Multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you need. A standard cocktail uses 2 oz of base spirit per serving, so for 12 guests multiply every ingredient by 12. A 750ml bottle holds 25.4 oz, which gives you about 12 standard pours of a 2 oz spirit.
- A 750 ml bottle = 25.4 oz, enough for ~12 standard 2 oz pours
- Plan 2–3 cocktails per guest over a 3-hour event
- For 20 guests, budget 3–4 bottles of base spirit minimum
- Buy citrus by the bag — 1 lime yields about 1 oz juice, 1 lemon yields ~1.5 oz
- Make a simple syrup batch in advance: equal parts sugar and water by volume
| Guest Count | Total Drinks | Base Spirit Bottles | Ice (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 guests | 16–24 | 1–2 | 8–10 |
| 15 guests | 30–45 | 2–4 | 15–20 |
| 25 guests | 50–75 | 4–6 | 25–30 |
| 50 guests | 100–150 | 8–12 | 50–60 |