Alcohol

Alcohol percentages

‘Alcohol’ is also an umbrella term for alcoholic beverages. The alcohol percentage of a drink depends on the type of beverage. Beer contains about 5 percent alcohol, wine about 12 percent, and spirits such as whisky or vodka about 40 per cent. Alcopops contain 5 to 8 percent alcohol and shots 15 to 35 percent.

Amounts of alcohol consumed are often measured in units. One unit consists of 10 millilitres or 8 grams of ethanol.