Planning A Party: When To Buy Beer?

Planning a party can be fun, but it's also time-consuming. One of the most important considerations is how much alcohol to buy. You don't want to run out, but you also don't want to be left with lots of waste. The amount of alcohol you need depends on the number of guests, the duration of the party, and the types of drinks you plan to serve. A good rule of thumb is to plan for one drink per guest per hour of the party. This can be broken down further by drink type, with 40% of drinks typically being beer, 60% wine, and the remaining drinks falling into the mixed drinks category. For a standard bottle of wine (750ml), you can expect to get around five to six glasses, and for spirits, a 750ml bottle will give you around 17 shots. For beer, it's usually estimated that guests will drink about one bottle or can every half hour to an hour.

Beer, wine and spirits

When planning a party, it's important to ensure you have enough drinks for your guests. A good rule of thumb is to plan for one drink per guest per hour of the event. This means that for a 4-hour party with 250 guests, you will need 1000 drinks. Of course, this number can vary depending on the drinking habits of your guests and the specific details of your event.

Now, let's break down the quantities of beer, wine, and spirits you may need:

Beer:

It is recommended to have bottled beer, but if you prefer a keg, ensure it can serve all your guests. Typically, 40% of party drinks are beer. So, for 1000 drinks, you would need 400 beers. If you're serving a variety of beers, experts suggest choosing three classic styles: a pilsner, a wheat beer, and an IPA or pale ale.

Wine:

Wine accounts for 60% of the remaining drinks after beer. Using the previous example, if you have 400 beers, you would need 360 glasses of wine. A standard bottle of wine (750ml) serves approximately 6 glasses, but it's safer to assume 5 glasses per bottle for your calculations. This means you would need 72 bottles of wine for 360 glasses.

When deciding on the types of wine, consider the event and the season. For indoor, fall, winter, or spring events, plan for 50% red wine, 25% white, and 25% sparkling. For outdoor or summer events, you can evenly split the bottles between red, white, and sparkling.

Spirits:

Calculating the amount of spirits needed is more complex, as it depends on the types of cocktails you plan to serve. The average cocktail uses 1.5 ounces of a base liquor (vodka, gin, rum, etc.), accent juices (e.g., lemon or lime juice), and a mixer (juice or soda). For example, a mojito typically contains 1.5 oz rum, 1/4 oz lime juice, and 4-6 oz club soda. You will need to calculate how many cocktails you can make based on the amount of liquor, juices, and mixers you have.

In summary, for a successful party, ensure you have a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits, and don't forget to chill your beverages adequately. Remember to always drink responsibly and have non-alcoholic options available as well.

Buying in advance

When it comes to buying beer in advance of a party, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is generally recommended that beer be purchased no more than a week or two in advance, as it has a shorter shelf life than wine or liquor. This is especially important if you are buying craft beer, which may have an even shorter shelf life. However, if you are buying a larger quantity of beer for a big event, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to buy in advance. In this case, it is recommended to store the beer in a cool, dry place, preferably in a refrigerator, to ensure that it stays fresh.

Another factor to consider when buying beer in advance is the type of beer you are purchasing. Canned or bottled beer will last longer than draft beer, as it has a longer shelf life and is less susceptible to oxidation. If you are buying craft beer, pay attention to the "best before" date on the packaging, as these beers often have a shorter shelf life than mass-produced beers.

When planning your beer purchase, it is important to consider the number of guests you will be serving and the duration of the party. A general rule of thumb is to plan for one drink per guest per hour of the party. For a four-hour party with 25 guests, for example, you would need 100 drinks. If you are serving other types of alcohol in addition to beer, you can adjust this calculation accordingly.

In addition to the quantity of beer, you will also need to consider the variety of beer you will be serving. It is generally recommended to offer a variety of beer styles, such as lagers, IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers, to cater to different tastes. You may also want to consider offering local craft beers, which can add a unique touch to your party.

When buying beer in advance, it is also a good idea to check the return policy of the store or retailer. This will allow you to return any unopened or unused beer if you overestimate your needs. Additionally, some stores may offer discounts for large purchases, so it is worth inquiring about this if you are buying in bulk.

By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can ensure that you have enough beer for your party and that it is fresh and enjoyable for your guests.

How much to buy

When it comes to knowing how much beer to buy for your party, the number of guests is the primary determining factor. The general rule is that one person drinks one beer per hour of a party. So, for a 4-hour party with 10 guests, you will need 40 beers.

If you are serving other drinks, you can estimate that 40% of all party drinks are typically beer. So, if you are serving beer, wine, and mixed drinks, you can calculate the number of beers you need as follows:

Total # of drinks x 40% = # of beers

For example, if you are having a 4-hour party for 250 guests, you will need 1000 total drinks (250 guests x 4 hours). 40% of those drinks will be beer, so you will need 400 beers (1000 x 40% = 400).

