How to Calculate the Amount of Alcohol Needed for a Party

I wrote my first article for Food & Wine Magazine! The F&W team also made some helpful videos about the calculations and how much wine is in a bottle.

Here is an excerpt:

As a seasoned caterer, the No. 1 question that clients ask is, “How much booze should I buy for a party?” 

In the past, my answer never changed: 30% spirits, 30% wine, 30% beer, and 10% soft drinks. However, in recent years, more and more guests have begun to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol. Many seek alternative nonalcoholic options beyond the old standards like Coke, Diet Coke, and ginger ale. 

Let’s break down the math I use for clients to determine the total drinks needed for a party, and how much of each to purchase. If the math feels overwhelming, there are also a few tricks that keep things simple.

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