Drink types
Cider, counted like any other labelled drink
Apple or pear on the can does not make the alcohol disappear. Many ciders sit near full-strength beer.
- NHMRC regular-cider example
- ~4.9%
- About one standard drink at 4.9%
- 285 mL
- 375 mL can at ~4.9%
- ~1.4–1.5
- Still one standard drink
- 10 g
Cider is often about as strong as beer, not automatically lighter. NHMRC’s example of about one standard drink is 285 mL of regular cider at about 4.9% — the same example it uses for full-strength beer. A 375 mL can at that strength is commonly around 1.4–1.5 standard drinks. Read the can.
Definition
Cider (for counting). A fermented apple or pear drink. Standard drinks are still 10 grams of alcohol. “Fruit” on the label is not a health claim and not a lower count.
Cider versus beer
| Compare | Cider | Beer |
|---|---|---|
| NHMRC “about one” example | 285 mL regular cider at 4.9%. | 285 mL full-strength beer at 4.9%. |
| Everyday cans | Strength varies — some sit near mid-strength, some higher than 5%. | Light, mid, and full-strength are usually labelled clearly. |
| Sweetness | Sugar changes taste, not the grams of alcohol already fermented. | Malt flavour does not change the 10-gram definition either. |
Questions
Questions people actually ask
Often yes, at a similar ABV. NHMRC uses the same 285 mL / 4.9% example for regular cider and full-strength beer. Some ciders are weaker or stronger. Compare the two labels.
If it ferments, it counts
Put the cider next to the standard-drinks formula, then the guideline. Fruit flavour is not a medical exemption.