Alcohol equivalence

Alcohol equivalence refers to the fact that United States standard drinks of alcoholic beverages contain equivalent amounts of alcohol, which is 0.6 U.S. fluid ounce (18 ml) each.

A standard drink consists of (a) a 12-ounce bottle or can of regular beer (b), a 5-ounce glass of regular (dinner) wine, and (c) a one and ½ ounce drink of 80 proof (40%) distilled spirits  or liquor (either straight or in a mixed drink).

The facts of alcohol beverage equivalence are emphasized as important to drinking in moderation and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), American Dietetic Association, National Consumers League, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), among others.

Source

 * Alcohol Equivalence