Purchasing Guidelines
Make sure you have enough drinks on hand for your guests.
To figure how much alcohol you will need, we have the following information to help you. Since most parties run from 2 to 4 hours, you will need to plan on an average of 3 drinks per person for the first two hours.
Despite appearances, a standard serving of beer, wine and spirits each contain an equal amount of absolute alcohol.
Here are some purchasing guidelines that you can adapt to suit your guests’ and your product preferences:
Number
of Guests |
Beer (50%)
12 Packs/12 oz |
Wine (30%)
750 ml |
Spirits (20%)
750 ml |
| 12 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
| 25 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
| 50 |
9 |
10 |
2 |
| 100 |
16 |
20 |
3 |
| 200 |
33 |
40 |
7 |
*table is based on 4 drinks/person during a 3 hour event
Before the party gets started, it’s important to make sure all of your guests have planned for a safe drive home. Know who the designated drivers will be and serve them accordingly. Always provide non-alcoholic selections for the designated drivers and abstainers, such as non-alcoholic punch, mocktails, sodas, teas, and coffees. If you are planning to serve alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base, such as fruit juice. The body absorbs alcohol faster when drinks are mixed with carbonated beverages and sparkling wines.
Provide ample food to accompany alcoholic beverages. Serve plenty of high-protein and carbohydrate foods such as meats, veggies, cheeses, light dips, nuts and breads throughout the party to avoid guests drinking on an empty stomach. Avoid salty, sweet, or greasy snacks, as guests will become thirstier. Instead of having an open bar, serve drinks yourself or designate a bartender. Guests usually drink more if they can serve themselves. Keep a shot glass or jigger handy, as good measurement makes all the difference for that “perfect” drink. Guessing can lead to excessive consumption.
Never serve guests to the point of intoxication. Close the bar and stop serving alcoholic beverages at least an hour before the party is over. Serve bottled water, juice, tea, coffee, and enticing desserts. Remember, however, that drinking coffee does not make you sober.
Don’t drink too much yourself. As the host you can stay ahead of any problem that might arise when you can think clearly and act quickly. Be prepared to arrange rides for intoxicated guests with sober drivers or a taxi service. Have cash and telephone numbers for taxi services on hand.
Remember, planning ahead will help minimize risks, keep your entertaining fun and safe, and help you and your guests have a great time!