Stocking Up: Alcohol Calculation For Your Party

Planning a party can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out how much alcohol to buy. The amount of alcohol you need depends on the number of guests, the duration of the party, and the types of drinks you plan to serve. It's important to offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to cater to different preferences and ensure your guests can alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. To calculate the total number of drinks, a good rule of thumb is to plan for one drink per guest per hour. You can then decide on the percentage of drinks that will be wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks, and adjust these numbers based on your knowledge of your guests' preferences.

Plan for non-alcoholic drinks, too

It is important to plan for non-alcoholic drinks as well, especially for abstinent and driving guests. A simple formula for calculating the number of soft drinks needed is to ensure that every guest has a drink for every hour of the party, plus one extra in case they want more. So, the formula is: Number of soft drinks = Number of guests x (party duration in hours + 1).

For example, if you are hosting a 4-hour party with 100 guests, you will need 400 non-alcoholic drinks. This calculation does not account for the type of drink, which will also influence the quantity required. For instance, guests may consume about 12 ounces of water every half hour to an hour. For 100 guests over 4 hours, this would mean providing 4,000 ounces or 120 litres of water.

If you are serving juice, a quart of juice should be enough for three guests over the duration of the party. For a 4-hour party with 100 guests, you would need about 33 quarts or 32 litres of juice.

You can also offer non-alcoholic beer and wine, bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, and soft drinks. It is a good idea to provide a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences, and to account for warm weather, which may increase consumption.

Account for guest preferences

When it comes to planning a party, one of the most important considerations is ensuring that you have enough drinks to satisfy your guests. While it's impossible to predict exactly what your guests will drink, accounting for their preferences will help you make an informed decision about how much alcohol to buy.

First, consider the type of party you are hosting. For example, guests will likely drink more at a bachelorette party or a night with buddies than at lunch with relatives. The time of day and day of the week can also influence drinking habits.

Next, think about your guest list. How many known non-drinkers will be attending, and what kind of alcohol do the drinkers usually like? If no one in the group drinks rum, skip it. If it's a wine crowd, will they prefer red, white, rosé, or a combination? You can also consider the season and the type of event you're hosting. For example, a Halloween party might call for spooky cocktails and punch, while a charcuterie party pairs well with wine and cheese.

If you're unsure about people's preferences, it's a good idea to purchase a variety of drinks with some to spare. You can always return unopened bottles or keep them for your next event. It's also a good idea to provide non-alcoholic options, such as bottled water, juices, lemonade, iced tea, soft drinks, or non-alcoholic beer and wine. Don't forget to buy enough ice, garnishes, glasses, and napkins.

Finally, a simple formula can help you estimate the total number of drinks needed: Total # of drinks = # of guests x party duration in hours. You can then modify this formula to get more precise results for each type of beverage. For example, beer typically makes up 40% of all beverages served, while wine accounts for 60% of the remaining alcohol.

Calculate drinks needed per hour

When planning a party, it is important to ensure you have enough drinks to keep your guests happy. The amount of alcohol you need depends on the number of guests, the duration of the party, and the types of drinks you plan to serve.

To calculate the total number of drinks needed per hour, you can use the following formula:

Total # of drinks = # of guests x party duration in hours

For example, if you are hosting a 4-hour party with 100 guests, you will need a total of 400 drinks.

If you know the drinking preferences of your guests, you can calculate the number of specific drinks, such as beer, wine, or cocktails. For instance, if you are only serving beer and wine, you can estimate that 60% of guests will prefer beer and 40% will prefer wine. So, for a 4-hour party with 100 guests, you will need 240 beers and 160 glasses of wine.

If you are serving cocktails, the calculation becomes a bit more complex. You will need to determine the ingredients and quantities required for each cocktail and then calculate the number of cocktails you can make based on the amount of alcohol and mixers you have.

It is also important to consider non-alcoholic options. You can use a similar formula to calculate the number of soft drinks needed:

Of soft drinks = of guests x (party duration in hours + 1)

Don't forget to include water, as guests may consume about 12 ounces every half hour to an hour.

By using these calculations, you can ensure you have enough drinks to cater to your guests' needs throughout the party.

Choose a signature cocktail

Choosing a signature cocktail for your party is a fun way to showcase your hosting skills and personality. It can be a daunting task, but there are some simple steps to help you decide.

Firstly, consider the type of event you are hosting. Is it casual or formal? Is it a celebration or a romantic evening? Does it have a theme? The answers to these questions can help you decide on the colour, flavour, and name of your signature cocktail. For example, if you are hosting a garden party, you might choose a cocktail with edible flowers as a garnish, such as lavender, chamomile, or honeysuckle.

Next, think about the time of year and the seasonality of ingredients. You could add a festive twist to a classic cocktail or opt for a refreshing summer drink. For instance, a gin and tonic with fruity twists is a unique take on a classic, or you could try a margarita with a summery kick of cucumber and jalapeño.

If you are stuck for ideas, consider a drink that is meaningful to you, or simply your favourite drink. You could serve a unique version of a Moscow Mule, Whiskey Sour, or Margarita. You could also create a cocktail inspired by your pet, a favourite location, or your relationship. For instance, a rum runner served in a tiki-style glass with a paper umbrella and sliced pineapple can bring a touch of tropical fun to your party.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. A professional bartender or mixologist can assist you in creating a unique recipe, and they will have plenty of ideas and suggestions for you to choose from.

Buy ice, garnishes, glasses, etc

When planning a party, it's important to remember to buy ice, garnishes, and glasses. These are the finishing touches that will elevate your drinks and impress your guests.

Ice

Ice is essential for keeping drinks chilled, especially if you're serving cocktails or other mixed drinks. You can buy ice in bags or blocks, or make your own using ice trays or moulds. If you're feeling creative, you can even make decorative ice cubes or ice shot glasses using edible flowers, fruit, or herbs. These add a unique and charming touch to your drinks and are perfect for summer parties. Remember to have plenty of ice on hand, as it tends to run out quickly, and consider providing chilled glasses to keep drinks cool for longer.

Garnishes

Garnishes are an often-overlooked element of a drink, but they can truly elevate the drinking experience. They add a decorative touch and can enhance the flavour and aroma of the drink. When choosing garnishes, consider the colours, textures, and flavours that will complement your drinks. Common garnishes include citrus slices or twists, herbs, spices, and edible flowers. You can also get creative and use garnishes to tie your drinks into the theme of your party.

Glasses

The right glassware can enhance the taste, aroma, and presentation of your drinks. Choose glasses that are thoughtfully designed, easy to hold, and comfortable to grip. Consider the types of drinks you'll be serving and select glasses that are the appropriate size and shape. For example, tall, easy-to-grip glasses are ideal for chilled drinks, while wide-mouthed glasses are perfect for desserts or drinks with garnishes. If you're serving wine, a glass with a rounded base allows the flavours to develop fully. For a special occasion, choose crystal or lead-free crystal glasses for that distinctive clinking sound during a toast. Don't forget to chill your glasses before serving, as this improves the drinking experience and prevents dilution.

Remember to stock up on enough glasses for your guests, and consider providing a variety of glassware options to suit different drinks and preferences. You can find affordable and attractive glassware options at many retailers, including IKEA, which offers a range of designs to suit any occasion.

Frequently asked questions