Hard Seltzer Standard Drink Sizes Explained

Understanding Standard Drink Sizes For Hard Seltzers

The rise in popularity of spiked seltzers, also called hard seltzers, has led to some confusion around what constitutes a standard drink size. Many seltzer cans and bottles contain less alcohol than a typical beer or mixed drink. This article examines standard drink definitions and why a 12 ounce hard seltzer contains 1.5 ounces of alcohol.

Defining A Standard Alcoholic Drink

In the United States, a standard drink is defined as any drink that contains 0.6 ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. These are guidelines established by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Most commonly, one standard U.S. drink equals:

• 12 ounces of regular beer at 5% alcohol by volume (ABV)
• 8-9 ounces of malt liquor at 7-8% ABV
• 5 ounces of table wine at 12% ABV
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits at 40% ABV

How Hard Seltzers Fit These Guidelines

Many popular hard seltzer brands like White Claw, Truly, and Bon & Viv are made with a 5% ABV malt beverage base. This means the alcohol content is comparable to a typical beer.

Therefore, one 12 ounce can or bottle of hard seltzer at 5% ABV equals one standard U.S. drink. This serving size contains 0.6 ounces or 14 grams of alcohol, falling safely within the defined guidelines.

Why A 12 Ounce Hard Seltzer Contains 1.5 Ounces Of Alcohol

While a 12 ounce hard seltzer meets the 0.6 ounce alcohol threshold to constitute one standard drink, it does actually contain a higher total alcohol amount compared to servings like wine or liquor.

This difference has led some to compare seltzers unfairly to distilled spirits by volume, causing confusion.

Accounting For Different Alcohol Concentrations

Hard seltzers have a 5% ABV, whereas a shot of distilled spirits commonly consumed is 80 proof, or 40% alcohol. This means a shot contains a higher concentration of alcohol in a smaller volume.

It is incorrect to compare the total ounces of alcohol between a 12 ounce 5% ABV seltzer (0.6 ounces of alcohol) and a 1.5 ounce 40% ABV shot (0.6 ounces of alcohol). The standard drink definition accounts for the concentration difference.

Volume Versus Pure Alcohol Content

While a 12 ounce hard seltzer contains 1.5 fluid ounces of alcohol if you do the math on the total volume, a 1.5 ounce shot contains 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol. The latter is the standard drink amount.

So they both contain 0.6 ounces of actual alcohol, but the total volumes differ based on the dilution concentrations.

Factors Influencing Hard Seltzer Standard Drink Designations

All hard seltzers are not created equal when it comes to drink size guidelines. Factors like differences in ABV and serving container size can shift how many standard drinks are present.

ABV Percentage Differences

Most popular hard seltzer brands produce a 5% ABV product to align a 12 ounce can with being one U.S. standard drink. This matches the alcohol content of a typical beer.

However, some seltzers are made with higher alcohol concentrations like 7-8% ABV. These would contain more total alcohol per 12 ounce can, equivalent to a malt liquor standard drink.

Can Versus Bottle Sizes

While 12 ounce cans match one standard drink for a 5% ABV seltzer, larger 16-19 ounce cans or bottles would constitute more. People should carefully check the container size and adjust consumption accordingly.

Some brands also offer seltzer multi-packs with cans that are slim 8-10 ounce sizes. These represent closer to three-quarters of a standard drink.

State And Country Differences

Standard drink definitions can vary somewhat worldwide based on each country or state's health guidelines. People should be aware of their regional standards when tracking seltzer drink sizes.

Drinking Hard Seltzers Responsibly

Understanding standard alcoholic drink sizes allows people to moderate their consumption and follow local low-risk drinking guidelines. This is important even with "healthier" alcoholic options like hard seltzers that have fewer calories and carbs compared to traditional beer and cocktails.

Effects Vary By Individual Differences

Standard drink sizes are defined based on average absorption for a typical adult. But alcohol's effects can vary greatly based on biological sex, age, genetics and other factors.

People should observe how they personally respond to determine what constitutes responsible drinking levels.

Avoid Binge Drinking

Consuming 4 to 5+ standard alcoholic drinks within 2 hours is considered binge drinking. Rapidly consuming this quantity of hard seltzers to get intoxicated quickly is risky.

Sticking within the U.S. Dietary Guidelines advice of up to 1 drink daily for women and 2 for men is a lower risk approach aligned with health.

Don't Drink And Drive

Despite their light, fruity flavor profiles, hard seltzers cause alcohol impairment like any other drink. Operating vehicles or machinery with any amount of alcohol in one's system endangers lives.

People should arrange alternate transportation options before consuming hard seltzers if vehicles will be involved.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.