Why are cocktails so strong? A deep dive into potent spirits
                                
                                
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                                    5 min read                                
                            
                                According to the National Institutes of Health, a standard drink in the U.S. contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, but a single cocktail can contain two or more standard drinks, making them surprisingly potent. Understanding why are cocktails so strong is the first step toward appreciating their complexity and enjoying them responsibly.