How Much Drink Per Person?
Wondering how much each guest will drink? Our per-person guides help you calculate exactly how much beer, wine, cocktails, and more to buy for your party.
Why per-person serving sizes matter
Buying drinks is easy to get wrong because cans, bottles, and standard pours all hold different amounts. A per-person serving size turns each beverage into one comparable number, so you can plan a 12-ounce beer the same way you plan a 5-ounce glass of wine. Each guide below lists that average serving, which is the building block for everything else on your shopping list.
Scaling is straightforward: take the per-person figure, multiply by your guest count, then add roughly one serving per hour for a longer event and a little extra for the heavier drinkers. For a full table that blends several beverages at once, a drink mix planner handles the ratios for you, and a drink calculator does the math when you only need a single item.
Beer & Wine
Spirits
Vodka Per Person
Serving size guide
2 750ml bottles per person (average)
Whiskey Per Person
Serving size guide
2 750ml bottles per person (average)
Rum Per Person
Serving size guide
2 750ml bottles per person (average)
Tequila Per Person
Serving size guide
2 750ml bottles per person (average)
Cocktails
Margarita Per Person
Serving size guide
2 servings per person (average)
Sangria Per Person
Serving size guide
2 pitchers per person (average)
Mimosa Per Person
Serving size guide
2.5 servings per person (average)
Party Punch (Alcoholic) Per Person
Serving size guide
2 gallons per person (average)
Non-Alcoholic
Soda Per Person
Serving size guide
2 12oz cans per person (average)
Bottled Water Per Person
Serving size guide
2 16oz bottles per person (average)
Juice Per Person
Serving size guide
1 gallons per person (average)
Iced Tea Per Person
Serving size guide
1.5 gallons per person (average)
Lemonade Per Person
Serving size guide
1.5 gallons per person (average)
Party Punch Per Person
Serving size guide
2 gallons per person (average)
Apple Cider Per Person
Serving size guide
1.5 gallons per person (average)
Hot Drinks
Party Essentials
Need Food Too?
Check out our per-person food guides for the complete party planning picture.
Food Per Person Guides →