The planning rule
Most hosts plan drinks with a simple rule: guests drink more when they arrive and slow down later. A common estimate is two drinks per guest in the first hour, then one drink per hour after that.
- Total drinks = guests who drink × (first-hour drinks + remaining hours × drinks per hour)
- Split the total by drink type, then convert into bottles, cans and cases.
Worked example
You are hosting 50 guests for 4 hours, and about 80% of them drink alcohol. You expect 40% wine, 40% beer and 20% cocktails or spirits.
- Drinks per drinking guest: 2 + 3 × 1 = 5.
- Total drinks: 50 × 80% × 5 = 200 drinks.
- Wine: 80 glasses ÷ 5 per bottle = 16 bottles.
- Beer: 80 bottles or cans, about 4 cases of 24.
- Spirits: 40 drinks ÷ 16 per bottle = 3 bottles (750 mL).
- Ice: about 75 lb, and about 12.5 gallons of water and soft drinks.
Serving sizes
| Drink | Standard serving | Servings per container |
|---|---|---|
| Wine | 5 oz | 5 per 750 mL bottle |
| Sparkling wine | 4 to 5 oz flute | 5 to 6 per bottle |
| Beer | 12 oz | 1 per bottle or can; 24 per case |
| Spirits | 1.5 oz | About 16 per 750 mL bottle; 39 per 1.75 L |
Each of these servings contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, one US standard drink.
Adjusting the plan
- Event type: weddings and evening parties run higher than daytime or work events; plan more for dancing and long receptions.
- Toast: if you serve sparkling wine for a toast, add one glass per guest, or about one bottle per six guests.
- Crowd: you know your guests. Adjust the drink mix and the share who drink.
- Leftovers: many stores accept returns of unopened bottles; ask before you buy.
Hosting responsibly
Plan plenty of water and non-alcoholic choices, from sparkling water to mocktails, and serve food throughout the event. Stop serving guests who show signs of intoxication, and make sure everyone has a safe way home: a designated driver, a rideshare or a place to stay. In many states, hosts can be held liable for serving visibly intoxicated guests or minors.
The amounts above are for planning purchases. They are not a recommendation of how much anyone should drink.