Lena Savoie
When planning a party, it is important to consider the types and amounts of alcohol to purchase. The type of party, number of guests, duration, and budget are key factors in determining the quantity and variety of alcoholic beverages required. A general rule of thumb is to provide enough alcohol for each guest to have two drinks during the first hour and one drink for each additional hour. For a full bar, a greater variety of liquors, mixers, and tools are needed, whereas casual gatherings typically involve wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options. The preferences of the guests should also be considered, and it is helpful to provide a variety of drinks to cater to different tastes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Vodka, Gin, Whisky/Bourbon, Beer, Wine, Rum, Tequila, Triple sec/Cointreau, Scotch, Liqueurs (Amaretto, Coffee, Irish cream, etc.), Shooters (Fireball, etc.) |
| Mixers | Tonic, Soda, Cranberry juice, Lime juice, Club soda, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Juices |
| Other | Ice, Cups/Glasses, Napkins, Garnishes |
| Amount | One drink per guest per hour of the event (including non-alcoholic drinks) |
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What You'll Learn
Beer, wine, spirits, and liqueurs
If you're planning a party, it's a good idea to have a selection of beers, wines, spirits, and liqueurs to cater to different tastes. Here are some suggestions for each category:
Beer: Stock up on a variety of beers, including light, easy-drinking beers, IPAs, and craft beers. Don't forget to include some chilled apple cider, which is a crowd-pleaser.
Wine: Offer a range of red and white wines to suit different preferences. Some popular and affordable options include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Sauvignon. If you're looking for something a little more unique, consider a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or a Spanish Monastrell.
Spirits: Foundation spirits such as gin and vodka are versatile and can be used in various cocktails. If you want to take it a step further, include some unique gins and a budget vodka option. Remember to provide suitable glassware, such as rocks glasses/tumblers for spirits and martini glasses for cocktails.
Liqueurs: Liqueurs are essential for crafting sophisticated cocktails. Consider having a selection of sweet almond liqueurs, orange liqueurs (e.g., Grand Marnier), coffee liqueurs (perfect for Espresso Martinis), and bitter liqueurs (such as Angostura orange bitters) to add depth to your drinks.
Remember to adjust your selections based on your budget and the preferences of your expected guests.
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Cocktails and mixers
When it comes to throwing a party, cocktails and mixers are a great way to keep your guests happy. Here are some tips to help you plan:
Glassware and Ice
First things first, ensure you have enough glassware for your guests. If you're only serving wine, you'll just need wine glasses. If you're offering a full cocktail bar, you may need to invest in some cocktail glasses, too. You could also consider disposable glasses to avoid breakages. Don't forget to stock up on ice, too—you'll need around one and a half to two pounds per guest.
Mixers
For mixers, plan on having about one quart (one litre) of tonic water, soda water, or juice for every three guests. If you're making cocktails, you'll also need some sour ingredients like lime or lemon juice, and perhaps some simple syrup. Fresh fruit juices are versatile and can be used in many cocktails. Some popular choices include orange juice, tomato juice, and cranberry juice. If you're serving non-alcoholic drinks, too, you'll need extra soda.
Spirits
For spirits, vodka is a must—it's the most popular spirit in the US and can be used in many cocktails, from Cosmopolitans to Espresso Martinis. White rum is another versatile spirit, forming the base of popular cocktails like the Mojito and Daiquiri. If you want to offer a wider selection, add some dark liquors like whiskey, which features in the Manhattan and the Whiskey Sour. If you're making a signature cocktail, don't forget to stock up on the appropriate ingredients.
Other drinks
In addition to cocktails, you may want to offer some beer and wine. For beer, it's a good idea to provide a few different kinds, and for wine, you'll need one bottle for every two guests. Don't forget to stock up on some non-alcoholic drinks, too—you can expect each guest to drink two servings in the first hour and one serving for each additional hour.
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Non-alcoholic options
When planning a party, it is important to offer non-alcoholic options to cater to guests who do not consume alcohol or are taking a break from it. Here are some ideas for non-alcoholic drinks that will make your party enjoyable for all:
Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, are a great way to offer your guests a festive and sophisticated drink without the alcohol. You can get creative and experiment with various ingredients, such as juices, flavoured syrups, sodas, and fizzy drinks. Here are some specific ideas:
- Fruit-based Mocktails: Use seasonal fruits to create refreshing mocktails. For example, a non-alcoholic clementine mojito with citrus flavours, a pineapple and ginger punch, or a cranberry spritz with hints of sage and orange.
- Herbal Citrus Mocktails: Combine herbal ingredients with citrus for a unique flavour profile. Try a hibiscus, lemongrass, basil, and honey sweet iced tea, or a tangerine rosemary mocktail with separately prepared rosemary syrup for easy taste adjustment.
- Vegetable-based Mocktails: Vegetables can also be used to create interesting mocktails. Try a beet and sumac soda, which combines fresh beet juice with tangy sumac syrup, soda water, and a splash of lemon.
- Tropical Mocktails: Transport your guests to a tropical paradise with mocktails like pineapple coconut water, which blends pineapple juice with ginger juice and coconut water.
- Classic Mocktails: Offer non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails, such as a passionfruit martini mocktail made with fresh passion fruit, lemon juice, and alcohol-free spirit, or a New York sour mocktail with Assam tea, lemon, maple syrup, pomegranate juice, and egg white.
- Shirley Temple: This classic mocktail has been a favourite since the 1930s and is made with ginger ale, grenadine, and maraschino cherries.
- Non-Alcoholic Wine and Beer: Provide non-alcoholic wine and beer options for guests who prefer these beverages.
