Knowing how much you drink helps you understand your risk.
In Canada, one standard drink is:
One beer, cider or cooler (341 mL / 12 oz, five per cent)
Some beers, ciders or coolers can have a higher alcohol content. This means more standard drinks per beverage.
One glass of wine (142 mL / five oz, 12 per cent)
A typical bottle of wine has 5 standard drinks. In a restaurant, one glass of wine might be six or nine ounces which is more than one standard drink.
One shot of spirits - vodka, rum, whisky or gin (43 mL / one and a half oz, 40 per cent)
An average cocktail can have two or more standard drinks. Premium spirits can have higher alcohol content which will increase number of standard drinks.
Health risks add up. Take this quiz to check your risk. Want to know more about how alcohol impacts health?
Every drink counts. Even drinking a little less or having more alcohol free days can improve your health. Drinking less is better.
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, Canadian Center on Substance use and Addiction.
Drinking affects everyone differently
Alcohol’s effects depend on many factors, such as how much and how fast you drink, your body, mood, medications, and overall health.
What is binge drinking?
Binge drinking usually means:
- Five or more drinks in one sitting for men.
- Four or more drinks in one sitting for women.
Drinking many drinks at once increases health and safety risks. Spacing drinks out — or drinking less — lowers these risks.
Explore ways to drink less and find support if you want help.