How Many Alcoholic Beverages Should I Purchase for My Raleigh, NC Event? Expert Bartending Service Tips

How Many Alcoholic Beverages Should I Purchase for My Event? A Guide to Stress-Free Planning

Planning an event is exciting, but the moment you start thinking about how much alcohol to buy, that excitement can quickly turn into anxiety. We’ve all been there—you want to ensure your guests have a great time, but the thought of running out of drinks or overstocking and wasting money can feel overwhelming.

Picture this: Sarah is planning her wedding reception. She’s carefully chosen the venue, the décor is stunning, and the guest list is finalized. But when it comes to stocking the bar, she’s stuck. Should she buy more wine or beer? How many bottles of liquor are enough for 100 guests? Will everyone drink the same thing? The questions keep piling up, and she’s left feeling unsure and stressed.

But what if you didn’t have to feel this way? Imagine hosting an event where every guest is happily sipping on their drink of choice, and you know you nailed the bar setup. No panic, no last-minute runs to the store, and no leftover cases of wine gathering dust in your pantry. With the right plan—and guidance from a trusted mobile bartending service like Highball Bartenders—you can turn this vision into reality.

Breaking Down the Numbers: How Much Alcohol Do You Need?

The key to planning the perfect bar lies in understanding your guests, your event, and the numbers. Here’s a practical breakdown to help you estimate your alcohol needs:

For 50 Guests (4-hour event)

• Beer: 48 bottles or cans

• Wine: 10 bottles (split evenly between red and white if uncertain)

• Sparkling Wine: 6 bottles

• Liquor: 11 bottles (Vodka, Tequila, Bourbon are top priorities, so double up on those)

For 100 Guests (4-hour event)

• Beer: 96 bottles or cans

• Wine: 20 bottles

• Sparkling Wine: 12 bottles

• Liquor: 17 bottles

For 150 Guests (4-hour event)

• Beer: 144 bottles or cans

• Wine: 30 bottles

• Sparkling Wine: 20 bottles

• Liquor: 28 bottles

These estimates account for a full bar. If you’re offering beer and wine only, increase those numbers slightly to ensure your guests don’t run dry.

Key Factors to Consider When Planning Your Bar

1. How Many Hours of Service Will You Need?

The longer your event, the more drinks your guests will consume. A 2-hour cocktail party will require less alcohol than a 6-hour wedding reception. Use the 1-drink-per-guest-per-hour rule to guide your estimates.

2. What Type of Event Are You Hosting?

A casual backyard party might call for beer and wine only, while a formal wedding reception often includes a full bar. If you stick to beer and wine, plan for slightly higher quantities to accommodate guests’ preferences.

3. What Cocktails Will You Serve?

Save money by focusing on the spirits your guests prefer. Vodka, Tequila, and Bourbon are crowd favorites, while Gin and Rum are often less popular. Tailoring your bar menu ensures you don’t overspend on unnecessary items.

4. Benefits of Purchasing Your Own Alcohol

By purchasing your own alcohol, you’re not restricted to a venue’s beverage program. A mobile bartending service like Highball Bartenders can create a customized shopping list, so you buy exactly what you need. Plus, you can take advantage of sales and discounts. Just remember, North Carolina ABC stores don’t accept returns, so don’t go overboard.

5. Seasonal Trends and Cocktail Insights

Red wine tends to be more popular in colder months, while white wine shines in the summer. When it comes to cocktails, Vodka, Tequila, and Bourbon-based drinks consistently top the list at events. Planning your bar menu with these trends in mind can help ensure your guests are satisfied.

6. Size Matters: 750ml vs. 1.75L Liquor Bottles

When purchasing liquor, remember that a standard 750ml bottle carries significantly less than a 1.75-liter handle. For high-demand spirits like Vodka, Tequila, and Bourbon, handle bottles are the preferred choice—they’re more cost-effective and ensure you have enough for your guests. Highball Bartenders can guide you in selecting the right handle bottles to buy, helping you avoid unnecessary waste and save money.

7. The Perfect Pour

A skilled bartender knows that every ounce counts when crafting cocktails. Whether free-pouring liquor to exact specifications or using a jigger, precision is key to conserving alcohol and maintaining consistency. For instance, a classic Old Fashioned cocktail should contain 2 ounces of Bourbon—anything extra not only wastes alcohol but can also lead to over-serving guests. Highball Bartenders prioritize the perfect pour to ensure your guests enjoy expertly crafted drinks without unnecessary waste.

Why Choose Highball Bartenders to Help?

At Highball Bartenders, we understand the stress of planning a bar. We don’t just serve drinks—we help you create a seamless bar experience. From customized shopping lists to crafting a bar menu that matches your event, our Raleigh-based team will guide you every step of the way.

FAQs About Event Bar Planning

Q: What if I run out of alcohol mid-event?

A: This rarely happens with proper planning. Highball Bartenders will ensure your shopping list is tailored to your guest count and preferences, minimizing this risk.

Q: What if I run out of alcohol towards the end of my event?

A: Running out of a specific type of alcohol isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It often means your guests enjoyed your selections! Plus, you can substitute with other beverages that weren’t used as much. For example, if you run out of wine, guests can enjoy beer or cocktails instead. Highball Bartenders will help you plan a well-rounded bar so you have enough options to keep the party going without stress.

Q: Can I include a signature cocktail?

A: Absolutely! Signature cocktails are a fun way to personalize your event. We’ll help you plan for the ingredients and quantities needed.

Q: What if I overbuy?

A: While ABC stores don’t accept returns, leftover alcohol makes great gifts or can be saved for future events. We’ll help you avoid overbuying by recommending just the right amount.

Q: Do I need ice and mixers?

A: Yes! Don’t forget mixers, garnishes, and plenty of ice. Highball Bartenders can provide a full checklist to ensure you’re prepared.

Let’s Plan the Perfect Bar for Your Event

There’s no exact science to quantifying the alcohol needed for an event—every crowd and celebration is unique. But with an effective plan in place and guidance from Highball Bartenders, you can ensure your bar is well-stocked and your guests are delighted.

Are you ready to create an unforgettable bar experience for your event? Let us help you design a customized plan that takes the stress out of planning and makes your celebration a smash hit.

Contact Highball Bartenders

Visit our contact page, we'd love to hear from you. Let’s raise the bar for your next event!

A well-stocked bar setup features a variety of liquors, including vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and bourbon, equipped with free-pourers for expertly crafted cocktails and a professional look.