ServSafe Alcohol Practice Exam

Which of the following can be counted as one standard drink?

1. 20 ounce beer

2. 6 ounce glass of wine

3. 2 ounces of 80 proof liquor

4. 1 ounce of 100 proof liquor

The correct answer is: 1 ounce of 100 proof liquor

One standard drink is defined by the amount of alcohol it contains, which is typically about 14 grams of pure alcohol. In terms of common beverages, this roughly translates to certain specific volumes for beer, wine, and distilled spirits. In the case of 100 proof liquor, which is 50% alcohol by volume, 1 ounce contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, making it equivalent to one standard drink. This aligns perfectly with the definition of a standard drink, highlighting that even with higher alcohol concentration, a smaller quantity can still be considered one standard drink. On the other hand, the other options exceed the standard serving size for a single drink. A 20-ounce beer typically contains much more than 14 grams of alcohol, while a 6-ounce glass of wine is also larger than the standard 5-ounce serving that is commonly accepted. Similarly, 2 ounces of 80 proof liquor, being 40% alcohol by volume, contains more than the definition of one standard drink due to its higher volume. Therefore, understanding the specific measurements and alcohol content of various drinks is crucial for anyone managing alcohol service.