Drink Calculator — How Much Alcohol to Buy for a Party
Calculate how many bottles of wine, cases of beer, and bottles of spirits to buy for your event. Includes ice and soft drink estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 750ml bottle of wine yields approximately 5 glasses (5 oz each). A magnum (1.5L) yields 10 glasses. For a 4-hour reception, plan on 1.5–2 glasses of wine per wine-drinking guest per hour.
A standard 750ml bottle of spirits yields approximately 17 drinks (1.5 oz shots). A 1.75L handle yields approximately 39 drinks. For a well-stocked open bar, plan 1 handle per 10–12 heavy drinkers for a 4-hour event.
Plan 1.5–2 lbs of ice per person for an evening event. This covers drinks, coolers, and ice buckets. In summer or outdoor events, increase to 2–3 lbs per person. Buy 10% extra since ice melts during transport and setup.
Set up stations by spirit type. Keep beer and wine in separate coolers. Pre-batch cocktails when possible. Label everything clearly. Have a non-alcoholic station equally prominent. Stock 1 bartender per 50 guests for a relaxed flow, or 1 per 35 for faster service.
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