The number of calories per alcoholic unit can be a useful way to compare drinks. One unit of alcohol is defined in United Kingdom labeling laws as a drink containing 10 milliliters of pure alcohol. A typical healthy adult can metabolize one unit of alcohol in roughly an hour.
Calories Per Unit
A pint of beer with a 4 percent alcohol content by volume contains approximately two units of alcohol and 200 calories. A small shot -- approximately 25 ml -- of 40-percent distilled liquor constitutes one alcohol unit and contains between 70 and 100 calories. A typical 25 oz. or 750 ml bottle of wine at 12 percent alcohol contains nine units and roughly 450 calories.
150-Calorie Values
As a typical average value, there are 150 calories in the following volumes of drink: a 12 oz. beer, containing one to two alcohol units; a 5 oz. glass of wine, containing approximately two alcohol units; and a 1.5 oz. serving of distilled liquor, containing approximately two alcohol units.
Warning
Estimating the calories or alcohol units in a particular drink can be difficult. Measures of alcohol served in bars and other establishments vary greatly, and this affects both the alcohol content and the calorie value of your drink. Also, the calorie value and alcohol percentage of different beers and wines may vary dramatically.
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