Understanding what counts as a standard drink can make a big difference in how we manage our alcohol intake. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has released a clear, easy-to-read infographic that illustrates what a standard drink looks like for beer, wine, spirits, coolers, ciders, and ready-to-drink beverages. It highlights that even drinks of the same size can have very different alcohol content — and therefore, different health risks.

The infographic emphasizes two simple strategies to reduce alcohol-related health risks: choosing smaller drinks and opting for lower-alcohol beverages. For example, a 341 ml beer with 5% alcohol equals one standard drink, while a 375 ml glass of wine with 12% alcohol can contain as much as 2.6 standard drinks. Small adjustments, like picking a lower-alcohol version of your usual drink or reducing your serving size, can help you stay within safer limits.

To support informed choices, the infographic includes links to a standard drink calculator and Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health. These tools help you track how much you’re actually drinking and better understand the potential impacts on your health — from cancer and heart disease to injuries and violence. The message is clear: drinking less is better for your body and mind.

Learn more at:
https://www.ccsa.ca/canadas-guidance-alcohol-and-health
https://knowalcohol.ca/standard-drinks/ (Canada, 2025)