Professional Advice
The Toast Alcohol Buying Guide
Professional advice for the perfect pour. Calculate exactly what you need with our industry-standard formulas.
The Golden Rule: "The One Hour Formula"
The industry standard calculation for alcohol consumption is simple: 1 Guest = 1 Drink per Hour.
The Math
[Guest Count] x [Hours of Service] = Total Drinks Needed
Example Calculation
100 Guests x 4 Hours = 400 Drinks
The Buffer
Always add a 10-15% safety buffer. It is better to return unopened bottles than to run dry.
The Ratios: Know Your Crowd
Not every party is the same. Choose the profile that fits your guest list.
1. The "Standard Wedding"
(Balanced)
- Beer20%
- Wine30%
- Liquor50%
2. The "Party Crowd"
(Younger / Heavy Drinkers)
- Beer15%
- Wine15%
- Liquor70%
3. The "Daytime Affair"
(Showers / Brunches)
- Beer10%
- Wine60%
- Liquor30%
The Quantities: Bottle Breakdown
| Bottle Type | Size | Approx. Servings | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Wine | 750ml | 5 Glasses | Buy by the case (12 bottles) for discounts. |
| Champagne | 750ml | 6 Flutes | For toasts only. If serving mimosas, calculate as Wine. |
| Standard Liquor | 750ml | 16 Drinks | Good for top-shelf options or niche spirits. |
| "Handle" Liquor | 1.75L | 39 Drinks | TOAST RECOMMENDS. Best value. Buy these for Vodka/Tequila. |
| Beer Case | 24 Pack | 24 Drinks | Cans cool faster and are safer than glass bottles. |
The Brand Guide: Good, Better, Best
We recommend avoiding "bottom shelf" plastic bottles (bad hangovers) and "super premium" (lost in mixers). Aim for the "Solid Mid-Range."
VODKA (The Crowd Pleaser)
- Budget Smirnoff
- TOAST Pick Tito’s or Deep Eddy (Texas Favorites)
- Splurge Grey Goose or Kettle One
TEQUILA (The Party Starter)
- Budget Sauza Silver
- TOAST Pick Espolòn Blanco (Best value/taste ratio)
- Splurge Casamigos or Don Julio
WHISKEY / BOURBON
- Budget Evan Williams
- TOAST Pick Maker's Mark or Bulleit
- Splurge Woodford Reserve
GIN
- Budget Gordon's
- TOAST Pick Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray
- Splurge Hendrix
The "Secret" Shopping List Tips
1. The "Returnable" Rule
Shop at major retailers like Spec's or Total Wine. They usually allow you to return unopened, unchilled bottles with a receipt.
Strategy: Buy 20% more than you think you need. Keep the extras in a separate box under the table. If we don't open them, you get your money back.
2. Cans > Kegs
We strongly recommend cans over kegs.
Why? Kegs require taps, heavy lifting, and deposit fees. If you don't finish a keg, you throw the beer away. If you don't finish a case of cans, you take them home.
3. Don't Forget the Ice
If your venue does not have an ice machine, you must provide ice.
- Cooling Ice: 1 lb per guest (To chill beer/wine).
- Service Ice: 1 lb per guest (To put in drinks).
- Total: For 100 guests, buy 200 lbs of ice.
Ready to Shop?
Once you have your list, feel free to text it to us or email hello@toastmobile.bar and we will double-check your math before you checkout.
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