Which beverage contains the most alcohol?

The correct answer is that all options provide approximately the same amount of alcohol. To understand this, it’s important to look at the standard drink definitions used to measure alcohol content.

In the context of beverages:

• A 12 ounce beer typically contains about 5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

• A 1 ½ ounce serving of 80 proof whiskey has around 40% ABV.

• A 5 ounce glass of wine usually has an ABV of about 12-14%.

When calculated, each of these servings contains roughly the same amount of pure alcohol. Specifically, each serving—beer, whiskey, or wine—amounts to about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This standardization allows for a more accurate comparison across different types of alcoholic beverages, making it clear that they can be consumed in measures that lead to similar effects if consumed in the same volume.

Understanding this equivalency is crucial for responsible drinking, as it helps individuals gauge their alcohol consumption regardless of the type of beverage they choose.