Event Drinks per Guest

Beverage quantity per guest at events

For a four-hour event in Brazil, a reasonable starting point is 2–3 beer cans per drinker and 1 wine glass per drinker per hour. Cocktail receptions run higher, around 4–5 drinks per person. On top of the alcohol, plan 500 ml of soda and 500 ml of water for every guest. Picture a wedding with 100 guests, 70 of whom drink alcohol. You'd want roughly 200 beer cans, 70 bottles of wine (that's about 280 pours), 50 liters of soda and 50 liters of water. Keep the Lei Seca in mind too: designated drivers stay off alcohol, so their share moves over to the non-alcoholic stock.

Common applications

• Parties: birthdays and themed get-togethers running 20 to 80 guests.
• Weddings: 80 to 250 guests, with a welcome drink, a dinner pairing and a toast.
• Corporate events: happy hours, year-end parties and product launches where portions are kept in check.
• Bulk purchase planning: a run to Atacadão or Sam's Club when you're feeding more than 30 guests.

FAQ

How many drinkers vs. non-drinkers? As a rule, 60–70% of the adults will drink alcohol. Plan soda, juice and water for the other 30–40%.

What about Lei Seca and drivers? Designated drivers have to stay at zero alcohol. Count them in the non-alcoholic share so you don't run out of soda or water.

Cans, long-necks or draft? Cans (350 ml) chill quickly. Long-necks (355 ml) look a bit more refined. Draft wins on cost once you pass 50 guests, but you'll need the equipment to serve it.

How much ice? Figure about 1 kg per drinker for the coolers, and double that on a hot afternoon.