Other Non-Alcoholic Options
In addition to mocktails, here are some other non-alcoholic drink ideas:
- Water: Ensure you have plenty of water, preferably tap water to reduce plastic waste.
- Juices: Offer a variety of bottled juices or freshly squeezed options.
- Iced Tea: Prepare a large batch of iced tea, perhaps with a unique flavour like lavender.
- Soft Drinks: Provide a selection of sodas and sparkling waters to cater to different tastes.
- Smoothies: For a healthier option, blend frozen fruits with other ingredients to create delicious smoothies.
Remember to have plenty of ice, garnishes, glasses, and napkins to complete the beverage experience for your guests. Enjoy crafting these non-alcoholic options and cheers to a wonderful party!
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Amount of alcohol to buy
The amount of alcohol you need for a party depends on several factors, such as the number of guests, the duration of the party, and the types of drinks you plan to serve. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you determine the quantity of alcohol to buy for your party:
Determine the number of guests and the duration of the party:
The general rule of thumb is to plan for one drink per guest per hour of the event. For example, for a 4-hour party with 50 guests, you would need approximately 200 drinks.
Choose the types of drinks you want to serve:
You can opt for a full bar with mixed drinks and specialty cocktails, or keep it simple with wine and beer, along with non-alcoholic choices. Most guests will find wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks satisfactory, and it simplifies planning for the host.
Calculate the quantity of drinks based on the chosen drink options:
If you decide to serve only wine and beer, a good estimate is that 60% of your guests will prefer beer, and 40% will prefer wine. Using the previous example of a 4-hour party with 50 guests, you would need:
- 80 beers
- 72 glasses of wine (equivalent to about 15 bottles)
If you plan to include cocktails, you will need to determine the types of cocktails and the required quantities of alcohol and mixers. For example, if you choose to serve mojitos, you will need rum, lime juice, and club soda. To calculate the amount of rum needed, assume that a bottle contains 750 ml or approximately 500 ml of usable liquid. A mojito typically contains 1.5 ounces of rum, so one bottle will be sufficient for about 22-23 cocktails.
Consider non-alcoholic options and additional supplies:
In addition to alcohol, 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 plenty of ice, garnishes, glasses, and napkins. A good estimate is to buy one and a half to two pounds of ice per guest to keep beverages chilled.
Adjust based on guest preferences and return policies:
If you are unsure about your guests' drink preferences, it is advisable to purchase a variety of drinks with some extras. Most retailers will allow you to return unopened bottles, and even if they don't, most unopened bottles will keep long after the party.
By following these guidelines and adjusting the quantities based on your specific party details, you can ensure you have enough alcohol to keep your guests happy and entertained.
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Types of alcohol for different parties
When planning a party, it's a good idea to consider the types of alcohol you'll be serving. Here are some suggestions for different types of parties:
Casual Gatherings
For casual get-togethers, serving wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks is perfectly acceptable and often preferred. Most guests will find an option that suits their taste, and it simplifies planning for the host. You can also include some soft drinks, sparkling water, and non-alcoholic beer and wine as alternatives.
Cocktail Parties
If you're planning a cocktail party, you'll need a variety of liquors and mixers. Essential liquors include vodka, gin, rum, whiskey or bourbon, and tequila. For mixers, stock up on tonic water, club soda, juices (especially lemon and lime), and simple syrup. You can also add some variety with liqueurs like Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Fernet Branca. Don't forget the ice, garnishes, and glasses or disposable cups!
Full Bar
Hosting a full bar will require a greater variety of liquors and mixers. In addition to the essential liquors mentioned above, you may want to include scotch, brandy, and a wider range of liqueurs. If you're serving cocktails, decide on a few signature cocktails to simplify your shopping list. Don't forget to account for guests' preferences, and consider hiring a professional bartender to help with drink preparation.
Special Occasions
For special occasions like a wedding or a birthday party, you may want to include some sparkling wine or champagne. It adds a festive touch to the celebration. You can also offer a variety of beers, including local crafts and specialty choices, to suit different tastes.
Large Parties
For larger parties with many guests, it's essential to plan for a sufficient quantity of drinks. As a rule of thumb, plan for one drink per guest per hour of the event. For example, for a 4-hour party with 100 guests, you'll need approximately 400 drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails. Adjust the quantities based on your expected guest count and the duration of the party.
Remember, it's always a good idea to have a variety of options to cater to different tastes, and don't forget about non-alcoholic alternatives!
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of party and your guests' preferences. If it's a casual gathering, serving wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks is perfectly acceptable. For a full bar, stock up on essential liquors like vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, and tequila, as well as mixers and ingredients for cocktails.
A good rule of thumb is to plan for each guest to have 2 drinks during the first hour and 1 drink every additional hour. For a 4-hour party with 100 guests, you'll need about 400 drinks: 160 beers, 144 glasses of wine, and enough for 96 cocktails.
Set a budget before planning your alcohol purchases. For casual gatherings, rely on guests to bring a bottle of wine or a 6-pack of beer. You can also suggest that guests bring their own bottles, which can reduce costs for the host.
Popular alcoholic drinks for parties include beer, wine, vodka, whiskey, tequila, gin, and rum. For cocktails, you can create a signature drink or offer classics like mojitos or margaritas. Don't forget to provide non-alcoholic options like water, juice, and soda as well.
Start by estimating the number of guests and categorizing them as light, average, or heavy drinkers. Note their preferred drinks, such as wine, liquor, or beer. Use this information to calculate the quantities needed for each type of alcohol. Online drink calculators can also help with these estimates.
