DRINKS-Party Planning


Get ready for the holiday season with your party planning. Prepare early and you will be successful. Here is your beverage guide, courtesy of Beverages and More.

WINE
Red, white and sparkling wines are great for any occasion. Not sure which your guests prefer? An even mix of reds and whites will assure you won't run dry. Refrigerate white wine at least two hours before serving. Keep red wine cool at 60 degrees. Chill Champagne and sparkling wines in an ice bucket.
Wine 750 ml=5 servings
Sparkling Wine 750 ml = 8 servings
Case/12 750 ml bottles = 60 servings

SPIRITS
Create a full bar by stocking the spirits that bartenders serve most: vodka, tequila, rum, gin and whiskey. Consider serving a signature cocktail such as Martini, Margarita, Cosmopolitan or Bloody Mary, you can mix it in large quantities before your guests arrive.
Gin 750 ml = 16 servings
Rum 750 ml = 16 servings
Whiskey 750 ml = 16 servings
Vodka 1.75 L = 39 servings
Tequila 1.75 L = 39 servings

BEER
Stocking a variety of styles from light to dark will guarantee happy hop-heads. Consider adding seasonal brews into the mix. Beer loves food: A crisp Lager with sushi or fish; a robust ale with burgers or pizza. Having a large crowd? Consider a keg available in 5 gallons, 7.5 gallons,13.2 gallons and 15.5 gallons. Serving sizes from 53 up to 164, each serving based on 12 oz.
6 pack = 6 servings
12 pack = 12 servings

DRINK CALCULATOR
1.) Estimate that most guests will consume two drinks in the first hour and then one drink for each following hour:
2 Hours @ 20 Guests X 3 drinks/person = 60 total drinks

2.) To anticipate your servings needs, consider the occasion and what your guests prefer. Use the WINE/SPIRITS/BEER sections above to make the best selection for your party
20 guests: 50% wine (10), 30% spirits (6), 40% beer (4)
Note: For a wine and beer only partly, expect 60% will drink wine, and 40% will drink beer.

3.) Plan your purchase, assuming 20 guests:
Guests X Drinks:
Wine: 30 servings, 5 servings per bottle = 6 / 750 ml bottles
Spirits: 18 servings, 16 servings per bottle = 2 / 750 ml bottles
Beer: 12 servings, 6 per six pack = 2 six packs

PARTY CHECKLIST

WINE
Champagne/Sparkling Wine
White Wine
Red Wine
Dessert Wine

SPIRITS
Vodka
Gin
Tequila
Whiskey
Rum
Brandy/Liquors

MIXERS
Tonic Water
Club Sodas
Ginger Ale
Juices

BEER
Lager
Ale
6/12 pack
Keg

ALCOHOL FREE
Water
Soda, reg./diet
Coffee

SNACKS
Caviar
Cheese
Crackers
Cold Cut Meats
Chips
Salsas/Dips
Nuts
Fruit
Candy/Cookies

GARNISHES
Olives
Cocktail Onions
Cherries
Sugar/Salt Rimmers
Lemon
Lime
Orange

OTHER
Cups
Glassware
Tableware/Plates
Plates
Napkins
Corkscrew
Bottle Opener
Champagne Stopper
Jigger Measure
Shaker
Ice Bucket
Tap/Tubs
Ice, Ice, Ice