You’re hosting a wedding, a birthday party, or your annual holiday bash. Amid all the excitement and endless to-do lists, suddenly it’s the night before the event, and you find yourself standing in a liquor store, wandering from aisle to aisle, unsure of what to buy or how much to get—and you definitely don’t want to be spending hours filling up, and pushing a cart.

Sound familiar? We get it! Hosting an event is stressful enough without the added pressure of figuring out your drink menu and quantities. No one wants to run out of drinks an hour into the party (#Embarrassing). On the flip side, you probably don’t want enough leftover booze to open your own at-home bar—unless, of course, that’s exactly what you’re going for (and we wouldn’t blame you)!

No matter where you fall on the “alcohol preparedness” spectrum, we’re here to take the stress out of it. Our goal is to prevent those last-minute panic moments where you’re scrambling to figure out how much to buy or worrying if you’ll run out too soon. We take the guesswork out of the process by applying our expertise, combined with your event’s unique needs and your guests’ preferences, to create a fully customized shopping list tailored just for you. Let us handle the calculations so you can focus on enjoying your event, not dreading it!

Professional Planning Team Headshots thanks to Miranda Longoria Photography

Why Trust Us

Since 2018, we have been servicing events of all sizes—from large weddings to intimate house parties—backed by a team of seasoned bartenders with decades of experience. We’ve seen it all: from events running out of alcohol to guests leaving with a truckload of leftover booze.

So, why do we know all the secret numbers to calculate the perfect shopping list? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, we do have an extensive, formula-based system that we adjust and customize based on the specific details we gather and refine with you for each event. This ensures that the recommendations are perfectly tailored to your unique needs.

It’s not just about numbers—we combine years of industry experience with what we’ve learned from the wide variety of events we’ve worked on. We take into account your preferences, your guests’ preferences, and current trends to ensure everything is tailored just right. By asking a few key questions and combining your insights with our expertise, we provide custom alcohol estimates that are spot on. We recognize that different guests have diverse preferences when it comes to beverages, and we know how to balance liquor, wine, and other options to suit everyone’s tastes. Our goal is to ensure your event is perfectly stocked—without the stress.

Deciding Your Beverage Menu

The first step in planning your event’s shopping list is deciding what you want to serve on the menu. Whether you’re opting for a simple selection, a themed menu, or a full bar experience, we’re here to help you choose the perfect options that align with your style, budget, and guest preferences. Wanting to keep things laid-back, or go all out, we have tailored options to suit every type of gathering.

Beer + Wine – The Basics

For a standard event, we recommend offering a handful of beer and wine options. This is ideal for events where you want to provide variety without overwhelming your guests—or your budget. It’s simple, effective, and ensures there’s something for everyone.

Signature Cocktails – Classic + Themed Cocktails

Want to add a little flair? Including a signature cocktail (or two) to your standard bar menu can be a fun way to personalize your event. Some hosts even offer signature cocktails as the sole drink option during cocktail hour to speed up service with pre-batched drinks. Check out our cocktail menu and mixer packages for inspiration and pricing on unique signature cocktail ideas that will WOW your guests and streamline service.

Two-Step Mixed Beverages – Your Favorite Bar Vibe

If your venue or event allows liquor, adding a selection of spirits and mixers can create that “favorite bar” vibe where guests feel like they can order anything they want (within reason!). The right combination of liquors, mixers, beer, and wine gives guests plenty of options to choose from. We highly recommend pairing your liquor selection with one of our mixer packages to complete the experience.

Full Bar – The Works

Looking to truly impress your guests? A full bar offering beer, wine, liquors, and signature cocktails will ensure everyone has their favorite drink on hand. This option brings out the works and elevates your event to the next level. Whether you’re going for an upscale vibe or want to cater to a variety of tastes, we can help you create the ultimate bar experience.

Additional Menu Options – The Special Touches

To elevate your event and add a personal touch, you may want to consider additional bar menu options. Beyond the traditional offerings, there are plenty of unique and memorable beverage services you can incorporate, such as:

• Champagne Toasts for special moments or even a champagne tower to impress your guests.
• Hot Beverage Services, such as coffee or hot chocolate, especially for colder months or evening events.
• Welcome Drinks to greet your guests as they arrive and set the tone for your event.
• Mocktail Service for non-alcoholic options that are just as fun and refreshing as the real thing.
• Kid-tinis, fun and kid-friendly “cocktails” that allow children to feel part of the celebration with their own special drinks.
• Build-Your-Own Bars (like mimosa or bloody mary stations) that allow guests to customize their own drinks.

