Drink Calculator for Parties
Stop guessing how much to buy. Bar Buddy List turns guests + hours + drink preferences into an exact shopping list of beer, wine, liquor, mixers, ice, and cups.
Free plan includes up to 2 saved lists. Pro is $5/month.
Party drink estimates by guest count
Quick reference for a 4-hour party with a balanced bar.
| Guests | Spirits (750ml) | Wine (750ml) | Beer (bottles) | Ice (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1 | 4 | 24 | 20 |
| 40 | 2 | 8 | 48 | 40 |
| 75 | 4 | 15 | 90 | 75 |
| 100 | 5 | 20 | 120 | 100 |
| 150 | 8 | 30 | 180 | 150 |
Rough planning estimates for a 4-hour event with a balanced drink mix. For an exact list tuned to your guest count, hours, and specialty cocktails, run the full calculator.
1 drink per guest per hour, converted to bottles automatically.
Includes mixers, garnishes, ice, and barware — not just alcohol.
Supports specialty cocktails with custom recipes.
Shareable shopping list you can print, text, or export to PDF.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate drinks for a party?
Plan on 1 drink per guest per hour. So 50 guests for 4 hours = ~200 drinks. Split that across your beer / wine / liquor mix, then convert to bottles. Bar Buddy List does the conversion automatically.
How many drinks per person for a 3-hour party?
About 3 drinks per adult guest for a 3-hour party. Bump that to 4 if you're hosting a cocktail-heavy event or a celebration like a birthday.
What does the calculator output include?
Bottles of spirits, wine, and beer; mixers (sodas, juice, syrups); ice; cups; napkins; garnishes; and barware — organized so you can shop in one trip.
Can I save lists for multiple parties?
Yes. The free plan saves up to 2 shopping lists. Pro ($5/month) unlocks unlimited saved lists, brand customization, and branded PDF/DOCX exports.
Does it handle specialty cocktails?
Yes — pick from a built-in library or add your own. The calculator computes spirits, mixers, and garnishes per cocktail across your full guest count.
Get an exact list in 30 seconds
Enter guests, hours, and a drink mix. Bar Buddy List returns spirits, beer, wine, mixers, ice, and barware — ready to print, share, or export.
Build your shopping list