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Bar Basics

How to Stock Your Bar

Keep your guests happy with a nice selection of beverages.  When planning your shopping list, consider the type of event, time of day, location, onsite amenities, staff and your guests.

Basic Shopping List

  • Water –  Be sure your guests stay hydrated and if your budget allows offer sparkling water
  • Sodas and Juices – Offer a simple selection that can be served alone or mixed
  • Wine, Beer, and Champagne - a good staple to serve at any party
  • Mixers - Plan on plenty of tonic water and include diet sodas and juices
  • Lemons & Limes - Prepare ahead of time and have slices and twists handy
  • Olives & Maraschino Cherries – A nice touch at a bar station
  • Ice - Buy enough so you don’t run out.  Plan to have more when the weather is hot
  • Cocktail Napkins – Buy extra if serving passed hors d’oeuvres

Full Bar Set Up

  • Gin
  • Tequila
  • Bourbon
  • Sweet Vermouth
  • Dry Vermouth
  • Rum
  • Irish Whiskey
  • Vodka
  • Scotch
  • Martini Shaker
  • Martini Olives
  • Bar Towels
  • Long Mixing Spoon
  • Ice Bucket & Scoop or Tongs
  • Wine Opener
  • Toothpicks
  • Straws
  • Umbrellas
  • Sugars
  • Salt
  • Blender

Drink Calculations & tips

On average, expect guests to drink 2 non-alcoholic drinks the first hour and then 1 drink per hour thereafter.


When serving wine for a cocktail party, plan on one 750 ml bottle for every 2 guests. If you are serving a big meal then plan one 750 ml bottle for every 3-4 guests.


It will serve 4 guests for a cocktail party. If planning to serve during a large meal only, then it will serve 6 to 8 guests.


When ordering beer for a party, plan for 12 ounces per guest for each half hour to hour. For a large party you may want to consider a keg.


If you plan to serve bar drinks then you should plan about 1.5 ounces of liquor for each drink. This will yield approximately 16 drinks per 750 ml bottle.



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