How Much Whiskey for 5 People?

For a small gathering, plan on approximately 10 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: 12+ cups, 20+ 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.