Will a shot of whiskey get you drunker than a can of beer?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, a standard shot of 80-proof whiskey and a standard can of 5% ABV beer contain the same amount of pure alcohol. This fact challenges the common misconception that a small glass of hard liquor is more intoxicating than a larger volume of beer, but the truth behind whether a shot of whiskey will get you drunker than a can of beer is more complex than just a simple volume comparison.

Quick Summary

The intoxication level from a shot of whiskey versus a can of beer depends primarily on drinking speed and absorption rate, not just the alcohol concentration. Although containing similar ethanol, factors like carbonation and the speed of consumption cause different effects on the body.

Key Points

Standard Drink Equality: A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof whiskey contains the same amount of pure alcohol (0.6 oz) as a standard 12 oz can of 5% ABV beer.
Consumption Speed Matters: The primary reason a shot feels more intoxicating is because it's consumed much faster than a can of beer, causing a rapid spike in blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Higher Concentration, Faster Absorption: The higher alcohol concentration in whiskey leads to faster absorption into the bloodstream compared to the more dilute beer.
Body and Gender Influences: Individual factors like body weight, body composition, and gender affect how quickly and intensely you feel alcohol's effects.
Carbonation Speeds Things Up: Some studies suggest that carbonated beverages, like beer or certain mixers, can slightly increase the rate of alcohol absorption.
Slower is Safer: Pacing your drinks, whether it's beer or whiskey, is the best way to manage your intoxication level and reduce negative health consequences.

Standard Drink vs. Intoxication: The Key Difference

At the core of the matter is the concept of a 'standard drink.' In the United States, a standard drink contains approximately 0.6 ounces (17.7 ml) of pure alcohol. By this definition, a 12-ounce can of 5% ABV beer and a 1.5-ounce shot of 40% ABV (80-proof) liquor both qualify as a single standard drink, containing nearly identical amounts of ethanol.

Therefore, in a direct, one-for-one comparison consumed over the same timeframe, a standard shot of whiskey and a standard can of beer will introduce the same amount of alcohol into your bloodstream. The feeling of being 'drunker' isn't due to the total amount of alcohol but rather how quickly that alcohol is absorbed and how rapidly your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises.

Why a Shot Often Feels More Intoxicating

So, if the amount of alcohol is the same, why does a shot of whiskey often feel more potent? The answer lies in the speed of consumption. It is far easier and quicker to consume a 1.5-ounce shot than it is to drink a 12-ounce can of beer. This rapid intake causes a much faster spike in your BAC. A sudden, high concentration of alcohol affects the brain more intensely, leading to a quicker onset of intoxicating effects.

The Impact of Absorption Speed

Several physiological factors also contribute to how quickly alcohol enters your bloodstream:

Concentration: Hard liquor, like whiskey, has a much higher alcohol concentration than beer. Highly concentrated alcohol is absorbed more rapidly through the stomach lining and small intestine.
Carbonation: Many mixers used with whiskey, and beer itself, are carbonated. Carbonation has been shown to increase the rate of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream.
Food in Stomach: Drinking on an empty stomach allows alcohol to pass quickly into the small intestine, where it is absorbed rapidly. Food slows this process down by obstructing the alcohol's contact with the stomach lining. The volume of beer can have a similar effect, occupying space and physically slowing absorption compared to a quick, small shot of whiskey.

Beer vs. Whiskey: A Comparison Table


Feature	1.5 oz Shot (40% ABV) Whiskey	12 oz Can (5% ABV) Beer
Pure Alcohol Content	~0.6 ounces (17.7 ml)	~0.6 ounces (17.7 ml)
Consumption Speed	Typically consumed very quickly	Usually consumed slowly over a longer period
Alcohol Concentration	High (40% ABV)	Low (5% ABV)
Effect on BAC	Causes a rapid spike in BAC	Causes a gradual rise in BAC
Absorption Rate	Faster, especially on an empty stomach	Slower, partially due to lower concentration and larger volume
Feeling of Intoxication	Quicker, more intense feeling of 'buzz'	Slower, more subtle onset of effects

Other Factors Influencing Intoxication

Beyond the drink itself, numerous individual variables determine how intoxicated you become. These factors explain why the same drink can affect different people in varying ways.

Body Weight and Composition: Individuals with less body mass or a higher body fat percentage will often experience the effects of alcohol more intensely. Alcohol is distributed throughout the body's water content, and a smaller person has less water to dilute the alcohol.
Gender: Differences in metabolism and body composition mean that women typically feel the effects of alcohol more quickly than men.
Tolerance: Regular drinkers may develop a tolerance, requiring more alcohol to feel the same effects. This is not the same as being immune to alcohol's dangers.
Fatigue and Mood: Being tired or under stress can affect how your body processes alcohol, potentially making you feel drunker faster.
Genetics: Genetic factors can influence an individual's alcohol metabolism and response, leading to differing levels of intoxication from the same amount of alcohol.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Ultimately, a single shot of whiskey and a single can of beer contain the same amount of pure alcohol, provided they are standard servings. The perception that a shot gets you drunker stems from the speed of consumption. A shot is typically drunk quickly, causing a sharp, immediate spike in your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A beer, consumed over a longer period, leads to a more gradual increase in BAC, which feels less intense. For this reason, it's crucial to understand the rate of consumption and other personal factors when assessing intoxication, as it is the speed and concentration, not just the volume, that truly dictates the immediate effect. Responsible drinking involves being mindful of both the amount and the pace of your alcohol intake to manage your BAC safely. For additional information on alcohol's effects, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

In terms of alcohol concentration, yes, a shot of whiskey (40% ABV) is significantly stronger than a beer (typically 5% ABV). However, a standard serving of both contains the same amount of pure alcohol.

Shots cause a quicker and more intense feeling of intoxication because they are consumed rapidly. This results in a sharp, immediate spike in your blood alcohol content (BAC), whereas drinking a beer over time leads to a more gradual increase.

Yes, eating a meal before drinking can slow down the rate at which your body absorbs alcohol. This gives your liver more time to process the alcohol, leading to a lower and slower-rising blood alcohol concentration.

Mixing different types of drinks, like whiskey and beer, doesn't inherently make you drunker. The total amount of alcohol consumed and the speed at which you drink are what matter most. A hangover might feel worse due to congeners in darker liquors, but it doesn't change your intoxication level.

The effects of alcohol can be felt within 15 to 45 minutes of consumption. How quickly you feel intoxicated depends on several factors, including your individual metabolism, what you've eaten, and the speed of consumption.

Excessive consumption of any type of alcohol can have serious health consequences. Neither beer nor whiskey is 'better' for your health, but drinking in moderation and spacing out your consumption is always recommended regardless of the drink.

Yes, individuals who drink regularly can develop a higher tolerance to alcohol, meaning they need more alcohol to feel the same effects. This is a physiological adaptation and does not mean they are immune to the negative impacts of alcohol.