The Host · Bar calculator

A good host plans the ice, too.

A generous, practical starting point for cocktails, wine, beer, and zero-proof pours—made for the kind of gathering where no one is doing math at the table.

Your gathering

A few useful details, then a plan you can carry with you.

What are you serving?
The pace of the party

Your bar plan

Enough for the whole evening.

For 20 guests over 3 hours, plan on about 44 total servings at a standard pace.

Cocktails
19

servings to mix

Wine
4

bottles · 19 glasses

Zero-proof
8

considered servings

Ice
25 lb

for drinks and service

Shopping list

  • 19 cocktail servings — choose one batchable recipe or two simple house drinks.
  • 4 750 ml bottles of wine (19 glasss).
  • 8 zero-proof servings — include water, a sparkling option, and something with a little ceremony.
  • 25 pounds of ice, plus a small reserve if you are shaking drinks.