With so many options to choose from, deciding what to serve at your event can feel overwhelming. But once you’ve settled on the type of drink(s) that best fit your style, budget, and guest preferences, you’re well on your way to crafting an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re keeping things simple with beer and wine or going all out with a full bar and signature cocktails, the key is to offer a selection that complements the vibe of your event. Now that you’ve figured out what to serve, let’s move on to the next step: Determining how much of each beverage you’ll need to keep the drinks flowing and you and your guests happy.

Determining Your Alcohol Shopping List Needs

Each event is unique, and the perfect alcohol shopping list depends on several key factors. While it’s always smart to slightly over-prepare (thank you, returns policy!), we provide detailed baseline estimates that are fully customized to your specific needs and budget. With our experience and industry expertise, we ensure that every number is calculated with precision—saving you from the guesswork and making sure your event goes off without a hitch.

What sets us apart is the value we bring by using all the key details of your event to refine the numbers. We don’t just stop at guest count or a blanket estimate. Instead, we take the time to dive into every detail, from the type of drinkers you’re hosting to how long your event will last, tailoring our calculations based on what we’ve learned from years of working at events just like yours. We know that no two events are exactly alike, and that’s why we adjust every recommendation to suit the specific dynamics of your celebration.

Key Factors We Consider:

• Total Guest Count–
  The foundation for any good shopping list is knowing how many guests you’re serving. The larger the group, the more drinks you’ll need—but we also factor in the percentage of guests who will actually drink alcohol.
• Percentage of Guests Drinking Alcohol–
  Not everyone will indulge, and we take that into account by estimating how many guests will be drinking versus those who might prefer other beverages.
• Types of Drinkers (Light, Moderate, Heavy)–
  Understanding your crowd is crucial. A group of heavy drinkers will require a different stock than one filled with lighter drinkers. We adjust the quantities based on these drinking patterns.
• Event Duration and Type–
  The length and formality of your event play a big role. A four-hour cocktail party will require less than a six-hour wedding reception, and we plan accordingly.
• Menu Service Schedules (Cocktail, Welcome, Dinner, etc.)–
  Are you serving drinks during a cocktail hour, throughout dinner, or as a late-night option? We use this to plan out when and how much of each beverage will be consumed over the course of your event.
• Beverage Menu Options–
  Whether you’re offering just beer and wine, signature cocktails, or a full bar, the variety you offer will affect how much you need. We balance this to avoid over-ordering one type of beverage while running out of another.
• Guest Menu Preferences–
  Taking into account the tastes of your guests—whether they’re beer lovers, wine aficionados, or cocktail enthusiasts—allows us to make sure you have the right mix of beverages to keep everyone happy.
• Number of Bars to Stock–
  The logistics of your bar setup are key. More bars mean more stock needed across multiple locations, and we ensure each station is adequately prepared to avoid bottlenecks or shortages.
• Leftover Preferences–
  Some hosts want to have plenty of extras to continue the party at home, while others prefer to have little to no leftover stock. We tailor our estimates to match your preference for post-event supplies.

Whether you’re hosting a daytime wedding with light drinkers or a Halloween bash where shots are the drink of choice, every guest list and event dynamic is different. Some guests may prefer beer, while others might want a little bit of everything. You may need extras for an after-party or prefer to have drinks dwindle down by the last call. We adjust our estimates to fit the specific vibe of your event, ensuring you have exactly what you need without the worry of running out—or being left with too much. Whatever your needs, we’ll work with you to create the optimal Alcohol Shopping List for your event.

Choosing Which Brands To Buy for Your Budget

Now that you know how much beer, wine, liquor, and champagne to buy, let’s talk brands. Once we finalize and approve the shopping list we’ve curated together, we can recommend specific brands that we love, tailored to your needs, preferences, and budget. You won’t be limited to a handful of options in rigid price tiers—instead, you’ll have free range to choose any brand(s) that fit your event needs. Our suggestions will cover everything from budget-friendly to premium choices, ensuring you have the flexibility to serve exactly what you want at your event.

