Calculate exactly how many drinks you need for any event. Beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, water, and coffee - we cover it all.
Calculate BeveragesHow many people are you hosting?
Longer events need more drinks per person
Complete breakdown by beverage type
Total beverages needed for common event sizes (4-hour event)
Minimum water needed (add 50% for outdoor/summer events)
Full bar with champagne toast
Beer-focused, relaxed atmosphere
Professional setting, moderate consumption
Daytime, lighter drinks
Plan for 2-3 beverages per person per hour. For a 4-hour event, that is 8-12 drinks per guest total. Split this between alcoholic options (if serving) and non-alcoholic options. Always have water available in addition to other beverages.
Use the formula: Guests × Hours × 1.5 drinks = Total beverages needed. For 50 guests at a 4-hour party: 50 × 4 × 1.5 = 300 drinks. Then split by type: 40% beer, 30% wine/cocktails, 30% non-alcoholic for a typical party.
Plan for at least 8 oz of water per person per hour, plus extra. For 50 guests at a 4-hour event, have at least 5-6 gallons of water available. Double this for outdoor or summer events. Guests often underestimate their water needs.
A good baseline is 70% alcoholic and 30% non-alcoholic for evening social events. For daytime events or corporate gatherings, flip to 40% alcoholic and 60% non-alcoholic. Always have more non-alcoholic options than you think you need.
If serving coffee, plan for 1-2 cups per person at breakfast/brunch events, or 0.5-1 cup at evening events (for after dinner). A gallon of coffee serves about 16 cups. For tea, have 1 tea bag per person who might want tea (usually 20-30% of guests).
Plan for 2-3 kid-friendly drinks per child per hour. Stock juice boxes, lemonade, sparkling water, and regular water. Avoid only sugary options - parents appreciate having water and lighter choices available.
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