Alcohol Content in Different Drinks

Different alcoholic drinks contain different amounts of percent alcohol by volume. This is why certain drinks cause faster intoxication than others. You should be familiar with the usual alcohol content of different common drinks so that you can make informed drinking decisions.

Beer: Most beers are about 5% alcohol by volume. However, many beers vary in their alcohol content. Some light beers have less than 5%, and some specialty beers have a much higher alcohol content, ranging from 12% to more than 20% alcohol by volume. In addition, although many draft beers are served in 12 oz glasses, they can also be served in 16, 18, or 22 oz glasses.

Wine: Most wines are similar enough in alcohol content so that one 4 to 5 oz glass is the equivalent to one standard drink. One wine cooler is equal in alcohol content to one glass of wine.

Shots: Most shots are made with vodka, rum, whiskey, or tequila, each of which is usually 80 proof, meaning they contain 40% alcohol. However, some liquors have higher alcohol content, such as a “151” rum, named for its proof.

Mixed drinks: Mixed drinks are highly variable in alcohol content because different establishments use different amounts and different types of liquor in each drink. One bartender may use one shot of liquor in a drink, while another bartender may use varying amounts of different liquors in a drink of the same name. Although some drinks have certain ingredients in the standard method of preparation, not all variations on the drink will have the same alcohol content.

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It is important to keep track of the amount of alcohol you consume throughout the night so that you can make informed driving decisions later on. If you have been charged with DUI, contact Rhode Island DUI defense lawyer James Powderly at 401-662-9006 for help with your case.