Beverage Calculator

Event Beverage Calculator

Total Servings Needed: 0

Beer:
0 bottles/cans

Wine:
0 bottles (750ml)

Liquor:
0 bottles (750ml)

Soft Drinks/Water:
0 servings

*Estimated assuming 5 glasses per wine bottle and 16 shots per liquor bottle (with mixers).

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How to Use the Beverage Calculator for Your Next Event

Planning the drink menu for a wedding, corporate event, or private party is one of the most stressful parts of hosting. Nobody wants to run out of refreshments mid-party, but over-purchasing can be a significant waste of budget. This calculator uses industry-standard formulas to help you estimate exactly how much alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages you need.

The Golden Rule of Event Planning

The standard industry rule of thumb is to allow for one drink per guest, per hour. However, our calculator adds a "buffer" for the first hour of the event, where guests typically drink more quickly as they arrive and socialize. We also factor in "Intensity" levels—because a Friday night wedding crowd drinks differently than a Sunday afternoon baby shower.

Understanding the Drink Mix

• Standard: A balanced mix suitable for most weddings and galas. (50% Beer, 25% Wine, 25% Spirits).
• Beer & Wine Only: Ideal for casual gatherings or budget-conscious events. (60% Beer, 40% Wine).
• Spirits Heavy: Best for cocktail parties or late-night celebrations. (30% Beer, 20% Wine, 50% Spirits).

Practical Planning Tips

Ice Requirements: Plan for about 1 pound of ice per guest. If you are chilling bottles in tubs rather than just serving in glasses, increase this to 2 pounds per guest.

Glassware: If using rentals, always order 1.5 times the number of glasses as there are guests. People often put a drink down and forget where it is, requiring a fresh glass for their next round.

Non-Alcoholic Options: Don't forget your "designated drivers" and non-drinkers. Always have water, sparkling cider, or premium sodas available. A good rule is to have at least one non-alcoholic serving per person, per hour, regardless of the bar setup.

Calculation Example

For a 50-person party lasting 4 hours with an "Average" intensity, the logic is as follows:

1. Total Servings: 50 guests x 4 hours x 1.5 rate = 300 servings.
2. Beer (50%): 150 bottles.
3. Wine (25%): 75 servings / 5 per bottle = 15 bottles.
4. Liquor (25%): 75 servings / 16 per bottle = ~5 bottles.