Alcohol is a popular beverage all around the world. It comes in different shapes, sizes, and quantities. One of the most popular sizes for alcohol bottles in the US is a fifth. A fifth bottle is also known as a 750ml bottle. But do you ever wonder how much alcohol is in a fifth?
In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and many more. So, let’s dive into the world of alcohol measurement!
The Basics of Alcohol Measurements
Before we can answer the question of how much alcohol is in a fifth, we need to understand the basics of alcohol measurements. There are three common measurements used for alcohol:
- Proof: A measure of the amount of alcohol in a liquid. In the US, proof is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, 80 proof is 40% ABV.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): A measure of the amount of alcohol in a liquid as a percentage of the total volume.
- Alcohol by Weight (ABW): A measure of the amount of alcohol in a liquid as a percentage of the total weight.
The most common measurement used in the US is proof. However, some other countries use ABV or ABW instead.
Understanding Alcohol Proof
Alcohol proof is a measure of the amount of alcohol in a liquid. It is used primarily in the US and is calculated as twice the percentage of ABV. For example, 80 proof is 40% ABV.
Alcohol proof was first used as a way to measure the alcohol content of spirits during the 18th century. At that time, spirits were often watered down to reduce the taxes required for full-strength alcohol, and the alcohol content was measured by adding gunpowder to the liquid and testing its flammability. If the gunpowder ignited, the spirit was considered to be “proof.”
Today, alcohol proof is still used to determine the alcohol content of spirits in the US. Generally, any alcohol that is over 80 proof is considered to be strong or “hard” liquor.
Measuring Alcohol by Volume
Alcohol by volume (ABV) is a measure of the amount of alcohol in a liquid as a percentage of the total volume. For example, a 750ml bottle of wine that is 13% ABV contains 97.5ml of alcohol.
ABV is used as a measurement for all types of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits. It is frequently used on labels for alcoholic beverages to provide consumers with information about the strength of the drink.
Measuring Alcohol by Weight
Alcohol by weight (ABW) is a measure of the amount of alcohol in a liquid as a percentage of the total weight. It is less commonly used than ABV, but it is still used in some parts of the world.
ABW is calculated using the density of alcohol, which is 0.789 g/ml. If you know the ABV of a drink, you can calculate its ABW using the following formula:
ABW = ABV x 0.789
For example, if a drink is 40% ABV, its ABW would be:
ABW = 0.4 x 0.789 = 0.3156
Therefore, the drink would be 31.56% ABW.
How Much Alcohol is in a Fifth?
Now that we understand the basics of alcohol measurement, we can answer the question of how much alcohol is in a fifth. As we mentioned earlier, a fifth is a 750ml bottle. The amount of alcohol in a fifth depends on the type of alcohol and its ABV.
Alcohol by Volume in a Fifth of Liquor
The amount of alcohol in a fifth of liquor can vary depending on the ABV of the liquor. Here’s a table that shows the amount of alcohol in a fifth of different types of liquors:
| Liquor Type | ABV | Alcohol Per Serving (1.5 oz) | Number of Servings Per Fifth | Total Alcohol Per Fifth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 40% | 0.6 oz | 16 | 9.6 oz |
| Whiskey | 45% | 0.68 oz | 14 | 9.52 oz |
| Gin | 45% | 0.68 oz | 14 | 9.52 oz |
| Rum | 40% | 0.6 oz | 16 | 9.6 oz |
| Tequila | 40% | 0.6 oz | 16 | 9.6 oz |
As you can see, the amount of alcohol in a fifth of liquor ranges from 9.52 to 9.6 ounces. This is assuming a 40-45% ABV, which is typical for most types of liquor.
Alcohol by Volume in a Fifth of Wine
Wine is typically sold in 750ml bottles, which is also a fifth. The amount of alcohol in a fifth of wine depends on the ABV of the wine. Here’s a table that shows the amount of alcohol in a fifth of different types of wine:
| Wine Type | ABV | Alcohol Per Serving (5 oz) | Number of Servings Per Fifth | Total Alcohol Per Fifth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Wine | 13% | 0.65 oz | 5 | 3.25 oz |
| White Wine | 12% | 0.6 oz | 5 | 3 oz |
| Champagne | 12% | 0.6 oz | 5 | 3 oz |
As you can see, the amount of alcohol in a fifth of wine ranges from 3 to 3.25 ounces. This is assuming a 12-13% ABV, which is typical for most types of wine.
Alcohol by Volume in a Fifth of Beer
Beer is typically sold in individual cans or bottles, rather than fifths. However, the amount of alcohol in a fifth of beer can be calculated based on the ABV of the beer.
Here’s a table that shows the amount of alcohol in a fifth (25.36 oz) of beer with different ABVs:
| Beer Type | ABV | Alcohol Per Serving (12 oz) | Number of Servings Per Fifth | Total Alcohol Per Fifth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lager | 4% | 0.48 oz | 21 | 10.08 oz |
| IPA | 6% | 0.72 oz | 14 | 10.08 oz |
| Stout | 7% | 0.84 oz | 12 | 10.08 oz |
As you can see, the amount of alcohol in a fifth of beer ranges from 10.08 to 11.52 ounces. This is assuming a 4-7% ABV, which is typical for most types of beer.
Other Common Questions About Alcohol Measurements
1. What is the Percentage of Alcohol in a Standard Drink?
A standard drink is defined as a drink that contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is roughly equivalent to:
- 12 ounces of beer (5% ABV)
- 8 ounces of malt liquor (7% ABV)
- 5 ounces of wine (12% ABV)
- 1.5 ounces of spirits (40% ABV)
So, the percentage of alcohol in a standard drink can vary depending on the type of drink. However, it typically ranges from 4-7% ABV for beer, 12% ABV for wine, and 40% ABV for spirits.
2. How Many Drinks are in a Fifth of Liquor?
A fifth of liquor contains 17 standard drinks. This is assuming a 40% ABV, which is typical for most types of liquor.
3. How Many Shots are in a Fifth of Whiskey?
There are approximately 25 shots in a fifth of whiskey. This is assuming a 45% ABV, which is typical for most types of whiskey.
Wrapping Up
Now that you have a better understanding of alcohol measurements, you can determine how much alcohol is in a fifth of your favorite drink. Remember to drink responsibly and always be aware of the alcohol content of your drinks.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Fact Sheets – Alcohol Use and Your Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Standard Drink. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/How-much-is-too-much/Is-your-drinking-pattern-risky/What-counts-as-a-drink/Standard-Drink-Equivalent.aspx
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). Understanding Labels. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/understanding-labels