It is a common question among beer drinkers and bar-goers: how many shots equal a beer? The answer can be complicated and depends on a variety of factors such as the type of beer, the size of the beer, and the strength of the shot.
When it comes to the type of beer, a 12-ounce can of light beer typically contains 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). A standard shot of liquor is usually 1.5 ounces and contains 40% ABV. So, a single shot of liquor would contain more alcohol than a 12-ounce can of beer. A 12-ounce can of regular beer typically contains 4.5% ABV, so it would take just over two shots of a 40% ABV liquor to equal the amount of alcohol in a single can of beer.
The size of the beer also plays a role in determining how many shots equal a beer. For example, a 16-ounce can of light beer would contain 6.4% ABV and require three shots of a 40% ABV liquor to equal the amount of alcohol in the beer. A 22-ounce bottle of regular beer would contain 9.3% ABV and require four shots of a 40% ABV liquor to equal the amount of alcohol in the beer.
The strength of the shot also affects the answer to the question. A shot of 80 proof liquor would contain 40% ABV, while a shot of 100 proof liquor would contain 50% ABV. So, if you’re drinking a 12-ounce can of light beer, which contains 5% ABV, you would need two shots of 80 proof liquor, or just over one and a half shots of 100 proof liquor, to equal the amount of alcohol in the beer.
Ultimately, the answer to the question “how many shots equal a beer?” depends on the type and size of the beer, as well as the strength of the shot. A 12-ounce can of light beer would typically require two shots of 80-proof liquor, or just over one and a half shots of 100-proof liquor, to equal the amount of alcohol in the beer. A 22-ounce bottle of regular beer would require four shots of 80-proof liquor, or just over three shots of 100-proof liquor, to equal the amount of alcohol in the beer.