When stocking a bar for a party with 150 guests, it's important to have a good variety of beverages to cater to different tastes and preferences. Let's break it down and start with beer.
Beer is a popular choice at parties, so it's essential to have enough for your guests. As a general estimate, you can assume that each guest will consume about 12 ounces, which is equivalent to one bottle, every half hour to an hour. This estimation may vary depending on the crowd and the duration of the party. It's always better to have more than less, as you don't want to run out of beer and disappoint your guests.
Next, let's talk about cocktails. To make a proper cocktail, you'll need liquor and mixers. For the liquor, a good rule of thumb is to allow one and a half ounces per drink. This means that a standard 750-milliliter bottle, also known as a fifth, can make approximately 16 drinks. Depending on the variety of cocktails you plan to serve, you may want to have a selection of different spirits such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. This way, you can accommodate different preferences and cater to a wide range of cocktail options.
In terms of mixers, it's advisable to allocate about a quart (32 ounces) for every three guests. This allows for a generous serving per person and ensures that you won't run out of mixers during the party. Some common mixers include soda, tonic water, fruit juices, and club soda. Additionally, you might want to have garnishes such as lemons, limes, and cherries on hand to enhance the presentation and flavor of the cocktails.
Now that we've covered the basics of beer and cocktails, it's important to consider other beverage options for your guests. It's always nice to offer non-alcoholic alternatives for those who don't drink or prefer not to consume alcohol. Providing options like soft drinks, sparkling water, iced tea, and fruit juices can ensure that everyone has something they enjoy.
Additionally, it's a good idea to have some wine available, as many people enjoy a glass of wine at social gatherings. A general guideline is to have about one bottle of wine for every two guests. This should provide a good variety of red and white wines to suit different tastes.
Lastly, don't forget to offer some non-alcoholic options for designated drivers and those who prefer not to drink alcohol. Mocktails, which are non-alcoholic cocktails, can be a fun and refreshing choice. You can create mocktails using a variety of juices, soda, and garnishes to mimic the flavors and presentation of traditional cocktails.
To summarize, when stocking a bar for 150 guests, it's important to have a sufficient supply of beer, estimating about one bottle per guest every half hour to an hour. For cocktails, allocate one and a half ounces of liquor per drink and have a variety of spirits available. Plan for about a quart of mixer for every three guests, and don't forget to have non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, sparkling water, iced tea, and fruit juices. Offering a selection of wine and non-alcoholic mocktails can also cater to different preferences. Remember, it's better to have more than less, so you can ensure that all your guests have plenty to drink and enjoy throughout the party.