If you are serving beer and wine only, plan on 60% of your guests drinking beer and 40% drinking wine. For a 4-hour party with 100 guests, you will need 400 servings: 240 beers and 160 glasses of wine.

If you are buying bottled beer, it is a good idea to round up to the nearest case to ensure you do not run out. Most kegs contain 15.5 gallons of beer or 165 12-oz servings, so make sure you can serve 400 beers if you are getting a keg.

It is worth noting that this calculation assumes that your guests will drink beer consistently throughout the party. If you think your guests will drink more beer at certain times (for example, during a meal or later in the evening), you may need to adjust your calculations accordingly.

Additionally, if you are unsure about your guests' preferences, it is a good idea to purchase a variety of drinks with some extra. Most retailers will allow you to return unopened bottles, and even if they don't, most unopened bottles will keep long after the party.

Drink types

When it comes to planning a party, it's important to consider the types of drinks you'll be serving. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you decide:

Beer

Beer is a popular choice for parties, and it's important to have a good estimate of how much you'll need. As a rule of thumb, plan for your guests to drink about one beer per hour. If you're serving bottled beer, a standard bottle is typically 12 ounces. For a keg, most contain 15.5 gallons or 165 12-ounce servings. Keep in mind that beer doesn't have a long shelf life, so it's best to purchase it closer to the party date.

Wine

Wine is another common choice, and it's important to know how many bottles you'll need. On average, a 750ml bottle of wine provides five to six glasses. For a party, plan for one bottle for every two guests. When it comes to red vs. white wine, consider the time of year and the event setting. For indoor/fall, winter, and spring events, plan for 50% red wine, 25% white, and 25% sparkling. For outdoor/summer events, you can split the bottles evenly between red, white, and sparkling. Wine can be purchased in advance and stored, but make sure to store it properly to prevent cork taint and oxidation.

Liquor

If you're serving cocktails or mixed drinks, the amount of liquor you'll need will depend on the specific drinks you plan to offer. As a general rule, plan for about 1.5 ounces of liquor per drink. For a 750ml bottle of spirits, you can expect to get about 17 shots. If you're making a signature cocktail, be sure to calculate the necessary ingredients accordingly.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Don't forget to provide non-alcoholic options for your guests as well. Plan for two servings of non-alcoholic drinks in the first hour and one serving for each additional hour. Water is a must, and you can also offer options like juice, lemonade, iced tea, and soft drinks.

Signature Cocktails

If you're planning to serve signature cocktails, it's a good idea to limit the choices to one or two drinks. This will make it easier to calculate the necessary ingredients and ensure you have enough for your guests.

Champagne

If you're serving champagne for a toast, plan for one bottle for every 8 guests. This will provide enough for a 1/2 glass per guest.

Storage and Chilling

When purchasing drinks in advance, make sure you have adequate storage space, especially for items that need to be chilled. You'll also need ice to keep drinks cold during the party. A good estimate is 1.5 to 2 pounds of ice per guest.

Non-alcoholic options

When planning a party, it's important to ensure you have a variety of non-alcoholic options for your guests. Here are some ideas and tips to help you prepare:

Variety is Key

Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices to cater to different tastes and preferences. This can include bottled water, juices, lemonade, iced tea, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beer and wine. Having a range of options ensures that all your guests can find something they enjoy.

Get Creative with Mocktails and Punches

Get creative with mocktails and punches! These can be as simple as mixing orange juice, lemon juice, club soda, and brewed tea for a fruity punch or something more elaborate like a virgin piña colada or a lavender-rosemary lemonade. You can even make non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris.

Consider the Weather and Temperature

The weather and temperature can impact the type and amount of non-alcoholic drinks you offer. For example, on warm days, expect your guests to drink more and prefer refreshing options like iced tea, lemonade, or fruit-based punches. In contrast, for colder months, consider offering hot cider, mulled drinks, or warm punches.

Plan for Enough Drinks

As a host, it's essential to ensure you have enough drinks for the duration of the party. A good rule of thumb is to plan for two servings of non-alcoholic drinks per guest during the first hour and one serving for each additional hour. This will help you estimate the quantity needed and avoid running out during the party.

Presentation and Garnishes

Presentation and garnishes can elevate your non-alcoholic options. Consider adding slices of citrus fruits like limes and oranges, or fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary to your drinks. You can also offer wine or cocktail charms, or tags to help guests identify their drinks and add a touch of elegance to your event.

Storage and Chilling

Ensure you have adequate storage and chilling options for your non-alcoholic drinks. This can include coolers, ice buckets, or a fridge. Plan to have enough ice to keep the drinks chilled throughout the party, and consider having separate ice for drinks and glasses.

Frequently asked questions