🥤 Drinks Calculator
How many drinks do I need?
Set your headcount and how long the party runs. We'll split it into beer, wine, soda and water — with water in the lead, because it's July.
Your drink shopping list
How we calculate it
The classic host formula is 1 drink per guest per hour. We use ~0.85 to avoid massive leftovers, then divide across categories based on whether you're serving alcohol:
- With alcohol: 35% water · 20% soda · 30% beer · 15% wine
- Family friendly: 50% water · 30% soda · 20% lemonade & juice
Tip: buy a little more non-alcoholic than you think. On a hot Fourth, water goes fast.
Drinks calculator FAQ
How many drinks per person for a party?
A good rule is about 1 drink per person per hour. For a 4-hour Fourth of July party that's roughly 4 drinks each — we lead with water because it's hot out.
How much beer for 30 guests?
If you're serving alcohol to a 30-person, 4-hour party, plan for around 30 beers and 15 glasses of wine alongside water and soda. Adjust the party length above to see your exact split.
How much ice do I need for drinks?
About 1 to 1.5 lbs of ice per guest for chilling drinks, plus extra if you're keeping food cold. See our dedicated ice calculator for bag counts.
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