Free Birthday Calculator

Birthday Party Alcohol Calculator

Calculate exactly how much alcohol you need for your birthday celebration. From intimate dinners to milestone blowouts - we have got you covered.

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Free Any party size No signup

Birthday Party Quick Math

3-4
Drinks per guest (3-4 hrs)
1
Signature cocktail (recommended)
$15-25
Budget per person
10%
Extra for safety buffer

How It Works

1. Enter Guest Count

Tell us how many are celebrating

2. Set Party Duration

Birthday parties often go longer than planned!

3. Get Your List

Wine, beer, liquor, and champagne for toasts

Birthday Party Quick Reference

Alcohol needed for a 4-hour birthday celebration

15
Guests
Liquor2 btls
Wine5 btls
Beer12 btls
Champagne2 btls
25
Guests
Liquor4 btls
Wine8 btls
Beer18 btls
Champagne4 btls
40
Guests
Liquor6 btls
Wine12 btls
Beer24 btls
Champagne6 btls
60
Guests
Liquor9 btls
Wine18 btls
Beer36 btls
Champagne8 btls

Birthday Party Styles

Casual Gathering (15-25)

Backyard BBQ, house party, or bar outing. Keep it simple with favorites.

  • • Beer and wine focus
  • • 1 batch cocktail optional
  • • Self-serve friendly
Budget: $150-300
Popular

Milestone Birthday (30/40/50)

Make it memorable with quality over quantity. Champagne toast required.

  • • Premium champagne for toast
  • • Signature cocktail
  • • Full bar selection
Budget: $400-800+

Dinner Party (8-15)

Intimate celebration with focus on wine pairings and quality spirits.

  • • Wine with each course
  • • Aperitif and digestif
  • • Higher quality selections
Budget: $150-400

Big Bash (50-100+)

Large venue celebration. Consider hiring bartenders for service.

  • • Batched signature cocktails
  • • Beer and wine stations
  • • Professional service recommended
Budget: $800-2,000+

Birthday Signature Cocktail Ideas

Add a personal touch with a themed drink

🍸

The Birthday Martini

Elderflower, vodka, prosecco. Elegant and celebratory.

🥂

Champagne Punch

Champagne, peach nectar, brandy. Perfect for batching.

🍹

Tropical Celebration

Rum, passion fruit, lime. Fun and colorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much alcohol do I need for a birthday party of 25 guests?

For 25 guests at a 3-4 hour birthday party, plan for about 75-100 drinks total. This translates to approximately 3-4 bottles of liquor, 6-8 bottles of wine, 1.5 cases of beer, plus mixers. Adjust based on whether your crowd prefers beer, wine, or cocktails.

What alcohol should I serve at a 30th/40th/50th birthday party?

For milestone birthdays, consider: champagne or prosecco for a toast, a signature cocktail featuring the guest of honor's favorite spirit, wine options (red and white), beer selection, and non-alcoholic options. Quality over quantity makes these celebrations special.

How many drinks per person at a birthday party?

Plan for 2-3 drinks per person for a 2-3 hour party, or 3-4 drinks for longer celebrations (4+ hours). Birthday parties often run longer than planned, so having extra is wise. The first hour typically sees higher consumption.

Should I have a signature cocktail for a birthday party?

Yes! A signature cocktail adds a personal touch and simplifies bar service. Name it after the birthday person or tie it to the party theme. Prepare batches in advance to serve quickly. Popular choices include margaritas, mojitos, or cosmopolitans.

How do I plan alcohol for a surprise birthday party?

For surprise parties: Set up the bar before guests arrive, pre-chill all drinks, consider a self-serve station for the initial reveal moment, and have one person designated to refresh ice and drinks. Batch a signature cocktail so it is ready immediately.

What is a reasonable alcohol budget for a birthday party?

Budget $15-25 per person for a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. Beer and wine only reduces this to $8-12 per person. For 25 guests, expect to spend $200-500 total depending on quality and selection.

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