Whether you are planning a barbeque, a birthday party or wedding reception, these helpful tips will ensure that your guests, as well as the hosts, have an enjoyable and stress-free time. Remember, our friendly staff is always on call to lend some advice, and we have what you need to make your occasion the talk of the town!

There’s nothing more embarrassing than running out of someone’s favorite spirit or wine. Make sure you have enough drinks on hand for your guests by using this handy guide. 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.

Wine & Champagne (based on 4 ounces per drink, standard bottle is 750ml)

• 1 bottle (750ml)		6 glasses
• 1 magnum (1.5 liter)		12 glasses
• 4 bottles		24 glasses
• 6 bottles		36 glasses
• 12 bottles (1 case)		72 glasses

Spirits (based on 1.5 ounces per drink)
(Always use a jigger to measure your spirit. Don’t guess, it will make your spirit last longer)

• 750ml (25.4 ounces)		17 drinks
• 1 liter (33.8 ounces)		22 drinks
• 1.75 liter (59.2 ounces)		39 drinks

Beer:
Generally, one 12-pack of beer (12 ounce cans or bottles) will serve approximately four to six people, averaging two to three beers per guest in a two hour period.

When having a large party and you don’t know the drink preferences of your attendees, here are some general purchasing guidelines to ensure that you have on hand something for everyone!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. As a responsible party host, see to it your guests return home safely. 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. Or invite them to stay over!
7. Remember, planning ahead will help minimize risks, keep your entertaining fun and safe, and help you and your guests have a great time!
   

A FEW MORE PARTY TIPS

• Chill your cocktail glasses in refrigerator before serving
• When adding an olive to a cocktail, always pierce it with a toothpick and use cherries with stems. Your guests will appreciate the convenience.
• Fresh fruit juice makes a drink taste much better. Stock your bar with plenty of fresh fruit juices, soft drinks, mixers, seasonings and garnishes to make your cocktails a little extra special.
• Use a high quality sweet and sour mix.
• Add 1 ounce per serving of Rose’s Lime Juice to your favorite margarita recipe.
• Always have plenty of ice on hand. Assume that each party guest will consume ¼ to ½ pound of ice in drinks.

VIRTUAL BARTENDER

Enhance your shopping experience with this handy tool.

Diageo, the world's largest beer, wine and spirits company, with an outstanding collection of international brands has introduced the Virtual Bartender, an interactive touch screen kiosk placed at the point of purchase to enhance the shopping experience.

The Virtual Bartender features brand education, cocktail preparation and party planning tools, as well as the capability for consumers to email drink recipes and print shopping lists in store.

“The Virtual Bartender” provides a variety of information in an entertaining and user-friendly way and is a great resource to educate store staff and consumers,” said Paul Warren, Trade Marketing Off-Premise Manager. “With DIAGEO brands prominently displayed, consumers get everything they need to stock their bar, plan a party and serve the best cocktails.”