2025 Party Drink Calculator: How Much Alcohol Do I Need?
Quick Drink Calculator
Plan on one drink per guest per hour of your event to ensure there’s enough alcohol. Use this formula:
of guests x hours of party time
For a 4-hour party with 250 guests: 250 x 4 = 1000 drinks.
BEER: 40% of Drinks
40% of drinks are typically beer:
1000 x 40% = 400 beers
Bottled beer is easiest, but a keg with 15.5 gallons (165 servings) can also work.
WINE: 60% of Remaining Drinks
60% of the remaining drinks are wine:
(1000 – 400) x 60% = 360 glasses of wine
A bottle of wine serves 5 glasses. For 360 glasses, you’ll need:
360 / 5 = 72 bottles
Divide wine into red, white, and sparkling based on season:
Indoor events: 36 red, 18 white, 18 sparkling
Outdoor events: 24 each of red, white, and sparkling
MIXED DRINKS
The remaining drinks are for cocktails:
1000 – 400 (beer) – 360 (wine) = 240 mixed drinks
The average cocktail uses:
1.5 oz base liquor (e.g., vodka, rum)
4-6 oz mixers (juice, soda)
CHAMPAGNE TOASTS
One bottle serves 8 guests. For 250 guests:
250 / 8 = 32 bottles
WATER
Don’t forget water! Estimate 12 oz per guest per hour. For 250 guests over 4 hours:
250 x 4 = 1000 glasses
FAQ Highlights
For 100 guests: 400 drinks (240 beers, 160 glasses of wine)
For 50 guests: 200 drinks (80 beers, 72 glasses of wine, 48 cocktails)
For 150 guests: 600 drinks (240 beers, 216 glasses of wine, 144 cocktails)
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your event is well-stocked. Visit chefphoenix.com for additional party planning resources.
