While there is some variation, standard drinks — a 12 oz. beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine, and a 1 ½ oz. shot of spirits — generally contain the same amount of alcohol, about .6 oz. As far as your body, or a breathalyzer, is concerned, there is no difference.
So, that 32 oz. beer isn't "just one beer" any more than the average Long Island Iced Tea or Grande Margarita is "just one drink." And if someone at your table keeps refilling your wine glass before it's empty, how do you know how many "glasses" of wine you had at the end of the evening?
How can you handle this? Don't refill a partially empty glass; don't order a second drink before you've finished the first, and when you plan how you're going to drink smart®, think in terms of "standard" drinks.
