How much alcohol (in grams) is in a “standard” liquor pour?
A “standard drink” is usually defined around 14 grams of pure alcohol. That corresponds to about:
- 1.5 ounces (44 mL) of 80-proof liquor (vodka, whiskey, rum, etc.)
So, a standard liquor pour typically contains about 14 grams of alcohol.
What if the pour is 1 ounce, 2 ounces, or “double”?
Alcohol by weight scales roughly with the amount poured (same proof/strength). If 1.5 oz is 14 g, then:
- 1 ounce: about 9.3 g
- 2 ounces: about 18.7 g
- 2.5 ounces (“double-plus” depending on venue): about 23.3 g
Does proof (ABV) change the alcohol weight?
Yes. The grams of alcohol depend on both volume and proof (ABV). For example, a 1.5 oz pour at 80 proof is about 14 g, but a higher-ABV spirit (higher proof) increases the grams of alcohol for the same volume, while a lower-ABV spirit decreases it.
Why do different bars/people report different “standard pour” numbers?
Because “standard pour” can mean different things operationally:
- Some places pour 1.0 oz, others 1.5 oz, and many use 2.0 oz “doubles.”
- Proof varies by brand (not every spirit is exactly 80 proof).
Those two factors can change both the grams of alcohol and the number of standard drinks.
Quick rule of thumb
If you mean a typical U.S. standard liquor measure (1.5 oz of 80-proof), the alcohol weight is about 14 grams of pure alcohol.