Mixers Calculator — Tonic, Cola & Soft Drinks for Parties

A standard spirit and mixer uses about 150ml of mixer. A strong pour uses about 100ml, while a lighter drink uses 200ml. A 1-litre bottle of tonic makes about 6-7 standard G&Ts.

Essential mixers are tonic water, cola, lemonade and soda water. Add ginger ale and ginger beer for variety. Tonic is essential for gin drinkers, cola for rum and whisky, and soda for vodka. Fever-Tree and Schweppes are the most popular UK brands.

Buy a 50/50 split of regular and diet or sugar-free versions. This gives guests a choice. Slimline tonic is very popular for G&Ts in the UK. Some guests prefer zero-sugar cola.

Allow about 200g of ice per drink served (roughly 3-4 cubes, the lower end of the UK caterer range of around 3kg per 12 drinks). For a party of 20 spirit drinkers over 4 hours that is about 5 drinks each, so 100 drinks needing roughly 20kg of ice. Buy bags from the supermarket or freeze your own in advance, and add a few extra bags if you also want to chill bottles.