For many people, enjoying a drink or two is a common way to unwind after a long day of work or celebrate a special occasion.

However, what many people don’t realize is that these drinks can add up and contribute a significant amount of sugar to their daily diet. In this article, we’ll explore just how much sugar is in two glasses of alcohol and what impact it can have on our health.

The Sugar Content of Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages come in many forms, from beer and wine to hard liquor. The sugar content in these drinks can vary depending on the type of alcohol and the ingredients used to make it.

A 12-ounce can of regular beer contains about 4 grams of sugar, while a 5-ounce glass of red wine contains approximately 1 gram of sugar. A 1.5-ounce shot of vodka, on the other hand, contains no sugar at all.

While some forms of alcohol are lower in sugar than others, the real danger comes from the mixers that are often added to cocktails. Many mixers, such as soda and fruit juices, are high in sugar and can quickly add up.

Calculating the Sugar Content of Two Glasses of Alcohol

Let’s take a closer look at just how much sugar can be found in two glasses of alcohol using some common examples.

Example 1: Beer

Assuming you are drinking two 12-ounce cans of beer, you will consume around 8 grams of sugar.

Example 2: Red Wine

If you are drinking two 5-ounce glasses of red wine, you will consume approximately 2 grams of sugar.

Example 3: Margarita

A margarita made with 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup can contain up to 20 grams of sugar per drink. Drinking two of these cocktails would mean consuming a whopping 40 grams of sugar.

The Health Risks of Consuming Too Much Sugar

Consuming too much sugar can have a number of negative health effects, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay.

According to the American Heart Association, women should consume no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of sugar per day, while men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) of sugar per day.

It’s important to remember that the sugar found in alcoholic beverages counts towards your daily intake and can quickly add up if you’re not careful.