Consuming alcohol is legal in the majority of the U.S. for adults ages 21 and older. Alcohol is a beverage made from fermented grains or fruit, and it has been part of human civilization for at least 10,000 years. There are many kinds of alcohol from many cultures across the globe, although the types of alcohol are standardized to beer, wine, and liquor in the United States to help structure laws around drinking.
There are several subcategories to beer, wine, and liquor, and these subcategories help to define and regulate the production of specific alcoholic beverages. Understanding the specifics of alcohol types and content helps manufacturers, retail salespeople, bartenders, and consumers determine how much alcohol is in one serving, and therefore how much is consumed.
Drinking may be legal for many adults. But even legal substances are associated with physical dependence and addiction. At American Addiction Centers, we provide medical detox, treatment, and ongoing care. If you believe you have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), reach out to one of our admissions navigators at 973-862-4820 for the help that you need today.
Alcohol Percentage in Drinks
- Vodka | ABV: 40-95%
- Gin | ABV: 36-50%
- Rum | ABV: 36-50%
- Whiskey | ABV: 36-50%
- Tequila | ABV: 50-51%
- Liqueurs | ABV: 15%
- Fortified Wine | ABV: 16-24%
- Unfortified Wine | ABV: 14-16%
- Beer | ABV: 4-8%
- Malt Beverage | ABV: 15%
How Alcohol Servings Are Measured
The type of alcohol consumed in alcoholic beverages is ethanol, typically produced by yeast during the fermentation process. While there are other types of alcohol – such as isopropyl or butyl alcohol – these are not safe for human consumption.
The amount of alcohol found in beer, wine, and spirits can vary a little based on how high the proof is, which is measured in the U.S. with alcohol by volume (ABV) percentages. Proof for alcohol is generally twice the percentage of alcohol listed. Serving sizes have been standardized for legal reasons to contain roughly 0.6 ounces of alcohol per serving.
Serving measurements include:
- 5 ounces of wine per glass, 24 proof or 12 percent ABV
- 12 ounces of beer per serving, 10 proof or 5 percent ABV
- 1.5 ounces of liquor or spirits per shot, 80 proof or 40 percent ABV
Mixed drinks, cocktails, wine coolers, punch, and other types of combined alcoholic beverages are measured in legal terms using the above servings, although servers themselves may not be as careful about pouring.
For brewing purposes, the average alcohol content of beer is generally between 3 percent and 7 percent ABV; wine alcohol content ranges between 9 percent and 14 percent ABV, unless it is fortified; and spirits begin at around 20 percent ABV, but some states allow up to 95 percent ABV.