When it comes to drinking responsibly in Australia, understanding standard drinks isn’t just helpful — it’s the law. Whether you enjoy a gin and tonic, a whisky on ice, or an ice‑cold beer, knowing how much alcohol you’re actually consuming helps you stay safe and make informed decisions.
In Australia, one standard drink = 10 grams of pure alcohol. This measure applies across all types of alcohol, regardless of the beverage.
In this post, we’ll break down the standard drink content of common alcohol categories and explain Australia’s legal drinking and driving limits, plus safe resting timeframes after consumption.
image of Beenleigh Artisan Rum
Alcohol Categories & Their Standard Drink Content
Below are typical serving sizes and their approximate standard drink counts, based on Australian legal definitions and common beverage strengths.
1. Spirits: Gin, Whisky, Vodka, Rum
All base spirits in Australia contain roughly 37–40% ABV.
A 30ml shot of spirits = 1 standard drink.
This applies to:
- Gin
- Whisky
- Vodka
- Rum
- Tequila
If your serving is larger — such as 60ml pours — you're consuming 2 standard drinks.
2. Beer
Beer strength varies significantly, which affects standard drink content.
| Beer Type | Typical Serve | Standard Drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Full‑strength beer (~4.8%) | Middy (285ml) | 1.1 standard drinks |
| Mid‑strength beer (~3.5%) | Middy (285ml) | 0.8 standard drinks |
| Full‑strength beer (~4.8%) | Schooner (425ml) | 1.6 standard drinks |
| Mid‑strength beer (~3.5%) | Schooner (425ml) | 1.2 standard drinks |
UDL Premixes start at 4% ABV
3. RTDs (Ready‑to‑Drink) – Premixes
| ABV | Standard Drinks (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 4% ABV RTD |
1.18 standard drinks
|
| 4.5% ABV RTD |
1.33 standard drinks
|
| 5% ABV RTD |
1.50 standard drinks
|
| 8% ABV RTD |
2.37 standard drinks |
This includes popular premix cans like gin and soda, bourbon and cola, vodka RTDs, etc.
Australian Alcohol Consumption Laws
Understanding the law is crucial for staying safe and avoiding penalties.
Legal Drinking Age
- You must be 18 or older to buy or drink alcohol in a licensed venue.
Laws on Selling Alcohol
- It's illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 or someone already intoxicated.
Standard Drink Labelling
- All packaged alcohol must display the number of standard drinks on the label.
Legal Driving Limits in Australia
Across Australia:
- Fully licensed drivers: Must stay below 0.05% BAC.
-
Learners & provisional drivers: Zero alcohol allowed — 0.00% BAC.
Remember: BAC is highly individual, influenced by weight, gender, metabolism, food intake, and more. Two people drinking the same amount may have very different BAC levels.
How Long Should You Wait Before Driving?
There's no universal rule, but here are evidence‑based guidelines.
In Australia, general advice indicates:
- Men: About 2 standard drinks in the first hour, then 1 per hour afterward may keep you under 0.05.
-
Women: About 1 standard drink per hour.
These are rough estimates — not guarantees.
Safe Rest Timeframes After Drinking
These estimates are based on typical alcohol metabolism rates, which eliminate approximately 0.015%–0.02% BAC per hour (roughly one standard drink per hour). Individual results vary widely.
| Drink Type | Typical Standard Drinks | Minimum Recommended Time Before Driving |
|---|---|---|
| 30ml shot (gin/whisky/vodka/rum) | 1 | At least 1 hour |
| Full‑strength beer – middy | 1.1 | 1–1.25 hours |
| Full‑strength beer – schooner | 1.6 | 1.5–2 hours |
| Mid‑strength beer – middy | 0.8 | ~1 hour |
| Mid‑strength beer – schooner | 1.2 | 1.25–1.5 hours |
| 375ml 5% RTD | 1.5 | 1.5–2 hours |
These are estimates only, not legal advice.
Because BAC varies dramatically by person, officials recommend using a personal breathalyser for accuracy.
A critical reminder:
Even if you feel fine, your BAC may still be over the limit. Alcohol affects judgement long before it affects how you feel.
Final Thoughts: Drink Smart With Sippify
Understanding Australia’s standard drink system helps you enjoy beverages safely and responsibly. Whether you’re sampling craft gin, sipping whisky, or opening a cold beer, always be aware of:
- How many standard drinks you’re consuming
- Legal BAC limits
- How long alcohol stays in your system
If you’re ever unsure, don’t drive — arrange a ride, call a friend, or use a breathalyser.
For more information please visit the Government site.