Beer & Seltzers:

For most events, beers and seltzers are priced similarly, so it’s all about guest preference. Our go-to brands include:

• Beer: Coors Light, Miller Light, Michelob Ultra, Shiner Bock, Dos Equis, Modelo, Blue Moon
• Seltzers: Topo-Chico, High Noon, Lone River Ranch Water
• Non Alcoholic: Athletic NA, Run Wild IPA, O’Doul’s NA Beer

Wine:

Whether you’re pairing wine with meals or keeping it simple, from Cabernet to Pinot Grigio, there’s a bottle for every budget:

• $: Tiny Umbrellas, Big Sipper, 14 Hands, Kirkland
• $$: Josh, Witching Hour, Kim Crawford, H3, Michael David, Juggernaut, Coppola
• $$$: Olema, Amici, Cake Bread Cellars, Caymus

Spirits:

Tequila to rum, vodka to whiskey, we’ve got both high-end splurges and budget-friendly options for events that require bulk purchasing:

• Tequila: Painted Donkey Blanco + Reposado ($), Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver + Reposado ($), Socorro Blanco, Reposado + Anejo ($$), Casamigos Blanco + Reposado ($$), Don Julio 1942 ($$$$), Clase Azul ($$$$)
• Vodka: Western Son ($), Titos ($), Chopin Potato Vodka ($), Deep Eddy ($$), Belvedere ($$), Grey Goose ($$), Crystal Head ($$$)
• Gin: Bombay Sapphire Gin ($), Tanqueray Gin ($), Hendricks Gin ($$), Botanist Gin ($$)
• Whiskey/Bourbon: Seagram’s 7 ($), Crown Royal ($), Jameson Irish Whiskey ($), Jack Daniels ($), Makers Mark ($$), Basil Hayden ($$), Bulleit Bourbon + Rye ($$), Woodford Reserve ($$), Angel’s Envy Bourbon ($$), Michter’s ($$$)
• Scotch: Johnnie Walker Red + Black ($$), Glenlivet ($$), Macallan ($$), Oban ($$$), The Balvenie ($$$)
• Rum: Myer’s Dark Rum ($), Captain Morgans ($), Bacardi Superior + Gold ($), Cruzan Rums ($), Malibu Coconut Rum ($), Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum ($), Diplomatico Rum Reserva ($$)
• Amaro, Apertif, and Vermouth: Aperol Liqueur ($), Campari ($$), Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth ($), Lillet Blanc ($$), Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth ($$$)
• Liqueurs + Cordials: Mr Stacks Peach Schnapps + Triple Sec ($), Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur ($$), Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur ($$), Cointreau Orange Liqueur ($$$), St Germain Elderflower Liqueur ($$$)

Bubbly:

For that wedding toast or special celebration, our favorite bubbles are:

• $- Borrasca, La Marca, La Vostra, Mionetto
• $$- Olema, Chandon, Ferrari
• $$$- Veuve, Piper Heidsieck, Bollinger

Your Personal Shopping List, However You Shop

After we’ve worked together to finalize your event menu, shopping list, and specific brand selections, we offer two convenient options to suit your preferences. If you like to take control of your shopping, we can provide a downloadable PDF of your custom alcohol shopping list, giving you the flexibility to shop wherever and whenever you choose.

In addition to the alcohol shopping list, we’ll include a basic overview of other essential bar needs, such as mixers, ice, cups, straws, napkins, non-alcoholic beverages, and water to ensure your bar is fully stocked and ready for service- unless you’re having us take care of these additional items for you of course.

Alternatively, we can make it even easier by uploading your custom order directly into a Total Wine online shopping cart. From there, you can review, make adjustments, if needed, and purchase the alcohol directly through Total Wine, saving you time and effort.

Total Wine Curbside Pickup or Event Delivery

We understand that logistics can be a hassle, which is why we offer flexible solutions for getting the alcohol to your event. If you opt for curbside pickup, you can simply drive to your designated Total Wine store and have everything loaded into your vehicle without leaving your car.

Prefer a more hands-off approach? Let our team handle the alcohol pickup and delivery for you! Ensuring everything is stored and ready for your big day, making your to-do list that much shorter. Either way, we make the process easy and stress-free so you can focus on celebrating—not running errands!

Now that you’ve got all the details on creating the perfect alcohol shopping list, pour yourself a glass, relax, and get ready to enjoy your event. Whether you’re planning it yourself or seeking some expert help (wink, wink), the key is to stay prepared and ensure your guests have a great time.

Until the Next Round – Cheers!