Planning a party can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when it comes to deciding how much alcohol to provide for your guests. Knowing how many drinks to purchase and serve will ensure that your guests have a good time without running out of alcohol or having too much left over. In this article, we will discuss some factors to consider when determining how much alcohol to purchase for your party.

Understanding the Party Dynamics

Parties are an excellent way to socialize and unwind after a long week. However, preparing for a party can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the number of drinks to purchase. You don’t want to run out of drinks, but you also don’t want to end up with half-used bottles of alcohol. Therefore, it’s essential to have an idea of how many drinks to get for a party, taking into account various factors that influence the drinking dynamics.

The Type of Party

The type of party you’re hosting determines the number and type of drinks to purchase. For instance, if you’re hosting a cocktail party, you’ll need to stock up on various spirits, liqueurs, and mixers to make different cocktails. On the other hand, if you’re hosting a beer and BBQ party, you’ll need to purchase beer and some wine if you prefer. If you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, you may need to invest in some high-end wine or champagne to complement the food.

The Number of Guests

The number of guests you’re expecting will significantly influence the amount of alcohol you need to purchase. As a rule of thumb, plan for one drink per guest per hour. If your party will last for four hours, you’ll need to cater to four drinks per guest. However, this is a minimum estimate, and you may need to add more drinks to cater to heavy drinkers or those who may want to take several drinks at once.

The Time of Day

The time of day you’re hosting the party will determine the type and amount of drinks to purchase. If you’re hosting a brunch party, you may need to have some mimosas, bloody marys, and bellinis. If you’re having a late-night party, you may need to have some high-energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster Energy to keep your guests alert and energized.

The Drinking Habits of Your Guests

You need to consider the drinking habits of your guests when purchasing drinks for a party. If your guests are moderate drinkers, you may need to purchase fewer drinks than if you were hosting heavy drinkers. Additionally, if most of your guests prefer a particular type of drink, consider stocking up on that type of drink to avoid wastage.

Calculating the Number of Drinks

Now that you understand the party dynamics let’s look at how to calculate the number of drinks required for your party.

Beer and Wine

If you’re serving beer and wine, assume that each guest will take two drinks in the first hour and one drink every subsequent hour. Therefore, if you have ten guests and the party will last for four hours, you’ll need:

  • 10 guests x 2 drinks per hour x 1 hour= 20 drinks for the first hour
  • 10 guests x 1 drink per hour x 3 hours = 30 drinks for the subsequent hours
  • Total = 50 drinks

Cocktails and Spirits

If you’re serving cocktails and spirits, you’ll need to consider the amount of alcohol needed to make the cocktails. As a rule of thumb, assume that a cocktail will contain 1.5 oz of alcohol. Therefore, if you’re serving 10 guests and each guest will take two cocktails in the first hour and one cocktail every subsequent hour, you’ll need:

  • 10 guests x 2 cocktails x 1.5 oz = 30 oz for the first hour
  • 10 guests x 1 cocktail x 1.5 oz x 3 hours = 45 oz for the subsequent hours
  • Total = 75 oz

Additionally, you’ll need to purchase mixers like juices, sodas, and tonic water to make the cocktails.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Don’t forget to cater to non-alcoholic drinks like soda, water, and juice. Assume that each guest will take one non-alcoholic drink per hour. Therefore, if you’re serving ten guests and the party will last for four hours, you’ll need:

  • 10 guests x 1 non-alcoholic drink x 4 hours = 40 non-alcoholic drinks

FAQs – How many drinks for a party

How do I estimate the number of drinks I need for a party?

Estimating the number of drinks you need for a party can be challenging, but it’s crucial to ensure that you don’t run out of drinks and everyone has a fantastic time. The general rule of thumb is to plan for two drinks per hour per guest. However, this number can vary depending on various factors like the duration of the party, the type of drinks you’re serving, and the preferences of your guests.

Should I offer a variety of drinks at my party?

Yes, offering a variety of drinks at your party is a great idea. It’s essential to have options for everyone, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re serving alcohol, make sure that you have both beer and wine available, as well as a couple of cocktails that guests can choose from. You can also offer a variety of mixers, such as soda, juice, and tonic water, for those who want to make their drinks.

How much alcohol should I buy for a party?

The amount of alcohol you should buy for a party depends on the number of guests you‘re expecting and the type of drinks you’re serving. As a general rule, you should plan for one bottle of wine for every three guests and one case of beer for every six guests. For spirits, plan on two drinks per person for a four-hour party. Remember, it’s always better to have more than less, so err on the side of caution and buy extra.

How many non-alcoholic beverages should I serve at a party?

Offering non-alcoholic beverages at your party is just as important as offering alcoholic ones. Plan for about one non-alcoholic drink per hour per guest. You can have a variety of options like soda, sparkling water, juice, iced tea, and lemonade. These options not only give guests the choice to drink alcohol-free but also help to keep everyone hydrated and refreshed throughout the party.

Should I hire a bartender for my party?

Hiring a bartender for your party is always a good idea, especially if you’re expecting a lot of guests. Having a professional bartender not only ensures that your drinks are made correctly and consistently but also allows you to enjoy your party without having to worry about serving everyone. They will also keep the bar area neat and clean, ensuring that your guests have a great time. If you cannot afford to hire a bartender, you can seek the help of a friend or family member who has bartending skills.

Categorized in: