Alcohol Metabolism: How Long Does One Standard Drink Take to Process?

The average adult metabolizes ~1 standard drink per hour (zero-order kinetics at typical concentrations). A standard drink contains ~14 g pure ethanol:

• 12 fl oz (355 mL) regular beer (5% ABV)
• 5 fl oz (148 mL) wine (12% ABV)
• 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) distilled spirits (40% ABV)

Key Variables

• Body weight & composition: Higher water volume = lower BAC per drink.
• Sex: Women have less gastric ADH and lower water fraction → higher BAC.
• Food: Delays gastric emptying, slows absorption.
• Age, genetics (ADH/ALDH polymorphisms), medications, liver health.

Elimination rate: ~0.015 g/dL/hr BAC decline. No method (coffee, cold shower, exercise) accelerates metabolism. Impairment begins well below legal limits (0.08% US). Plan accordingly—designate a driver or use alternative transport.