How Much Rum for 20 People?
Quick Answer
For 20 people at a medium party, you need approximately 3 750ml bottles of rum.
Estimated cost: $45 - $105
How We Calculate
Start with guest count
20 people
Multiply by drinks per person
20 × 2 = 40 total 750ml bottles
Convert to purchasing units
40 ÷ 17 servings per 750ml bottle = 3 750ml bottles
Tips for Serving Rum to 20 Guests
- ✓ Have both white and dark rum for variety
- ✓ Stock cola, lime juice, and mint for mojitos
- ✓ Coconut rum is great for fruity drinks
- ✓ Pre-make simple syrup for cocktails
- ✓ Fresh lime juice makes a huge difference
Service Plan for 20 Guests
For a medium party, plan on approximately 40 total servings over a 3-hour event. Keep a 10-15% buffer so you can handle late arrivals and heavier-than-average consumption.
Because rum 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: 48+ 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 rum do I need for 20 people?
For 20 people at a standard 3-hour party, you need 3 750ml bottles. This is based on 2 750ml bottles per person.
What's the cost of rum for 20 guests?
Expect to spend $45 - $105 on rum for 20 people, based on typical prices of $15-$35 per 750ml bottle.
Should I buy extra rum?
Yes! We recommend adding 10-15% extra for unexpected guests or heavy drinkers. That's about 1 more 750ml bottles.
Editorial Process and Sources
Last reviewed: February 19, 2026
Publisher: FeedMyGuests Editorial Team · Contact: contact@feedmyguests.com
This page is generated from structured rum 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