Party Drinks Calculator

A general rule is 1-1.5 drinks per person per hour, so a 4-hour party works out to roughly 4-5 drinks per person. In practice the first hour is often heavier and later hours lighter, so this calculator uses a single average rate and applies a small downward buffer multiplier (default 0.9) to give a sensible overall total rather than modelling each hour separately.

A common split for a mixed UK party is 40% wine, 40% beer, 10% spirits, and 10% soft drinks. Adjust based on your guests — a summer BBQ might be heavier on beer, while a dinner party leans towards wine.

The default buffer multiplier (0.9) keeps the estimate from over-catering, so these figures are a sensible middle ground rather than a worst-case maximum. It is always wise to buy from a retailer with a good returns policy so you can take back unopened bottles. If you would rather err generous, set the Taper Factor to 1.0 in Advanced Options or simply buy 10-15% more than calculated.

Plan for about 150ml of mixer per spirit drink — that is tonic, soda, or cola. The calculator includes mixer quantities. Buy a mix of tonic, soda, and cola, plus plenty of ice and lemon.

Always cater for non-drinkers with quality soft drinks, sparkling water, and perhaps a non-alcoholic cocktail or punch. Adjust the soft drinks percentage upward if you know many guests do not drink alcohol.