Many people are surprised to learn what counts as an actual drink. In Canada, a ‘standard’ drink is any drink that contains about 13.6 grams of “pure” alcohol. Once you know what a standard drink is you will know how much alcohol you are actually drinking. One Standard Drink Equals:
Remember, high alcohol % beer, coolers, cider and fortified wines contain more than one standard drink. To read more about Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, click on the image above .Watch this short video that explains Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. Learn about:
Home How much is too much What counts as a drink? What's a “standard drink”?
Take it with you Download or order the free 20-page booklet, “Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol & Your Health” In the United States, a “standard drink” (also known as an alcoholic drink equivalent) is defined as any drink that contains about 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. Although the drinks pictured here are different sizes, each contains approximately the same amount of alcohol and counts as one U.S. standard drink or one alcoholic drink equivalent. 12 fl oz of regular beer
about 5% alcohol =
8–10 fl oz of malt liquor or flavored malt beverages such as hard seltzer |