Planning the perfect event means ensuring your guests have enough to drink—but not so much that you’re left with boxes of unopened bottles. At Bottoms Up Bartending, we’ve got you covered with a simple guide to help you calculate exactly how much alcohol to purchase.
The Rule of Thumb
A good starting point is to assume that each guest will consume about 1-2 drinks per hour. Here’s a breakdown by event duration:
- 2-Hour Event: Plan for 2-3 drinks per guest.
- 4-Hour Event: Plan for 4-6 drinks per guest.
- 6-Hour Event: Plan for 6-8 drinks per guest.
Breakdown by Alcohol Type
A typical bar menu includes beer, wine, and spirits. Here’s how to divide the quantities:
- Beer: 50% of the total drinks.
- Wine: 30% of the total drinks.
- Spirits (with mixers): 20% of the total drinks.
You’ll also need to account for mixers, garnishes, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Use Our Alcohol Calculator
We’ve made it easy to calculate how much alcohol you’ll need. Use the calculator below to get customized recommendations based on your event details.
Why Use This Calculator? This calculator takes the guesswork out of planning your event, giving you confidence that you’ll have just the right amount of alcohol for your guests.
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LET’S raise a glass to your next celebration!
