (approx. 10 oz.) would usually equate to about two standard drinks as well, depending on the alcohol content of the specific wine.