How Much Margarita for 40 People?
Quick Answer
For 40 people at a large party, you need approximately 80 servings of margarita.
Estimated cost: $160 - $400
How We Calculate
Start with guest count
40 people
Multiply by drinks per person
40 × 2 = 80 total servings
Convert to purchasing units
80 ÷ 1 servings per serving = 80 servings
Tips for Serving Margarita to 40 Guests
- ✓ Use fresh lime juice for best taste
- ✓ Pre-batch the mix, add ice when serving
- ✓ Offer both frozen and on-the-rocks
- ✓ Salt only half the glass rims (not everyone likes it)
- ✓ Make a virgin version with extra lime and agave
Service Plan for 40 Guests
For a large party, plan on approximately 80 total servings over a 3-hour event. Keep a 10-15% buffer so you can handle late arrivals and heavier-than-average consumption.
Because margarita 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: 96+ cups, 60+ 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 margarita do I need for 40 people?
For 40 people at a standard 3-hour party, you need 80 servings. This is based on 2 servings per person.
What's the cost of margarita for 40 guests?
Expect to spend $160 - $400 on margarita for 40 people, based on typical prices of $2-$5 per serving.
Should I buy extra margarita?
Yes! We recommend adding 10-15% extra for unexpected guests or heavy drinkers. That's about 12 more servings.
Editorial Process and Sources
Last reviewed: February 19, 2026
Publisher: FeedMyGuests Editorial Team · Contact: contact@feedmyguests.com
This page is generated from structured margarita 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