How Much Hard Seltzer for 20 People?
Quick Answer
For 20 people at a medium party, you need approximately 60 cans of hard seltzer.
Estimated cost: $90 - $150
How We Calculate
Start with guest count
20 people
Multiply by drinks per person
20 × 3 = 60 total cans
Convert to purchasing units
60 ÷ 1 servings per can = 60 cans
Tips for Serving Hard Seltzer to 20 Guests
- ✓ Offer variety packs for different flavors
- ✓ Keep ice cold - tastes best very chilled
- ✓ Great option for calorie-conscious guests
- ✓ Popular with younger crowds
- ✓ Stock more for outdoor summer events
Service Plan for 20 Guests
For a medium party, plan on approximately 60 total servings over a 3-hour event. Keep a 10-15% buffer so you can handle late arrivals and heavier-than-average consumption.
Because hard seltzer is typically served alongside other drinks, set a second non-alcoholic option to avoid over-concentration on a single beverage and reduce stockout risk.
- Prep checklist: 72+ cups, 30+ lbs of ice, and backup storage nearby.
- Chill strategy: pre-chill at least 70% before service to reduce ice melt and dilution.
- Replenishment cadence: refresh serving stations every 30-45 minutes instead of all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hard seltzer do I need for 20 people?
For 20 people at a standard 3-hour party, you need 60 cans. This is based on 3 cans per person.
What's the cost of hard seltzer for 20 guests?
Expect to spend $90 - $150 on hard seltzer for 20 people, based on typical prices of $1.5-$2.5 per can.
Should I buy extra hard seltzer?
Yes! We recommend adding 10-15% extra for unexpected guests or heavy drinkers. That's about 9 more cans.
Editorial Process and Sources
Last reviewed: February 19, 2026
Publisher: FeedMyGuests Editorial Team · Contact: contact@feedmyguests.com
This page is generated from structured hard seltzer consumption baselines and conversion rules, then reviewed for calculation consistency and internal-link quality checks.
Reference Sources
- USDA FoodData Central Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- NIH Rethinking Drinking (standard drink references) Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- FDA Food Safety Guidance Retrieved: February 19, 2026