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Alcoholic beverages

Beer, wine, and liquor (distilled spirits) are alcoholic beverages. The following common alcoholic beverages contain equal amounts of alcohol:

  • One 12fl oz bottle of beer or wine cooler
  • One 5fl oz glass of wine
  • One mixed drink containing 1.5fl oz of 80-proof liquor, such as gin, whiskey, or rum

Proof is the percentage of alcohol in an alcoholic drink. The percentage of pure alcohol is usually one-half the proof (for example, 100-proof liquor is about 50% pure alcohol). The higher the proof, the more pure alcohol the drink contains.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Paul Lehnert
Editor Roya Camp
Editor Katy E. Magee, MA
Associate Editor Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer James R. McKay, PhD
- Psychology
Last Updated February 15, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 15, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.