What Percent Alcohol is MD 20/20? The Definitive Guide to Mad Dog ABV

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

MD 20/20, a brand often nicknamed 'Mad Dog,' is a fortified wine with an alcohol content that varies by flavor, typically ranging from 13% to 18% alcohol by volume (ABV). This places its alcoholic strength significantly higher than most unfortified table wines, which generally contain between 11% and 12% ABV. The '20/20' originally referred to a 20 oz bottle size and 20% alcohol, a formula that has since been changed.

Quick Summary

The alcohol by volume (ABV) of MD 20/20 varies depending on the flavor, with most modern versions containing 13% ABV. Some discontinued and select current varieties have higher alcohol percentages, reaching up to 18%. This difference is due to its classification as a fortified wine, which has a higher alcohol content than typical table wine.

Key Points

ABV Varies by Flavor: The alcohol content for MD 20/20 is not universal and depends on the specific flavor, typically falling between 13% and 18%.
Modern Versions are Capped at 13%–13.9%: Most commonly available flavors, like Blue Raspberry and Banana Red, now have a 13% ABV, while some, like Orange Jubilee, reach 13.9%.
Original 20% ABV is Discontinued: The name '20/20' is historical, referencing a 20 oz bottle with 20% alcohol that is no longer sold.
It is a Fortified Wine: Unlike standard table wines, MD 20/20's higher alcohol level is achieved by adding distilled spirits to a grape wine base.
Historically Higher Proofs Existed: Some older or specialty varieties reached 18% ABV, though most of these have been discontinued, with the 18% Red Grape flavor being an exception in some markets.

Current MD 20/20 Alcohol Content by Flavor

MD 20/20 is produced by Mogen David and is classified as a flavored fortified wine. The alcohol content can differ based on the specific flavor, with most of the widely available options today containing a consistent 13% ABV. This is a key detail for consumers, especially considering the brand's history of offering higher-proof options. The following list highlights the ABV for some of the more common flavors available on the market today.

Blue Raspberry: This brightly colored beverage is bottled at a steady 13% ABV. The sweetness of the candy-like flavor profile is known to mask the alcoholic warmth, making it feel less potent than it is.
Red Grape: A staple of the MD 20/20 lineup, the Red Grape flavor is typically sold at 13% ABV in most locations. However, historically and in some markets, it has been available at a higher 18% ABV, though these are now rarer.
Banana Red: Known for its sweet and tangy taste, the Banana Red variety is also produced with a 13% ABV. Like many of the sweeter flavors, the strong fruit profile helps balance the taste of the alcohol.
Orange Jubilee: For those seeking a slightly higher punch, some versions of Orange Jubilee contain 13.9% ABV, offering a greater alcohol concentration than the base 13% varieties.
Electric Melon: Another flavor offering a higher kick, Electric Melon is often found with a 13.9% ABV. This fortified wine boasts a fresh melon taste with subtle sweetness.

The Historical Context of MD 20/20's ABV

The brand's origin story helps explain the discrepancy in alcohol content. The name 'MD 20/20' is a nod to a past iteration of the product. When first introduced, the '20/20' stood for a 20-ounce bottle containing 20% alcohol by volume. Over time, changes in market preferences and regulations led the producer, Mogen David, to decrease the alcohol percentage and alter the bottle size. The higher ABV versions were largely discontinued, though select flavors like Red Grape lingered for a time at the stronger concentration. This is why modern MD 20/20 is often found at a lower, but still robust, 13% ABV. This level of alcohol content is achieved through a process called fortification, where a distilled spirit, such as citrus spirits, is added to the grape wine base.

Comparison: MD 20/20 vs. Common Alcoholic Beverages

To better understand where MD 20/20 stands in terms of alcohol content, it is helpful to compare it against other popular drinks. Its status as a fortified wine positions it above standard table wines, but below hard liquors.


Beverage Category	Typical ABV Range	MD 20/20 ABV Range	Key Characteristics
Standard Table Wine	11%–12% ABV	N/A	Lighter body and less intense flavor compared to fortified options.
MD 20/20 Fortified Wine	13%–18% ABV	13%–18% ABV	Often sweeter and more potent than standard table wines due to fortification.
Craft Beer	5%–10% ABV	N/A	Flavors vary widely; generally lower alcohol content.
Hard Seltzer	4%–6% ABV	N/A	Light and bubbly with low alcohol, often fruit-flavored.
Hard Liquor	40%+ ABV (e.g., vodka)	N/A	Significantly higher alcohol concentration, typically consumed in smaller quantities or mixed.

How MD 20/20 Achieves its Potency

The fortification process is what gives MD 20/20 its higher alcohol content compared to a regular table wine. The base is a simple grape wine, which naturally ferments to produce alcohol. However, a distilled spirit is added to this base to increase the total alcohol percentage. This technique is also used to create other fortified wines, such as sherry and port, though MD 20/20 is known for its distinct, fruity flavor profile and lower-cost production. The result is a drink that offers a higher level of alcohol than expected for its wine classification, a characteristic that has historically made it popular with certain demographics.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of what percent alcohol is MD 20/20 does not have a single answer, as the ABV is dependent on the flavor. While the original product boasted a higher 20% ABV, today's commonly available versions hover around 13% to 13.9%, with some discontinued and rare current versions reaching up to 18%. This range positions MD 20/20 as a stronger option than typical table wine, a characteristic achieved through the fortification of a grape wine base with additional spirits. Consumers should always check the label of the specific bottle they are purchasing to confirm the exact alcohol percentage. For a deeper dive into the history and production of this unique beverage, you can explore the Wikipedia entry for MD 20/20.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common alcohol percentage for MD 20/20 today is 13% ABV. This applies to many of the popular flavors, such as Blue Raspberry, Banana Red, and the standard Red Grape.

No, the original 20% alcohol version of MD 20/20 has been discontinued. The '20/20' name is historical and no longer reflects the product's current ABV.

MD 20/20 has a higher alcohol content than most standard table wines. A typical table wine is around 11%–12% ABV, whereas MD 20/20 is a fortified wine with an ABV range of 13%–18%.

While many flavors are 13% ABV, some, like Orange Jubilee and Electric Melon, are made with a slightly higher 13.9% ABV. Additionally, the Red Grape flavor has historically been available at 18% ABV in some specific markets.

The 'MD' in MD 20/20 stands for Mogen David, the producer of the fortified wine. The drink is also popularly known by its nickname, 'Mad Dog'.

MD 20/20 is a fortified wine, which means a distilled spirit (typically citrus spirits) is added to the grape wine base to increase its alcohol by volume. This process makes it more potent than a naturally fermented, unfortified wine.

Most of the 18% ABV varieties of MD 20/20 were discontinued, but some versions of the Red Grape flavor have been reported to still be available at 18% ABV in certain areas, though they are not common.