Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Champagne’s light and sparkling quality make it the perfect celebratory drink for weddings, festive occasions, and other special celebrations.
But how much alcohol is in Champagne?
If you’re not careful, the bubbles can get you drunk quickly and leave a nasty hangover the next day.
Let’s see how many shots of Champagne would take a person to get drunk compared to other alcoholic drinks.
Table of Contents
ToggleOverview of Champagne’s Alcohol Content

Champagnes usually contain 12% ABV, higher than most beers but lower than hard liquors. It was fermented twice to generate enough carbon dioxide and create bubbles [1].
“In the Champagne study, people drinking bubbly showed an early spike in alcohol levels after about five minutes.”
– Rachel Becker, Science Reporter
The first round of Champagne fermentation leaves it with 9% alcohol content, and no bubbles have formed yet.
But winemakers would add extra sugar and more yeast for the second round before sealing the Champagne inside the bottle, producing more carbon dioxide and alcohol.
Can Champagne Get You Drunk?
Yes, Champagne with 12% ABV can get you drunk in a few standard shots.
It is the same level as most wines, but the bubbles in Champagne would make you get drunk faster.
The body absorbs food and drinks faster with carbon dioxide gas, making the alcohol enter the blood rapidly.
But the type of drink and alcohol level are just factors affecting drunkenness. Your age, weight, and how much and fast you drink should also be considered.
Read: Top Years For Dom Perignon
How Much Champagne Can Get You Drunk?

It would take at least four to five servings of 5 oz shots of Champagne to get you drunk. That estimate will work if the Champagne contains 12% ABV.
Despite studies showing that Champagne would affect you faster than regular wines, it would not make you drunker than usual.
The alcohol effect is just faster but not stronger.
Compared To Other Alcohol
Wine
Champagne has the same alcohol content as most wines, comparable to rosé and riesling.
Unfortified wines have an average of 11% ABV, while fortified wines are around 18% ABV.
Pedro Ximénez sherries can be as rich as 25% ABV, double the alcohol content of a regular Champagne.
But you might notice that Champagne can get you drunk faster than wine, despite the same alcohol content.
It is because the gas bubbles from Champagne allow your body to absorb alcohol faster than wine.
Beer
Beers have a wide range of alcohol content than wine, starting from around 4% to more than 60% ABV.
Most low-alcohol beers have 4% to 7% ABV, making it lower than Champagne’s alcohol content.
For a regular beer with 5% ABV, getting drunk would take three to four 12 oz servings.
But Champagne has lower alcohol content than Brewmeister Snake Venom, considered the world’s strongest beer, with 67.5% ABV.
Vodka

Compared to a distilled spirit like vodka with 40% to 50% ABV, Champagne has less alcohol content of around 12% ABV.
Three to four standard 1.5 oz shots of vodka are enough to make a person drunk.
Since vodka is almost tasteless, many people would use it for cocktails or mix it with other drinks like fruit juice or soda.
Although it would naturally decrease the alcohol content, you may end up drinking more alcohol unknowingly.
Sparkling Wine
Champagne is among the most common sparkling wines, along with Cava, Prosecco, and sparkling wines from the United States [2].
Sparkling wine contains as much alcohol as Champagne for up to 12% ABV.
Often, people use Champagne and sparkling wine interchangeably, but real Champagne can only come from Champagne, France.
Read: Brut vs Spumante
Do All Champagnes Have Alcohol?

No, not all Champagnes have alcohol content. There are non-alcoholic Champagnes that are getting popular recently.
Some companies would remove alcohol from the Champagne before bottling using vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, or spinning cone columns.
However, you should note that some of these non-alcoholic Champagnes still contain a minimal amount of at least 0.05% ABV.
Unless the manufacturers use 0% ABV or alcohol-free alternatives, there would be residual alcohol in the Champagne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can 1 glass of champagne get you drunk?
Yes, it’s possible to get drunk from drinking one glass of champagne, particularly if you have a low tolerance for alcohol or if the glass contains a larger-than-average serving.
However, the likelihood of getting drunk from just one glass of champagne is relatively low for most people. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, and the rate of consumption play significant roles in how alcohol affects an individual.
It’s important to drink responsibly and be aware of your own limits when consuming alcoholic beverages.
How much alcohol is in a glass of champagne?
The alcohol content in a glass of champagne can vary depending on several factors, including the type of champagne, its brand, and the size of the serving. On average, a standard glass of champagne (approximately 4-5 ounces) contains about 12% alcohol by volume (ABV).
