How Much Alcohol Do I Actually Need for a Party?

If you’re buying wine for your party, the math for figuring out how much to buy is fairly simple. One standard bottle of wine contains 5 servings. To figure out how many bottles you’ll need in an hour, divide the number of wine-drinking guests by 5. For example, if 20 of your guests are drinking wine, the math would look like this:

20 (guests) ÷ 5 (servings) = 4 (bottles for one hour of partying)

Then to determine how many bottles you’ll need for your whole party, simply multiply by how many hours you plan on entertaining for. Let’s say those same 20 people are hanging out for 3 hours. The math would look like this:

4 (bottles) x 3 (hours) = 12 (bottles)

You’ll need 12 bottles of wine to keep 20 guests happy and buzzed for 3 hours. Simple!

Beer math is even easier because bottles and cans are single-serve, so there’s no need to divide by the amount of servings per container. Since beer-drinkers seem to go through alcohol faster than wine- or mixed drink-consumers, let’s change the math formula to account for that, and bump it up to 1.25 drinks consumed per hour. Let’s say you have 20 beer-drinking guests for the same 3-hour party. The math would look like this:

20 (guests) x 1.25 (servings) x 3 (hours) = 75 (bottles/cans needed)

You’ll need 75 cans or bottles of beer for 20 guests at a 3-hour party.

Liquor is a little trickier, since you’ll need to account for both the liquor and the mixer. Plus, liquor bottles aren’t sold in standard sizes, so you may have to do some on-your-feet math when you get to the store. Here’s some things to consider: A standard shot is about 1.5 ounces of liquor, and a standard mixed drink is 1 part alcohol to 4 parts soda/mixer.

Once you determine how many mixed drinks you can make from one bottle of liquor, the math is the same as before: Guests x Servings x Hours = The number of mixed drinks you’ll need

It’s a good idea to have some non-alcoholic beverages at your party other than just soda or water. The Designated Drivers in the group will appreciate it, and if the punch is really tasty, it could also be a hit with the alcohol-consuming guests, which would ultimately save you some money in the end. Here are a couple delicious, easy-to-make punches that are totally booze-free, and would totally be a hit at your party:

1. Non-Alcoholic Spiced Sangria Punch
2. Non-Alcoholic Orange Slush Punch
3. Cherry-Infused Dr. Pepper™ Punch
4. Sparkling Summer Limeade

Alcohol guarantees a lively party, but it also gives that party a pretty hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can cut costs when shopping for spirits:

• Check for case deals: Some grocery and liquor stores will offer a 5-10% discount if you buy an unopened case of alcohol, versus buying opened bottles straight off the shelf. Ask a salesperson if this discount is available.
• Keep your receipts: Unopened, unused bottles of non-refrigerated alcohol can often be returned to where you purchased them from. Just be sure to verify what your liquor store’s return policy is before you buy!
• Avoid name brands: It can be tempting to want to purchase quality, high-shelf alcohol, but after everyone’s had a few drinks in them, no one will be the wiser to your off-brand booze. If you want to give off the impression that you have good taste, start the evening off with more expensive alcohol, and then sub out for cheaper booze as people get tipsier.
• Don’t serve ultra-light beer: It’s far too easy to drink can after can of ultra-light beer, which ultimately means you’ll go through it faster. Find a balance between substantial and heavy beverages and drinks that will keep people light enough to want to get out on the dance floor.

You can’t have a party without food. And you definitely can’t serve alcohol without food—not unless you want everyone sleeping at your house after the party is over. Your guests will get way too intoxicated without food, so make sure to provide a sustainable amount of snackable, carb-heavy treats. Here are a couple of our favorite party-food ideas:

1. Creamy Bacon Spinach Artichoke Dip
2. Spinach Artichoke Roll-Ups
3. Slow-Cooker Bourbon Cocktail Wieners
4. Buffalo Wing Chex Mix™
5. Pancetta and Mushroom Phyllo Cups
6. Four-Layer Shrimp Dip

Looking for mixed drinks to serve at your next soirée? We’ve got some thoughts on that topic, too:

1. Cranberry-Orange Prosecco Punch
2. Blue Raspberry Spiked Lemonade
3. Blood Orange Rum Punch
4. Cherry-Infused Dr. Pepper™ Punch
5. Watermelon Vodka Slush