“That was just one drink!”—you say while holding a mason jar filled with tequila, rum, and a splash of cola. Hate to break it to you, but “one drink” is more science than guesswork. If you're aiming to drink responsibly (and you should be), understanding what qualifies as a standard drink is key.

What Is a Standard Drink?

A standard drink in most countries contains around 14 grams of pure alcohol. In practical terms, that equals:\n- Beer (5% ABV): 330 ml bottle or can

• Wine (12% ABV): 150 ml glass
• Spirits (40% ABV): 45 ml shot

Why You Should Care

Many cocktails, wine glasses, and oversized beer mugs hold more than a standard drink. Misjudging the amount of alcohol you’re consuming can lead to overdrinking, impaired judgment, and some questionable dance moves.

Hidden Booze Bombs

• Long Island Iced Tea: Can contain up to 5 shots of different spirits
• Pitchers and buckets: Designed for sharing, often consumed solo
• Craft beers: High ABV = 1 pint may equal 2 drinks

Pro Tips

• Ask your bartender what's in the drink
• Use a drink tracker app
• If mixing drinks at home, measure your pours

Know Your Limits

If you’re aiming to stay within a limit (say, 2 or 3 drinks), you need to track actual alcohol content—not just the number of glasses.

Final Word

Drinking smart isn’t about skipping the fun—it’s about knowing what you’re drinking. So, next time you raise your glass, make sure it’s not secretly three.