the facts about alcohol

Get the facts about how alcohol may affect your body, and how to make informed decisions when you choose to drink.

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Alcohol is alcohol

Alcohol beverages—whether it’s wine, beer, or a spirit—all have one thing in common: each contains ethanol, a biologically active compound made when special yeasts break down natural sugars and starches. The global standard for measuring alcohol content in alcoholic beverages is ABV or Alcohol by Volume.  

Regardless of the source the effects of alcohol on the body are the same. The primary variable is how each of us metabolizes alcohol. Other factors, such as age and food and water intake, also play a role.

Equivalent of One Standard Drink

explore standard drinks

A standard drink amount varies from country to country, as do the policies and laws regarding safe consumption limits. Learn and explore. 

STANDARD DRINK CALCULATOR

A simple, interactive tool from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.

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EQUIVALENCE SHEET

A handy reference sheet from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.

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Know the pour standard
IARD GUIDELINES

Guidelines by country from the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.

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Italy
Australia
UK

Standard drinks around the world

In the US, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, one standard drink or “drink equivalent” contains 14g or about 18ml of pure alcohol (or ethanol).

A standard drink in Italy has 12g or about 15ml of pure alcohol.

In Australia, a standard drink contains 10g or about 12.7ml of pure alcohol.

At 8g or about 10ml of pure alcohol, the UK has the smallest standard drink definition among countries with regulations for alcohol.