The Secret Formula for Stocking Your Beer/Wine Bar Correctly
Planning a party is exciting, but figuring out the right amount of drinks to serve can be tricky. You want to make sure everyone has a great time without running dry too early—or ending up with too many leftovers. If you’re hosting an event with Tipsy Taps, or simply stocking up for a private party, this guide will help you calculate how much beer and wine you’ll need based on your guest count.
Step 1: Know Your Guests’ Preferences
Every party is unique, so it’s worth considering the preferences of your guest list. Are they mostly beer drinkers, wine enthusiasts, or a mix of both? A common rule of thumb is to assume a split based on preference:
Beer-focused crowd: 70% beer, 30% wine
Wine-focused crowd: 30% beer, 70% wine
Balanced crowd: 50% beer, 50% wine
Once you’ve identified the type of drinkers at your event, you can move on to calculating quantities.
Step 2: Estimate the Number of Drinks Per Guest
The average guest tends to consume about two drinks in the first hour and one drink per hour after that. For a standard three-hour party, this works out to around 4–5 drinks per person. This of course depends on the crowd, after we consult with you we’ll determine if your party will fall on the lighter side of this average or the heavier side.
Here’s a quick formula to help you:
Multiply your total guest count by the estimated drinks per guest.
Example: For a three-hour party with 50 guests, aim for around 200 drinks total (50 guests x 4 drinks).
Divide this number according to your crowd’s preference for beer vs. wine.
Balanced party: If 50% of your guests prefer beer and 50% prefer wine, aim for around 100 beers and 100 glasses of wine.
Step 3: Convert to Bottles and Cans
For beer, plan to serve one can or bottle per serving, as each is generally equivalent to a single drink. For wine, a standard 750 ml bottle contains about five 5-ounce servings.
Here’s how to break down the calculations:
Beer: One drink equals one bottle or can of beer. If you need 100 servings, stock 100 bottles or cans.
Wine: Divide the total wine servings by five to get the number of bottles needed. For 100 wine servings, aim for 20 bottles of wine (100 ÷ 5).
Extra Tips for Success
Consider Variety: Offering a mix of beer types (e.g., light, craft, or lager) and wine varieties (red, white, and sparkling) can help ensure there’s something for everyone.
Don’t Forget the Non-Alcoholic Options: It’s always a good idea to have soft drinks, water, or mocktails available for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Plan for Surprises: It’s better to slightly overestimate than to run out. If you have leftovers, they’re great to have on hand for future gatherings.
Conclusion
With a bit of planning and these quick calculations, you can stock your party with just the right amount of beer and wine to keep everyone happy. By using the guest count as a guide, you’ll avoid the stress of running out or overbuying. Cheers to a fantastic event filled with great drinks and even better memories!