How Much Alcohol for 50 Guests?
The exact quantities you need for beer, wine, and liquor - with shopping lists for different event lengths.
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For 50 guests at a 4-hour event: 7 cases of beer, 15 bottles of wine, and 3 bottles of liquor. This follows the 1-drink-per-person-per-hour rule with a standard beer/wine/liquor split.
Get exact numbers for your eventThe Math Behind 50 Guests
The standard rule is 1 drink per person per hour. For 50 guests at a 4-hour event, that's 200 total drinks. Some planners use 2 drinks for the first hour, then 1 per hour after - which gives you 250 drinks for a 4-hour event. We'll use 200 as our baseline and add a buffer.
Here's how we split those 200 drinks:
Shopping Lists by Event Length
Not every party is 4 hours. Here's what you need for different durations:
Want exact numbers?
Our calculator adjusts for your specific crowd type and preferences.
Try the CalculatorAdjusting for Your Crowd
The numbers above assume a standard mixed crowd. But your guests might have different preferences:
Beer-Loving Crowd
Backyard BBQ, sports watch party, casual birthday
Wine-Focused Crowd
Dinner party, anniversary, upscale birthday
What About Non-Drinkers?
Not everyone drinks alcohol. A safe assumption is 15-20% of guests will stick to non-alcoholic options. For 50 guests, that's 7-10 people. You can reduce alcohol quantities slightly, but it's better to have extra than run out.
Make sure to stock up on:
Budget Estimate
Here's a rough budget for 50 guests at a 4-hour event:
Pro Tips for 50 Guests
Buy returnable
Most liquor stores accept returns on unopened bottles. Buy 20% extra and return what you don't use.
Chill early
Start chilling beer and white wine at least 4 hours before the party. You'll need fridge space or coolers with ice.
Ice math
Plan 1.5 lbs of ice per person. For 50 guests, that's about 75 lbs - two large bags from the grocery store.
Glassware
If not using disposable cups, rent or buy 2 glasses per person (100 total) to account for people setting drinks down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cases of beer for 50 guests?
For a 4-hour event with 50 guests, plan for 6-7 cases of beer (24-packs). This assumes about 40% of drinks are beer. If your crowd loves beer, bump it up to 8-9 cases.
How many bottles of wine for 50 guests?
Plan for 12-15 bottles of wine for 50 guests at a 4-hour event. Each bottle serves about 5 glasses. Split roughly 60/40 between red and white, or adjust based on your menu.
How much liquor for 50 guests?
For 50 guests over 4 hours, 2-3 bottles of liquor (750ml each) should cover cocktails. A standard bottle makes about 16 drinks. If you are doing a full bar with multiple spirits, plan 1-2 bottles of each type.
Should I add a buffer for extra drinks?
Yes, adding 15-20% extra is smart. Most stores let you return unopened bottles. It is better to have 5 extra bottles than to run out at 9 PM.
How much does alcohol for 50 guests cost?
Budget roughly $400-800 depending on quality. Mid-range estimate: $150-200 for beer, $150-200 for wine, $100-150 for liquor. Buying in bulk or at warehouse stores can cut costs by 20-30%.
Get Your Exact Numbers
Our free calculator gives you a personalized shopping list based on your guest count, event duration, and crowd preferences.
Calculate for 50 Guests