Planning the Perfect Bar for 100 Guests: How Much Alcohol Do You Really Need?
Beverage calculators shouldn’t leave out key ingredients of the menu.
How Much Alcohol Do You Really Need?
Everyone has there opinion, but you don't want to be left without key ingredients on your big day. Your wedding—and every milestone before and after—deserves a bar that tells your love story. From the clink of your first toast to the last dance, let’s craft the perfect pour for your perfect day.
10 Crowd Profiles & Event Vibes
Rule of thumb: plan 1 drink per guest per hour. For 100 guests over 4 hours: 300–400 total drinks—enough to toast every moment.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Servings per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktails | 1.5 oz spirit | ~45 drinks per 1.75 L handle |
| Wine | 5 oz glass | ~5 glasses per 750 mL bottle |
| Beer | 12 oz can | 1 serving per can |
Pro Tip: Calculate total drinks → apply your split → divide by servings/unit → always round up.
- Guest Mix: Champagne sippers, craft-beer fans, mocktail lovers
- Season & Theme: Spring garden, summer beach, autumn vineyard, winter lodge
- Brand Tier: House pours vs. premium handles vs. custom labels
- Service Level: Self-serve station vs. staffed bar vs. full delivery & styling
10 Crowd Profiles & Event Vibes
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**Occasion:** Grand wedding reception under string lights with live band & dancing.
**Profile:** 100% drinkers, full bar
**Qty:** ~5 handles spirits, 20 bottles wine, 100 cans beer
**Est. Cost:** **$650**
Vibe: Vibrant cocktail lounge meets wine cellar charm—perfect for energetic toasts.
**Occasion:** Rehearsal dinner or family brunch.
**Profile:** 80 drinkers + 20 non-drinkers
**Qty:** ~4 handles spirits, 16 bottles wine, 80 cans beer, 20 mocktails
**Est. Cost:** **$640**
Vibe: Dual bars—one for spirited drinks, one for elegant mocktails—so everyone feels included.
**Occasion:** Vineyard wedding or wine-pairing dinner.
**Profile:** 60% wine / 20% cocktails / 20% beer
**Qty:** ~48 bottles wine, 2 handles spirits, 80 cans beer
**Est. Cost:** **$910**
Vibe: Curated tasting tables and pairing notes under soft candlelight for an elegant affair.
**Occasion:** Rustic barn wedding or brewery brunch.
**Profile:** 60% beer / 20% cocktails / 20% wine
**Qty:** ~240 cans beer, 2 handles spirits, 16 bottles wine
**Est. Cost:** **$630**
Vibe: Craft-beer taps and growler fills alongside chilled whites for a laid-back celebration.
**Occasion:** Rooftop rehearsal or boutique after-party.
**Profile:** 70% cocktails / 15% wine / 15% beer
**Qty:** ~7 handles spirits, 12 bottles wine, 60 cans beer
**Est. Cost:** **$570**
Vibe: Mixology showcase with artisan syrups, fresh garnishes, “bride & groom” signature drink.
**Occasion:** Mexican-inspired bridal shower or bachelorette fiesta.
**Profile:** 50% Spicy Margaritas / 25% beer / 25% wine
**Qty:** ~5 tequila handles, 100 cans beer, 20 wine bottles
**Est. Cost:** **$725**
🔽 View Recipe & Shopping List
Spicy Margarita Recipe
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Muddled jalapeño slices & Tajín rim
Shopping List (≈200 servings)
- 5 × 1.75 L tequila
- 4 × 750 mL triple sec
- 100 fresh limes
- 4 × 25 oz simple syrup
- 20 jalapeños
- 8–10 bags ice
**Occasion:** Cozy mountain-lodge ceremony or holiday engagement party.
**Profile:** 100% cocktails (Whiskey Sour & Old Fashioned)
**Qty:** ~9 handles spirits
**Est. Cost:** **$405**
🔽 View Recipes & Shopping List
Recipes
- Whiskey Sour: 2 oz bourbon, 0.75 oz lemon juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, cherry garnish
- Old Fashioned: 2 oz bourbon, sugar cube + bitters, orange twist garnish
Shopping List (≈400 servings)
- 7 × 1.75 L bourbon
- 10 × 16 oz lemon juice
- 6 × 25 oz simple syrup
- 1 × 8 oz bitters
- 200 sugar cubes, 100 oranges, 100 cherries
- 10 bags ice
**Occasion:** Beachside vows or garden-party brunch.
**Profile:** 60% Mojitos / 40% Sea Breezes
**Qty:** ~6 rum handles, 4 vodka handles
**Est. Cost:** **$360**
🔽 View Recipes & Shopping List
Recipes
- Classic Mojito: 1.5 oz white rum, 0.75 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, mint & club soda
- Sea Breeze: 1.5 oz vodka, 1.5 oz cranberry, 1.5 oz grapefruit
Shopping List (≈400 servings)
- 6 × 1.75 L white rum
- 4 × 1.75 L vodka
- 100 limes or juice, 6 × 25 oz simple syrup
- 2 gal cranberry & grapefruit juice, 4 × 12-pack soda
- 40 mint bunches, 8–10 bags ice
**Occasion:** Family-friendly bridal shower or daytime tea party.
**Profile:** 100% non-alcoholic, 100% festive
**Est. Cost:** **$600**
🔽 View Mocktails & Shopping List
Featured Mocktails
- Mint Mojito Mocktail: mint, lime juice, soda water, simple syrup
- Peach Mule: peach purée, ginger beer, lime juice
- Raspberry Lemonade Spritz: raspberry purée, lemonade, club soda
- Tropical Sunrise: orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine
- Virgin Margarita: lime juice, agave, jalapeño, soda
Shopping List (100 servings)
- 6 × 25 oz simple syrup
- 2 × 64 oz raspberry & peach purée
- 1 gal each: lemonade, orange juice, pineapple
- 5 × 12-pack soda, 6 × 6-pack ginger beer
- 50 limes, 20 jalapeños, 40 mint bunches
- 1 × 12 oz grenadine, 8 bags ice
**Occasion:** Corporate reception, anniversary gala, or engagement brunch.
**Profile:** 50 drinkers, 50 non-drinkers
**Qty:** ~3 handles spirits, 10 bottles wine, 50 cans beer, 50 mocktails
**Est. Cost:** **$648**
Vibe: Two distinct bars—one spirited, one sparkling—each telling its own chapter of your love story.
We’re honored to serve these Utah venues that allow alcohol. Explore all our partners at Utah's Premier Venues, and plan your event at your perfect spot:
Every celebration—whether a barn wedding, rooftop rehearsal, or garden party—deserves a bar as personal as your love story. Choose your profile, customize your recipes, and let Utah Premier Events handle the details.
Cheers to unforgettable toasts and happily ever afters! 🥂
Spicy Margarita are a fan favorite at Utah Weddings and Events.