A standard drink: a 1 oz shot of 80 proof whiskey, a 5 oz glass of wine, and a 12 oz beer all contain the same amount of alcohol.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on brand
• D. Cannot determine

Answer: (A)

Understanding a standard drink means focusing on the amount of pure alcohol, not the type of beverage. A standard drink contains about 14 grams (0.6 ounce) of pure alcohol. For common values: a 1-ounce shot of 80-proof whiskey (40% ABV) has roughly 0.4 ounces of pure alcohol, which is less than a standard drink. A 5-ounce glass of wine (about 12% ABV) contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, about a standard drink. A 12-ounce beer (roughly 5% ABV) also provides about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, about a standard drink. So these three do not contain the same amount of alcohol; the whiskey shot has less, while the wine and beer are around the standard amount.