How much spirits do I need for 20 guests?

You need 5 bottles of spirits for 20 guests at a graduation party. This provides 66 total servings with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

How much spirits per person for a graduation party?

Plan for 3.3 servings of spirits per person at a graduation party. This accounts for the fact that not everyone drinks alcohol and consumption naturally slows as the event progresses.

How many servings are in a bottle of spirits?

One bottle of spirits contains 17 servings. For 20 guests, you'll need 5 bottles to provide 66 total servings.

What percentage of guests will drink spirits at a graduation party?

At a graduation party with 20 guests, approximately 16 guests (80%) will actively drink. Our formula accounts for this when calculating the 5 bottles you need.

Should I buy extra spirits as a buffer?

Yes! Our calculation of 5 bottles already includes a 15% buffer (1 extra bottles). This ensures you won't run out even if some guests drink more than average. It's always better to have leftovers than to run short.

How long will 5 bottles of spirits last for 20 guests?

5 bottles of spirits will last approximately 4 hours for 20 guests at a graduation party. This calculation factors in the natural slowdown of consumption as the event progresses.

Calculate a different drink for this event

🍷 Wine 🍺 Beer 🥂 Champagne 🥃 Spirits viewing

How Much Spirits for a 20 Guest Graduation Party?

You will need approx.

🥃

bottles of spirits

For a 20-guest graduation party lasting 4 hours

info 15% buffer included

Total servings

3.3

Per person

Buffer bottles

How We Calculated This

Our bartender-tested formula, step by step

Estimate actual drinkers

20 guests × 80% drinking rate

= 16 drinkers

At small events, about 80% of guests typically drink alcohol.

Calculate base consumption

16 drinkers × 1.5 drinks/hour × 4 hours

= 96 base drinks

Industry standard is 1.5 drinks per person per hour for a 4-hour event.

Apply consumption decay

Adjusted for drinking slowdown over time (decay factor: 3.25)

= 78 adjusted drinks

People drink faster in the first hour and slow down as the event progresses.

Apply graduation party modifier

× 0.85 (-15% for spirits)

= 66 spirits servings needed

Graduation Partys typically consume 15% less spirits than average.

Convert to bottles

66 servings ÷ 17 servings per bottle

= 3.9 bottles (raw)

Each bottle of spirits provides 17 servings.

Add 15% buffer & round up

3.9 × 1.15 = 4.5, rounded up

= 5 bottles

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out is worse than having leftovers!

✓ Why trust this formula?

Based on industry standards and refined by bartenders with 30+ years of experience. We factor in consumption decay (people drink less as events progress) and real-world drinking percentages.

📊 Quick Reference: Spirits by Guest Count

Guests	Spirits Needed	Total Servings
25 guests	7 bottles	83 servings
50 guests	13 bottles	165 servings
75 guests	19 bottles	248 servings
100 guests	25 bottles	330 servings
150 guests	38 bottles	495 servings
200 guests	50 bottles	660 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for graduation party.

The Essentials

🥃 5 bottles Spirits

22 liters Mixers (soda, tonic, juice) (Variety is key)

32 lbs Ice (~2 lbs per person)

32 glasses Cocktail glasses (2 per drinker) Buy

9 pieces Garnishes (limes, lemons)

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The Host's Secret

Editorial Curation

ATMOSPHERE

"Set up a visible '21+ only' bar area and a killer mocktail station so younger guests feel included."

Pro Tip #1

PREPARATION

"Parents of graduates drink about 30% less than the graduate's friends - plan your ratios accordingly."

Pro Tip #2

TIMING

"Keep champagne cold but corked until group photo time - pop bottles for the shot!"

Pro Tip #3

SERVICE

"Outdoor graduations in summer need extra cold drinks and 2x the ice you think you need."

Pro Tip #4

PRESENTATION

"Mix of generations means variety is key - have options for every age group."

Pro Tip #5

🛒

Buying Guide

Graduation parties typically skew toward beer and lighter drinks. Stock up on popular light beers and have a good selection of non-alcoholic options since many guests will be under 21. Sparkling cider is a great champagne alternative for toasts that includes everyone.

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