PartyCalcs.uk
Cocktail Bar Calculator — Ingredients & Quantities
Plan ingredients and quantities for a cocktail bar at your party.
How We Calculate This
This calculator estimates cocktail ingredients based on guest numbers and event duration.
The formula
Total cocktails = guests x (2 + additional hours)
Each cocktail uses approximately 50ml of spirit (a UK double measure — a 70cl bottle makes 14 cocktails at 50ml) plus 100ml of mixer. Spirit needs are converted to 70cl bottles.
Ice is estimated at 100g per cocktail for shaking/stirring and serving. This works out at roughly 0.45 kg (1 lb) of ice per guest over a 4-hour event — the common UK event rule of thumb — and allows for dilution lost when shaking as well as ice served in the glass. Buy more for hot weather or longer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for 2 cocktails in the first hour and 1 per hour after. For a 4-hour party, that is about 5 cocktails per guest. Reduce slightly if other drinks are also available.
Offer 3-5 different cocktails. Too many choices slows service down. Include at least 1 non-spirit option (like a Spritz) and 1 non-alcoholic cocktail. Popular UK choices are G&T, Mojito, Espresso Martini, and Aperol Spritz.
For up to 20 guests you can manage self-serve or batch cocktails. For 20-50 guests, consider 1 bartender. For 50+ guests, hire 1 bartender per 50 guests. Professional cocktail bartenders in the UK charge £150-300 per event.
At minimum: a cocktail shaker, jigger (measure), strainer, muddler, and plenty of ice. For a proper bar, add a mixing glass, bar spoon, and citrus press. Many hire companies rent full bar setups.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.