Beer Buying Guide For Your Next Party

Planning a party can be stressful, especially when it comes to figuring out how much beer to buy. The amount of beer you need depends on several factors, including the number of guests, the duration of the party, and the drinking preferences of your guests. A good rule of thumb is to expect each guest to drink about 12 ounces of beer every half hour to an hour. It's also a good idea to provide a variety of beer options to cater to different tastes. In addition to beer, you may also want to consider offering other types of alcohol, such as wine or liquor, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

How much beer to buy: Plan for one beer per guest per hour

When planning a party, it's essential to consider how much beer to buy to ensure your guests have a great time. The general rule is to plan for one beer per guest per hour. This means that if you're expecting 20 guests for a 4-hour party, you should plan to have 80 beers on hand.

However, it's important to note that this is just an estimate, and actual consumption may vary depending on various factors, such as the duration of the party, the drinking preferences of your guests, and the availability of other beverage options. It's always a good idea to have a variety of beers to cater to different tastes, including light beers, craft beers, and perhaps some richer, more flavorful options.

To ensure you have enough beer, consider the duration of your party and the drinking habits of your guests. If you anticipate that your guests will drink more than one beer per hour, adjust your calculations accordingly. Additionally, it's wise to have a few extra beers on hand to accommodate heavier drinkers or unexpected guests.

When in doubt, it's better to have too much beer than too little. Leftover beers can always be enjoyed after the party or saved for your next gathering. By planning ahead and calculating the number of beers needed based on the expected number of guests and the duration of the party, you can ensure a well-stocked and enjoyable event for everyone.

Beer variety: Offer a range of beers to cater to different tastes

When it comes to throwing a party, one of the most important considerations is the drinks you'll be serving. If you're planning to serve beer, it's a good idea to offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes. Here are some tips to help you choose a range of beers that will satisfy your guests:

Firstly, consider the type of party you're throwing, the guest list, and your budget. These factors will help guide your selections. For example, if you're having a backyard barbecue, you might want to include some lighter, more refreshing beers. On the other hand, if it's a more elegant gathering, you might opt for craft beers or imported varieties. Knowing your guest list can also help you gauge the amount and variety of beer you'll need. If you have a mix of beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers, you'll want to provide a range of options.

Now, let's get into the specific beer styles you can offer. Here are some popular options:

• American Lager: This includes beers like Coors Light, PBR, and similar options. These are typically easy-drinking, standard "beer" choices for guests who aren't too particular about their beverage.
• IPA or Pale Ale: Sierra Nevada is a popular choice in this category, offering a toasted, light-bodied beer with hints of citrus and spice. IPAs and pale ales are great for guests who want a bit more flavour and bitterness.
• Wheat/Fruit Beer: Beers in this category often have fruity notes and a refreshing taste. Examples include New Belgium's "Snapshot Wheat," Pyramid Apricot Ale, Blue Moon, or Shock Top. Wheat and fruit beers are perfect for those who want something a little different but still easy to drink.
• Pilsner: Offer a good craft pilsner for guests who want a light beer with more flavour. North Coast Brewery's Scrimshaw Pilsner is a great choice.
• Porter: For the dark beer enthusiasts, a porter like Anchor Porter delivers a rich, smooth drinking experience with hints of coffee and chocolate.

Remember, the key is to provide a variety of options to cater to different tastes. You can include some crowd-pleasers like the American lagers and some more unique choices like the wheat beers or porters. This way, your guests can explore different flavours and find their new favourites.

Additionally, pay attention to the amount of beer you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to estimate that each guest will drink about 12 ounces (one bottle) of beer every half hour to an hour. Adjust your purchases accordingly, and don't forget to offer non-alcoholic options as well!

Storing and serving: Use ice buckets, coolers, or a fridge to keep beer cold

When it comes to storing and serving beer, it's important to keep it cold to ensure maximum refreshment for your guests. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Use ice buckets: Dot several ice buckets around your party space, filled with ice, of course. This way, your guests can easily access cold beers throughout the party. It's a good idea to have dedicated ice buckets for different types of beer, so they don't get mixed up.

Coolers are convenient: If your party is outdoors, a large cooler filled with ice is a great way to keep beers cold and easily accessible. You can also use coolers as a portable option if you're setting up the party at a venue. Remember to keep the coolers in a convenient location, so guests don't have to go too far for their drinks.

