How much vodka is one drink? Understanding standard drink sizes

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard alcoholic drink contains approximately 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol. This measure helps define serving sizes across different beverages, including answering how much vodka is one drink. Understanding this standard is crucial for responsible consumption and accurately tracking your intake of spirits.

Quick Summary

A standard drink of 80-proof vodka is 1.5 ounces, which contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, the same amount found in a 12-ounce beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine. This guide explains standard drink equivalents and how to properly measure servings to ensure moderation.

Key Points

Standard Measurement: A standard drink of 80-proof vodka is 1.5 fluid ounces, equivalent to one shot.
Pure Alcohol Content: One standard drink, regardless of the beverage type, contains 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol.
ABV Matters: The amount of liquid needed for a standard drink changes with the alcohol by volume (ABV), which is why a shot of vodka is smaller than a glass of wine.
Mixed Drinks Can Vary: Cocktails often contain more than one standard drink, so measure spirits carefully at home and be mindful when ordering out.
Individual Factors: How alcohol affects you depends on personal factors like body weight, gender, and food intake, in addition to the amount consumed.
Responsible Consumption: Using a jigger or measuring tool is the most accurate way to ensure responsible and moderate intake of vodka.

Demystifying the Standard Drink

Determining what constitutes a 'standard drink' is the first step toward responsible alcohol consumption. It's not based on the size of the glass or bottle, but rather the amount of pure alcohol (ethanol) it contains. In the United States, this is defined as 0.6 fluid ounces (or 14 grams) of pure alcohol. For vodka and other distilled spirits, which are typically 80 proof (40% Alcohol by Volume or ABV), this translates into a specific serving size. Many people underestimate the alcohol content in mixed drinks, which can contain far more than a single standard serving of vodka. This guide will provide clarity on proper measurements and serving equivalents.

The Standard Vodka Pour

For an 80-proof vodka, one standard drink is 1.5 fluid ounces. This is the amount you would typically find in a measured shot glass or a jigger. The 80 proof designation signifies that the spirit is 40% alcohol by volume. It's important to remember that this standard assumes the vodka is 80 proof. Higher-proof vodkas contain more alcohol, meaning a smaller volume is considered a standard drink. Conversely, lower-proof options would require a larger volume to equal one standard drink.

Common Vodka Drinks and Standard Measures

Straight Shot: A 1.5-ounce pour is one standard drink.
Vodka Tonic/Soda: If made with a single jigger (1.5 oz) of 80-proof vodka, it is one standard drink. Extra care should be taken with mixed drinks, as bartenders may pour a 'heavy' or double shot, which would increase the drink count.
Martini: A classic vodka martini can be two or more standard drinks, depending on the pour size. Many cocktails use a 2-ounce pour of the primary spirit, making them more than one standard drink.
Cocktails with high-proof vodka: If using a high-proof vodka (e.g., 100 proof), a 1.5-ounce pour is no longer a single standard drink. A higher proof means you get more alcohol in a smaller volume.

Comparing Vodka to Other Alcoholic Beverages

Understanding standard drink equivalents across different types of alcohol helps put the 1.5-ounce vodka serving into perspective. Each of these examples contains approximately the same amount of pure alcohol (0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams).


Beverage Type	Serving Size	ABV (Approximate)	Standard Drinks Equivalent
Vodka (80-Proof)	1.5 fl oz	40%	1
Regular Beer	12 fl oz	5%	1
Table Wine	5 fl oz	12%	1
Malt Liquor	8-9 fl oz	7%	1
Fortified Wine (e.g., Sherry)	3-4 fl oz	17%	1

As the table illustrates, the volume of a serving changes drastically based on the alcohol content. This is why a standard drink of wine (5 fl oz) is much larger than a standard drink of vodka (1.5 fl oz), even though they contain the same amount of pure alcohol.

Factors Influencing How Alcohol Affects You

It's not just the number of standard drinks that matters. How your body processes alcohol is influenced by several factors. A 1.5-ounce pour may be a standard drink, but the speed at which you consume it can affect your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The human body can typically metabolize about one standard drink per hour, but this varies.

Key factors affecting alcohol metabolism:

Body Weight: Individuals with higher body mass tend to have a larger volume of water in their bodies, which dilutes the alcohol.
Gender: Women generally have less body water and higher body fat than men of the same weight, leading to higher BAC levels after consuming the same amount of alcohol.
Food Intake: Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to a faster and more significant spike in BAC compared to drinking with food. Food slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
Metabolism: Personal metabolic rate, which can be influenced by age, can affect how quickly alcohol is processed.

Practicing Responsible Consumption

Knowing how much vodka is one drink is the first step towards drinking responsibly. It is crucial to measure your spirits when making mixed drinks at home rather than free-pouring. When out at a bar, it is wise to be mindful that a single mixed drink could contain a double shot. Many health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provide clear guidelines to help adults make informed decisions about their alcohol intake.

Conclusion

One standard drink of vodka is defined as 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof spirit. This metric is based on the universal standard of 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol, allowing for direct comparison across beer, wine, and liquor. By understanding and adhering to this standard, along with considering personal factors that affect alcohol metabolism, individuals can make more informed decisions about their consumption. Always measure your spirits and be aware that a 'drink' in a social setting may be larger than the official standard. Practicing moderation is key to enjoying alcohol safely and responsibly. More information and tools for tracking standard drinks are available from authoritative sources like the NIAAA website..

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption, please consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the United States, a standard drink of 80-proof vodka (40% ABV) is 1.5 fluid ounces, which is the amount typically found in a single measured shot.

A standard drink of 80-proof vodka is 1.5 ounces. This contains the same amount of pure alcohol (0.6 fl oz) as a 12-ounce regular beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine.

Yes, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka is considered one standard drink. The key is that the shot is a proper 1.5-ounce measure.

A shot of vodka is smaller because it has a much higher alcohol content (typically 40% ABV) compared to wine (typically 12% ABV). The standard drink size is based on the pure alcohol content, not the volume.

It can be difficult to tell, as bartenders sometimes use 'heavy' or double pours. To be certain, you can ask the bartender about the pour size. When making drinks at home, use a jigger or measuring cup to ensure accuracy.

Yes, the standard 1.5-ounce measure is for 80-proof vodka. Higher-proof vodkas will have more alcohol in the same volume, meaning a standard drink is a smaller pour. For example, a 100-proof vodka contains 50% ABV.

While a standard drink of either contains the same amount of pure alcohol, the speed of consumption can differ. Because you can drink a shot of vodka faster than a 12-ounce beer, it can lead to a quicker increase in your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).