Party Drinks Calculator
Estimate drinks, wine bottles, spirits and ice needed for a party.
About the Party Drinks Calculator
A common hosting rule is two drinks per guest in the first hour and one per hour after. A 750 ml bottle of wine pours five 5-oz glasses, and a 750 ml bottle of spirits about 17 standard 1.5-oz measures. Plan about 1 lb (0.5 kg) of ice per guest, more in hot weather or if chilling drinks in tubs.
The formula
Drinks = guests × (2 + hours − 1)
Worked example
Example: Total drinks = 165
- Inputs: Guests (drinking age): 33; Event length: 4 hours; Serving: Beer, wine and spirits.
- Formula: Drinks = guests × (2 + hours − 1)
- Result: Total drinks = 165
Questions people ask
What's a standard drink?
In the US, 14 g of alcohol: 12 oz beer at 5%, 5 oz wine at 12%, 1.5 oz spirits at 40%.
Should I offer non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, plenty, along with water.