How Much Whiskey for 45 People?
Quick Answer
For 45 people at a large party, you need approximately 6 750ml bottles of whiskey.
Estimated cost: $120 - $300
How We Calculate
Start with guest count
45 people
Multiply by drinks per person
45 × 2 = 90 total 750ml bottles
Convert to purchasing units
90 ÷ 17 servings per 750ml bottle = 6 750ml bottles
Tips for Serving Whiskey to 45 Guests
- ✓ Offer bourbon for mixed drinks, scotch for sipping
- ✓ Stock ginger ale, cola, and bitters
- ✓ Have ice and whiskey stones available
- ✓ Proper glassware elevates the experience
- ✓ Don't forget the cherries for Old Fashioneds
Service Plan for 45 Guests
For a large party, plan on approximately 90 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: 108+ cups, 68+ 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 45 people?
For 45 people at a standard 3-hour party, you need 6 750ml bottles. This is based on 2 750ml bottles per person.
What's the cost of whiskey for 45 guests?
Expect to spend $120 - $300 on whiskey for 45 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 · 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
- 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