The fridge is your friend: If your party is at home, utilise your fridge space to keep beers cold. You can dedicate a shelf or two for different types of beer, ensuring they're clearly labelled so guests can help themselves. If you're expecting a large number of guests, you may want to consider clearing out a fridge solely for beer storage.

Pre-freeze cups: This might sound unusual, but it's a great way to keep drinks cold. Simply place some cups in your freezer before the party, and when you serve the beer, pop the beverage into a frozen cup. This will keep the drink colder for longer, and your guests will appreciate the extra touch.

Chilled serving ware: As well as pre-frozen cups, you can use chilled plates, platters, or bowls to keep the beer cold. This is especially useful if you're serving bottled beer, as the cold surface will help maintain the chilled temperature of the beer for longer.

Remember, keeping the beer cold is an important part of creating a pleasant drinking experience for your guests. By using these methods, you'll ensure your party is a refreshing and enjoyable one!

Non-alcoholic options: Provide alternatives such as non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks, and water

When planning a party, it's important to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Offering non-alcoholic options is a thoughtful way to ensure all your guests feel included and can enjoy themselves. Here are some ideas and suggestions for providing non-alcoholic alternatives at your party:

Non-Alcoholic Beer and Soft Drinks:

Non-alcoholic beer is a great option for those who want the taste and experience of beer without the alcohol content. It's perfect for designated drivers, those avoiding alcohol, or anyone who prefers a lighter drink. In addition to non-alcoholic beer, offering a range of soft drinks is always a good idea. Provide a selection of classic options such as cola, lemonade, and ginger ale. These drinks are familiar and popular, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Water:

It's important to stay hydrated, especially if your party involves dancing or outdoor activities. Provide bottled water or, even better, set up a self-serve water station with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber for a refreshing twist. This encourages guests to help themselves and stay hydrated throughout the party.

Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails:

Mocktails are an excellent way to offer sophisticated, adult-style drinks without the alcohol. Get creative with non-alcoholic cocktail recipes, such as a non-alcoholic margarita made with freshly squeezed orange and lime juice, limeade, and sparkling water. Another idea is a rosemary-and-ginger mule, which has all the flavors of a Moscow mule but without the alcohol. These drinks add an elegant touch to your party and are perfect for guests who want a more complex beverage.

Iced Tea and Infused Waters:

Iced tea is a refreshing option, especially for outdoor parties or warm weather. You can offer a variety of flavors, such as traditional iced tea, peach-basil iced tea, or even a unique combination like nectarine, basil, and clementine infused water. These infused waters are not only delicious but also add a visual appeal to your drink options.

Punch and Seasonal Options:

For a festive touch, consider offering a non-alcoholic punch. This could be a simple combination of fruit juices or a more elaborate recipe like a blood orange punch with frozen orange juice cubes. During the fall and winter months, opt for warm and comforting drinks such as spiced cider or apple cider. These seasonal options will be sure to impress your guests.

Glassware and garnishes: Supply glasses, ice, and garnishes like citrus fruits or fresh herbs

When it comes to glassware, there are endless possibilities. The glassware you choose can elevate the drinking experience for your guests, enhancing the aroma, flavour, and appearance of the beer.

Firstly, consider the type of beer you will be serving. Different glasses are designed to meet the needs of different beers. For example, a pilsner glass is tall and slender, showcasing the beer's colour, clarity, and carbonation, while a goblet or chalice is wide-mouthed, allowing for deep sips and enhancing the aroma of heavy, dark beers. Wheat beers are often served in a weizen glass, which is long and thin to showcase the beer's colour, and provide space for a thick, fluffy head. Stouts are typically served in a stout glass, with a narrow mouth to promote head retention and enhance the roasted malts and coffee and chocolate notes.

If you are serving a variety of beers, it is a good idea to have a range of glassware available. This adds style and sophistication to your party, and allows your guests to experiment with different vessels. You could provide glasses such as the American pint glass, the imperial pint glass, the pilsner glass, the tulip glass, the goblet or chalice, the IPA glass, the weizen glass, the stange glass, and the flute.

In terms of garnishes, it is best to avoid citrus fruits when serving wheat beers as the citric will kill the head. Fresh herbs, on the other hand, can be a great way to add a little extra something to your beer.

Lastly, don't forget to supply plenty of ice to keep those beers cold!

Frequently asked questions