Planning a party is exciting, but let’s be honest—stocking the bar can feel overwhelming. How much liquor do you need? Which mixers should you buy? Do you really need to cover every spirit? At Pina Wine & Spirits, we know these are the questions hosts face every time they prepare for a celebration.

The good news? With the right checklist, you can stock a bar that will keep your guests happy without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, a backyard barbecue, or a holiday gathering, this guide will help you plan like a pro.

Step 1: Decide on Your Guest Count

Before you buy a single bottle, consider how many people are attending. A general rule of thumb is:

• One drink per guest, per hour of the party.
• A standard 750ml bottle of liquor makes about 16 drinks (1.5 oz each).
• A bottle of wine typically serves 4–5 glasses.
• A case of beer (24 bottles/cans) usually serves 10–12 guests for an evening.

 

Knowing your numbers will keep you from overbuying—or worse, running out mid-party.

Step 2: Cover the Essential Spirits

You don’t need every bottle under the sun. Stocking the basics ensures you can mix most classic cocktails:

• Vodka – The most versatile spirit, perfect for tonics, screwdrivers, Moscow Mules, or just about anything.
• Gin – Essential for martinis, gin & tonics, and refreshing summer cocktails.
• Rum – Light rum works well in mojitos and daiquiris; dark rum adds depth to tiki drinks.
• Tequila – A must-have for margaritas or Paloma.
• Whiskey/Bourbon – Great for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails like Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sours.

 

At Pina Wine & Spirits, we recommend starting with mid-shelf options. They’re crowd-pleasing, affordable, and mix well without sacrificing quality.

Step 3: Add Wine and Beer for Variety

Not all guests want cocktails. Offering wine and beer balances out your bar:

• Wine: A couple of bottles each of red and white cover most tastes. Add sparkling wine or champagne if it’s a celebratory occasion.
• Beer: Stock a mix of domestic favorites, craft options, and lighter lagers. Kansas City craft beer is always a hit with locals.

Step 4: Don’t Forget Mixers and Non-Alcoholic Options

The best-stocked bar includes mixers so guests can customize their drinks. Essentials include:

• Club soda & tonic water
• Cola & lemon-lime soda
• Cranberry, orange, and pineapple juice
• Ginger beer (great for Moscow Mules)
• Simple syrup & bitters

 

And don’t forget non-alcoholic options like soda, sparkling water, or mocktail mixes. Not everyone drinks alcohol, and inclusive hosting is always appreciated.

Step 5: Stock Garnishes & Bar Basics

It’s the little details that elevate a party:

• Fresh lemons and limes (for juice and wedges)
• Cherries for cocktails
• Mint for mojitos
• Salt and sugar for glass rims
• Plenty of ice (at least 1–1.5 pounds per guest)

 

For barware, make sure you have:

• A shaker & strainer
• A jigger or shot glass for measuring
• Stirring spoons
• Bottle & wine openers

Step 6: Calculate Quantities

Here’s a rough guide for a 20-guest party lasting 4 hours:

• Liquor: 4–5 bottles total (1 each of vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, gin)
• Wine: 6–8 bottles (a balanced mix of red, white, and sparkling)
• Beer: 2–3 cases (domestic + craft mix)
• Mixers: 3–4 liters each of soda and juice
• Ice: 25–30 pounds

 

Adjust quantities based on whether your crowd leans more toward cocktails, wine, or beer.

Step 7: Think About Theme Drinks

Want to make your party stand out? Create a signature cocktail. It’s fun, cost-effective, and eliminates the need to stock every spirit. For example:

• Summer BBQ: Margaritas or Palomas
• Holiday Party: Spiked eggnog or mulled wine
• Game Day: Whiskey cocktails or beer-based drinks

 

Pro tip: Batch your signature cocktail in a pitcher for easy serving.

Step 8: Don’t Forget Safety

The most important part of hosting? Making sure everyone gets home safe. Encourage designated drivers, have rideshare apps handy, and always provide food alongside drinks.

Quick Party Checklist 

Vodka
Gin
Rum (light & dark)
Tequila
Whiskey/Bourbon
Red, white & sparkling wine
Beer (domestic & craft)
Mixers (soda, tonic, juices)
Garnishes (lemons, limes, cherries, mint)
Ice (1–1.5 lbs per guest)
Bar tools (shaker, jigger, openers)
Non-alcoholic drinks

Quick Answers

How much liquor do I need for 20 guests?
For a 4-hour party, plan on about 4–5 bottles of liquor, 6–8 bottles of wine, and 2–3 cases of beer.

What liquor is essential for a party?
Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey are the core spirits to cover most cocktails.

How many mixers should I buy?
At least 3–4 liters each of soda and juice is recommended for a medium-sized party.

What’s a good signature cocktail idea?
For summer, try margaritas or mojitos. For holidays, mulled wine or eggnog are perfect crowd-pleasers.

How much ice should I have for a party?
Plan on 1–1.5 pounds of ice per guest for cocktails and chilling drinks.

Why Shop Pina Wine & Spirits for Party Planning?

At Pina Wine & Spirits, we make hosting stress-free:

• Selection: From budget-friendly to premium spirits, local craft beer, and wines for every occasion.
• Expertise: Our staff can help you calculate quantities and choose the right mix of products.
• Community: As a Kansas City favorite, we support local breweries and distilleries.
• Convenience: Multiple locations across the metro mean a Pina is always close when you’re planning a party.

 

Whether you need just a few bottles or a full event order, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a party doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right liquor checklist, you’ll have everything you need to keep guests happy and drinks flowing. From vodka and whiskey to mixers, garnishes, and wine, preparation is the key to success.

And when you’re ready to stock up, Pina Wine & Spirits is your Kansas City partner for party planning. With expert advice, unbeatable selection, and multiple convenient locations, we make sure your next event is unforgettable—for all the right reasons.

Cheers to stress-free hosting and great memories!