However, some champagnes may have slightly higher or lower alcohol content. It’s essential to check the label or consult with the producer to determine the precise alcohol content of a particular champagne.
Additionally, the effects of alcohol can vary from person to person, so it’s crucial to drink responsibly and in moderation.
Is champagne a wine or beer?
Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, not a beer. It is made primarily from grapes, typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, using the traditional method known as méthode champenoise.
This process involves a secondary fermentation that occurs in the bottle, creating the characteristic bubbles associated with champagne.
While both wine and champagne are made from fermented fruit juices, champagne undergoes a specific production process that sets it apart from still wines.
Unlike beer, which is made from grains and undergoes fermentation by yeast, champagne and wine are fermented from fruit sugars by yeast, resulting in alcoholic beverages with distinct flavors, aromas, and characteristics.
Is champagne better for you than beer?
Whether champagne is “better” for you than beer depends on various factors, including individual health considerations, consumption patterns, and personal preferences.
Champagne typically has fewer calories and carbohydrates per serving compared to beer, making it a potentially lighter option for those watching their calorie intake. Additionally, champagne contains antioxidants like polyphenols, which may offer some health benefits.
However, excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of the beverage type, can have negative effects on health, including liver damage, impaired judgment, and increased risk of certain diseases. Moderation and responsible drinking are essential regardless of beverage choice.
Can kids drink champagne?
In most countries, it is illegal for individuals under the legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages, including champagne.
The legal drinking age varies by jurisdiction but is typically set at 18 or 21 years old. Champagne, like other alcoholic beverages, is intended for adult consumption and should not be provided to or consumed by children or minors.
Alcohol consumption can have serious health and safety consequences for young individuals, including impaired cognitive development, increased risk of accidents, and potential addiction issues.
It’s important for parents and guardians to educate children about the risks associated with alcohol and to model responsible drinking behavior.
Is 2 glasses of champagne a lot?
The answer to whether two glasses of champagne is “a lot” depends on several factors, including individual tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and the size of the glasses. For some people, consuming two glasses of champagne may not significantly affect their intoxication level, especially if they spread out the consumption over a reasonable period and have a higher tolerance for alcohol.
However, for others, particularly those with lower alcohol tolerance or smaller body sizes, two glasses of champagne could result in noticeable intoxication effects.
It’s crucial to drink responsibly, know your limits, and consider factors such as food consumption, hydration, and the presence of other substances that may interact with alcohol.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to impaired judgment, health risks, and legal consequences, so it’s essential to moderate your intake and prioritize your well-being.
Is champagne a strong alcohol?
Champagne typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) content similar to other wines, around 11% to 12%.
While it may vary slightly depending on the specific champagne, it’s generally not considered a particularly strong alcoholic beverage compared to spirits like vodka or whiskey, which typically have ABV percentages ranging from 40% to 50% or higher.
However, like all alcoholic beverages, champagne should be consumed responsibly, as even moderate amounts can impair judgment and coordination.
Is champagne stronger than wine?
Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, and its alcohol content is generally similar to that of still wines. Both champagne and wine typically contain around 11% to 12% alcohol by volume (ABV).
However, champagne undergoes a secondary fermentation process that creates carbonation, giving it its signature bubbles.
This process doesn’t significantly affect the alcohol content compared to still wines. Therefore, in terms of alcohol strength, champagne is not inherently stronger than other wines.
Why is champagne so expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high cost of champagne:
Production Process: Champagne production involves a labor-intensive and time-consuming process known as méthode champenoise, where the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, resulting in carbonation. This process requires careful handling and monitoring, increasing production costs.
Limited Production Area: Champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region of France, which is a relatively small area with specific regulations and geographical indications. The limited vineyard space and strict production standards contribute to lower yields and higher costs.
Brand Prestige: Many champagne brands have established a reputation for luxury and exclusivity over centuries. This branding allows them to command higher prices based on perceived quality, heritage, and prestige.
Aging Potential: Some champagnes are aged for extended periods, which requires storage space and investment in inventory. The longer aging process can enhance the complexity and flavor profile of the champagne but also increases production costs.
Marketing and Distribution: Champagne producers often invest heavily in marketing, branding, and distribution channels to promote their products globally. These expenses are reflected in the final retail price of champagne.
