Planning a wedding or event and wondering how to stock the bar? It's not as straightforward as you might think, and yes, there is some math involved! From calculating drink consumption to choosing the right keg size, several factors come into play. Don't worry, though—we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide to help you set up a well-stocked and efficient bar for any occasion.
Factors Affecting Drink Consumption
Several factors can influence how much alcohol your guests will consume:
Number of Guests: On average, a guest typically drinks 2 cocktails in the first hour and 1 for every subsequent hour.
Day and Time: A Friday or Saturday night event will likely result in increased alcohol consumption compared to a weekday or mid-day event.
Duration: A typical open bar lasting 4-5 hours will lead to increased consumption. The bar is usually closed during dinner service when wine service begins. Cocktail hour is often stretched to 2 hours at weddings.
Guest Preferences, Entertainment, and Event Flow: Factors like distracting entertainment, the program transitions, available food, cultural differences, and the type of event (personal vs. corporate) can all affect drinking behaviours.
Category of Drinkers: Different types of drinkers (including Non-alcoholic and lite drinkers) will consume alcohol at varying rates:
Non-Alc/Lite: 1-2 drinks per hour
Moderate: 3-4 drinks per hour
Heavy: 4-6 drinks per hour
Types of Bar Service
The type of bar service you choose can also impact consumption:
Open/Host Bar: Increases consumption by 1-2 drinks per person over a 4-5 hour service.
Cash Bar: May result in less consumption compared to an open bar.
Limited Bar: Beer and wine only.
Signature Cocktails, Dry Bar, Cocktail Hour, Champagne Toast: Each has its own implications for consumption.
Alcohol Quantities & Selections
Here's a quick guide to help you estimate quantities:
A 750mL bottle of wine pours 5 glasses
A 750mL bottle of champagne pours 6 flutes
A 750mL bottle of spirits will pour 16 mixed drinks (1.5 ounces each)
Expected varieties of alcohol include... vodka, whisky/bourbon, tequila, rum, gin, beer, champagne, red and white wine, sweet wine, hard seltzer/coolers, and cider.
Mixes, Ice, and Extras
Don't forget about mixers, ice, and other essentials:
Plan to have 3 bottles of mix per bottle of alcohol. (3:1)
Have at least 5kg of ice per 10 people.
Full bar mix options: Soda Water, Cola, Ginger Ale, Cranberry Juice, Clamato, Sprite or 7-Up, Orange Juice, Grapefruit juice, Pineapple juice, sparkling water, bottled water, diet soft drinks.
Garnishes, Bar Tools, and Glassware
Plan on a 1/2 lemon and 1/2 lime and two each of olives, cherries, and onions per guest. Consider including cucumber, orange slices, berries and mint.
You’ll also need Worcestershire sauce, tabasco, sugar, salt and pepper.
Account for 4 cocktail napkins per guest.
Essential bar tools and accessories include Ice bucket, Slop bucket, Corkscrew, bottle opener, can opener, ice tongs, shot glasses (2 for measuring), small sharp knife, cutting board, long spoon for mixing, cocktail shaker, toothpicks, straws, bar rags, large tubs of ice for beer and wine, multiple garnish bins/vessels.
For glassware, aim for at least one multi-purpose wine glass and champagne flute per guest, adding an extra 5 for every 50 guests.
Provide at least 3 tumblers per guest (2 if you have the ability to wash in between) and don't forget to bump that up to 5 if hosting an open bar.
For signature drinks and martinis, order the appropriate glassware and follow the same rule as tumblers.
Keg Sizes
Wondering what keg size to choose? Here's a quick guide:
20L Keg: Suitable for groups of 10-30 people, pours about 40, 16 oz glasses
30L Keg: Suitable for groups of 20-40 people, pours about 60, 16 oz glasses
50L Keg: Suitable for groups of 30-90 people, pours just over 100, 16 oz glasses
Conclusion
Stocking a bar for an event requires careful planning and attention to detail. By considering all these factors and following our guidelines, you can ensure that your guests have a fantastic time without running out of drinks or supplies—or ending up with excessive leftovers.
Cheers to a successful and fun-filled event!