Bar and Beverage Guide
Every party needs a well-equipped bar. Make sure yours includes the following items: cocktail shaker (if serving cocktails), bottle opener, corkscrew, water jug, ice cubes, ice bucket and tongs or scoop, small knife, garnishes for drinks (lemons, limes, cherries, olives, onions) and napkins.
Glasses
Make sure to have sufficient glasses to cover both the range of drinks you are offering and also the number of guests attending your party. Generally we would recommend that you allocate 1-2 Slim Jim glasses per person. These glasses can be used for water, minerals, spirits with the 12oz size taking the equivalent of a bottle of beer.
For wine glasses it is always a good idea to have at least 2 glasses per person. While most people will refill their glass some will require a change of glass particularly if changing from red to white or vice versa. If serving champagne you should make sure to have 1 glass per person, not all of your guests may take the champagne but it would be awful if you were short.
Drinks
It is a good idea to plan on serving approximately two drinks per guest, per hour at your event. Based upon a party for 40 guests your minimum stock of beverages should be approximately:
- Champagne or Cava x 12 bottles
- A case of both red and white wine. Depending upon your guests preferences it may be appropriate to have more red than white
- 3-4 cases of bottled beer. By offering bottled beer you may be able to reduce the number of glasses required
- Approximately 16 litres of bottled water, mix this between still and sparkling
- Limited spirits for example Vodka x 2 bottles, Gin x 1 bottle - don’t forget the mixers
- Some soft drinks - particularly for the drivers
* Note that these figures are approximations. Consider your guests, their tastes and the weather to help determine your specific beverage needs.