Assume
that each guest will consume an
average of two drinks per hour.
Granted, more practiced drinkers
will more likely consume 3-5 or
more beverages per hour.
Buy
enough to go around based on the
following guidelines:
A
standard-size bottle of
wine or champagne (750ml)
= 5 to 6 servings
(using clear plastic 9 fl oz cups).
The
same, regular size bottle
of spirits = 17
drinks @ 1 1/2 fl oz.
(45ml) per drink.
A
Large, 1.75L bottle of
spirits = 39
drinks @ 1 1/2 fl oz.
(45ml) per drink.
1
5L box of wine
(170 fl oz.) will yeild 34
servings (using clear plastic
9 fl oz. cups).
A
12-ounce (355ml) soft
drink or can of beer
= 1 serving.
Buy
or make enough ICE
to fill buckets and cooler chests
to capacity. A good rule of thumb
is approximately 1 Lb of ice per
guest. Plan to get at least 10 pounds
or more extra - just so you don't
run out. Luckily, a 10 Lb bag only
costs about $1.50!
That
is just the "clean ice"
which is used to put in beverages.
Also consider at least 20+ Lbs of
ice to keep beverages cool in a
separate cooler (unless of course
you have access to a refrigerator
right there at the bar).
Stock
plenty of soft
drinks, bottled water and fruit
juices for non-imbibers
and designated drivers. You will
probably go through 2, 2L bottles
of Coke for a group of 40 in 4 hours;
so plan accordingly - and don't
forget the ladies! You'll also need
to get at least one 2L bottle of
Diet Coke as well! Perhaps a six-pack
of Ginger Ale may also be useful.
Glassware
are of course very important also!
You'll want to decide whether to
go Glass or Plastic. The benefit
with plastic is of course that it's
much cheaper for the quantities
that you'll need (plan on at least
2 per guest). They're disposable
and easy to clean up! On the down
side, they aren't quite as nice
as actual glass - but won't break
as easily!
The
other thing to consider when choosing
glassware is that with actual glass,
you'll need somebody other than
the bartender to go around the party
and pickup dirty glasses and clean
them, making them available to use
again. With plastic, you don't need
that extra bar-back.
Buy
more of everything than you think
you'll need; you can always eat
any leftover food, or send it away
with guests. The wine, liquor and
mixers will keep for another occasion.
Ice, well - that is easily replacible
but makes you look ill-prepared
when you run out, 2 hours into your
party!
Serving
the greater Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington
DC areas.
Stocking Your Bar...