Overall, the combination of production methods, limited production area, brand prestige, aging potential, and marketing costs contributes to the relatively high price of champagne compared to other sparkling wines or beverages.
Is real champagne expensive?
Real champagne, referring specifically to sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France and following the traditional méthode champenoise, can indeed be relatively expensive compared to other sparkling wines.
This is due to several factors, including the labor-intensive production process, limited vineyard space in Champagne, strict regulations governing its production, and the prestige associated with the Champagne region’s history and reputation.
These factors contribute to higher production costs and, consequently, higher retail prices for authentic champagne.
What type of alcohol is champagne?
Champagne is classified as a sparkling wine. It is made primarily from grapes, typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, grown in the Champagne region of France.
The production process involves a secondary fermentation that occurs in the bottle, resulting in the characteristic bubbles associated with champagne.
While champagne is commonly associated with celebrations and special occasions, it is essentially a type of wine, albeit one that undergoes a specific production method to achieve its effervescence.
How strong is champagne?
Champagne typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) content similar to other wines, ranging from around 11% to 12%. This alcohol content can vary slightly depending on the specific champagne and its production methods.
While champagne is not considered a particularly strong alcoholic beverage compared to spirits like vodka or whiskey, it still contains alcohol and should be consumed responsibly.
As with all alcoholic beverages, the effects of champagne can vary depending on factors such as individual tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and consumption rate. It’s essential to be mindful of your alcohol intake and to drink responsibly to avoid adverse effects on health and safety.
What is the healthiest alcohol?
While some alcoholic beverages may contain fewer calories or lower sugar content than others, it’s essential to remember that all alcoholic drinks contain ethanol, which is the primary source of calories in alcohol. As such, there’s no definitive answer to which alcohol is the “healthiest,” as it largely depends on individual preferences, dietary needs, and how alcohol is consumed.
For those watching their calorie intake, clear spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila mixed with soda water or low-calorie mixers tend to have fewer calories compared to sugary cocktails or creamy liqueurs.
Red wine, in moderation, is often touted for its potential health benefits due to its antioxidant content, particularly resveratrol, although excessive consumption negates any potential benefits and can lead to health issues.
Ultimately, moderation and mindful consumption are key to enjoying alcohol responsibly, regardless of the specific type.
Is champagne the healthiest alcohol?
While champagne may have fewer calories than some other alcoholic beverages, such as beer or cocktails, it’s not necessarily the “healthiest” alcohol overall.
Champagne, like all alcoholic drinks, contains ethanol, which provides calories and can have health effects when consumed in excess. While champagne does contain antioxidants like polyphenols, which may offer some health benefits, these are present in many other types of wine as well.
As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is essential when consuming champagne. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and increased cancer risk. Therefore, it’s essential to enjoy champagne responsibly and in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Is champagne stronger than gin?
In terms of alcohol by volume (ABV), gin typically has a higher alcohol content than champagne. Gin usually ranges from 35% to 50% ABV, depending on the brand and style, whereas champagne typically contains around 11% to 12% ABV. Therefore, gin is generally considered stronger than champagne in terms of alcohol content.
However, it’s important to note that the effects of alcohol on an individual depend on various factors, including tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and consumption rate.
Regardless of the alcohol content, both champagne and gin should be enjoyed responsibly, and moderation is key to avoiding negative health effects and alcohol-related risks.
What does champagne taste like?
Champagne typically has a crisp, refreshing taste with a combination of flavors that can include citrus, apple, pear, peach, and floral notes. The specific taste profile of champagne can vary depending on factors such as grape varieties used, winemaking techniques, aging process, and dosage (the addition of sugar after disgorgement).
High-quality champagnes often exhibit complex flavors, fine bubbles, and a delicate balance of acidity and sweetness. Some champagnes may also have toasty or yeasty undertones, resulting from the secondary fermentation process that occurs in the bottle.
Overall, champagne is known for its effervescence, acidity, and celebratory character, making it a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.
So, How Much Alcohol Is In Champagne?
Champagne can be so expensive that some people would only serve it during the most memorable occasions of their lives.
It is a sparkling wine made exclusively in France’s Champagne region.
It usually contains 12% ABV, almost the same as other sparkling wines, stronger than most beers but lower than hard liquors.
Four to five standard shots of Champagne are enough to get you drunk, but its effects would be faster than drinking wine with the same alcohol content.
References:
- 5 things you should know about the champagne you’ll drink tonight
- Understanding the Differences Between Champagne and Sparkling Wine