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Spirits

How Much Whiskey for 20 People?

Quick Answer

For 20 people at a medium party, you need approximately 3 750ml bottles of whiskey.

Estimated cost: $60 - $150

3 750ml bottles

for 20 people

Estimated cost: $60 - $150

How We Calculate

1

Start with guest count

20 people

2

Multiply by drinks per person

20 ร— 2 = 40 total 750ml bottles

3

Convert to purchasing units

40 รท 17 servings per 750ml bottle = 3 750ml bottles

Tips for Serving Whiskey to 20 Guests

  • โœ“ Offer bourbon for mixed drinks, scotch for sipping
  • โœ“ Stock ginger ale, cola, and bitters
  • โœ“ Have ice and whiskey stones available
  • โœ“ Proper glassware elevates the experience
  • โœ“ Don't forget the cherries for Old Fashioneds

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 whiskey 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 whiskey 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 whiskey for 20 guests?

Expect to spend $60 - $150 on whiskey for 20 people, based on typical prices of $20-$50 per 750ml bottle.

Should I buy extra whiskey?

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 ยท Contact: contact@feedmyguests.com

This page is generated from structured whiskey consumption baselines and conversion rules, then reviewed for calculation consistency and internal-link quality checks.

Reference Sources

Whiskey for Other Party Sizes