How much spirits do I need for 25 guests?

You need 6 bottles of spirits for 25 guests at a thanksgiving. This provides 88 total servings with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

How much spirits per person for a thanksgiving?

Plan for 3.5 servings of spirits per person at a thanksgiving. 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 25 guests, you'll need 6 bottles to provide 88 total servings.

What percentage of guests will drink spirits at a thanksgiving?

At a thanksgiving with 25 guests, approximately 20 guests (80%) will actively drink. Our formula accounts for this when calculating the 6 bottles you need.

Should I buy extra spirits as a buffer?

Yes! Our calculation of 6 bottles already includes a 15% buffer (0 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 6 bottles of spirits last for 25 guests?

6 bottles of spirits will last approximately 4 hours for 25 guests at a thanksgiving. 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 25 Guest Thanksgiving?

You will need approx.

🥃

bottles of spirits

For a 25-guest thanksgiving lasting 4 hours

info 15% buffer included

Total servings

3.5

Per person

Buffer bottles

How We Calculated This

Our bartender-tested formula, step by step

Estimate actual drinkers

25 guests × 80% drinking rate

= 20 drinkers

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

Calculate base consumption

20 drinkers × 1.5 drinks/hour × 4 hours

= 120 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)

= 98 adjusted drinks

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

Apply thanksgiving modifier

× 0.9 (-10% for spirits)

= 88 spirits servings needed

Thanksgivings typically consume 10% less spirits than average.

Convert to bottles

88 servings ÷ 17 servings per bottle

= 5.2 bottles (raw)

Each bottle of spirits provides 17 servings.

Add 15% buffer & round up

5.2 × 1.15 = 6.0, rounded up

= 6 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 (you)	6 bottles	88 servings
50 guests	12 bottles	176 servings
75 guests	18 bottles	264 servings
100 guests	24 bottles	352 servings
150 guests	36 bottles	528 servings
200 guests	48 bottles	704 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for thanksgiving.

The Essentials

🥃 6 bottles Spirits

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

40 lbs Ice (~2 lbs per person)

40 glasses Cocktail glasses (2 per drinker) Buy

11 pieces Garnishes (limes, lemons)

Email Your Shopping List

We'll send your complete list plus pro tips for a stress-free event

No spam, unsubscribe anytime

The Host's Secret

Editorial Curation

ATMOSPHERE

"Wine consumption peaks during dinner - have bottles ready at the table."

Pro Tip #1

PREPARATION

"Pre-dinner cocktails should be light so people can enjoy the meal."

Pro Tip #2

TIMING

"After-dinner drinks (port, brandy) are a nice touch."

Pro Tip #3

SERVICE

"Football watching = beer in the afternoon before dinner."

Pro Tip #4

PRESENTATION

"Designated drivers are essential - plan non-alcoholic options."

Pro Tip #5

🛒

Buying Guide

Thanksgiving is wine-heavy with the meal. Plan 1 bottle of wine per 2 adults at the table. Have a light cocktail option for pre-dinner and maybe some beer for football watching. Keep it classy.

Explore More Calculators

Find the perfect amounts for any event

More for your Thanksgiving

Different guest count?

Other events (25 guests)

🎉

Planning a different event?

Use our free calculator for any combination of drinks, events, and guest counts.

Browse All 336 Calculators