.png?width=50&height=50&name=10.CS-Redondo%20(1).png "Casa Sauza since 1873")
Irma García
For a 5-hour wedding, the standard estimate is 5 drinks per person — one drink per hour. In warm-weather venues, consumption rises to 1.5 drinks per hour. With that baseline and your guest count, you can calculate exactly how many bottles of tequila, wine, and beer you need without running short or wasting budget.
How to calculate alcohol for a wedding, step by step
At Casa Sauza, we have coordinated weddings for decades at Quinta Sauza, in the heart of Tequila, Jalisco. From that experience, we developed a calculation method that we use for every event we advise on. The formula is straightforward: number of guests × drinks per hour × hours of event = total drinks. From there, divide by the number of drinks each bottle yields, depending on the spirit.
Long drinks: the right unit of measure
All calculations are based on long drinks — mixed, not straight — because they are the most commonly consumed at weddings and give the most accurate average across different guest profiles. A standard long drink uses 2 oz (60 ml) of spirit.
With that measure:
- A 750 ml bottle yields 12 drinks.
- A 950 ml bottle yields 15 drinks.
This applies to any standard-proof spirit: tequila, whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin. A standard ABV (between 38% and 40%) does not change the drink's volume.
Estimated consumption by event type
- Temperate climate: 1 drink per person per hour.
- Warm climate (beach, Tequila in summer, open-air terraces): 1.5 drinks per person per hour.
For a 5-hour wedding in a temperate climate: 5 drinks per person. For the same wedding in a warm climate: 7.5 drinks per person. That number is your starting point for calculating the number of bottles.
Wine calculation
A standard 750 ml wine bottle yields 7 glasses.
- If wine is served only during the meal, estimate 1 glass per person.
- If wine is served throughout the event alongside a spirit, estimate 2 glasses per person.
Beer calculation
If you include beer, estimate 2 beers per person. Not everyone will choose beer, but guests who do tend to drink it throughout the night. That average balances both profiles.
Digestif calculation
If you want to offer a digestif at the end of the event, the serving size is 2 oz per person — the same as for a spirit drink. One 750 ml bottle covers 12 guests.
Real calculation examples
Example 1: 200 guests, 5 hours, warm climate
| Drink | Estimated consumption | Bottles needed |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila (750 ml) | 7.5 drinks × 200 = 1,500 drinks | 125 bottles |
| Table wine (750 ml) | 2 glasses × 200 = 400 glasses | 58 bottles |
| Beer | 2 beers × 200 = 400 beers | 400 units |
Scenario: wedding at Quinta Sauza in Tequila, Jalisco. Average temperature 30 °C (86 °F). Tequila, wine, and beer served.
Example 2: 120 guests, 7 hours, warm climate
| Drink | Estimated consumption | Bottles needed |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila (750 ml) | 10.5 drinks × 60 = 630 drinks | 53 bottles |
| Whiskey (750 ml) | 10.5 drinks × 60 = 630 drinks | 53 bottles |
Scenario: wedding at Quinta Sauza in Tequila, Jalisco. Average temperature 30 °C (86 °F). Tequila and whiskey are served in equal parts.
Consider your guests' preferences
In our experience coordinating events at Casa Sauza, the guest profile significantly changes the drink mix. Weddings with a majority of guests from northern Mexico show noticeably higher beer consumption. Weddings with international guests show higher tequila consumption and lower beer consumption. Knowing your guests' backgrounds before placing the order can save you money or prevent you from running out mid-celebration.
Responsible consumption at weddings
The goal of this calculation is not to maximize consumption but to ensure nothing runs out without generating excess. At Casa Sauza, we promote responsible consumption across all the events we coordinate: a well-planned event is one where every guest enjoys the evening without incident. If you plan your wedding with us, our team advises on the calculation and service logistics from the first conversation.
Weddings at Casa Sauza: experience and advisory included
Quinta Sauza, located in the municipality of Tequila, Jalisco, is one of Mexico's most iconic wedding venues. We have spent decades hosting celebrations in a space that combines the historic architecture of Jalisco's oldest distillery with the professional logistics of an event-specialized team. If you are planning your wedding and want to know whether Quinta Sauza is the right choice for you, our team can guide you from venue selection through drink planning and day-of coordination.
Frequently asked questions about alcohol for weddings
How many bottles of tequila do I need for 100 guests at a wedding?
For 100 guests at a 5-hour wedding in a temperate climate, the estimate is 500 total drinks (5 drinks per person). With 750 ml bottles yielding 12 drinks each, you need approximately 42 bottles of tequila. In a warm-weather venue, that rises to 63 bottles (7.5 drinks per person).
How many drinks does a 750 ml bottle of tequila yield?
A 750 ml bottle yields 12 long drinks at 2 oz (60 ml) each. This applies to any standard-proof spirit: tequila, whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin.
How much wine do I need for a wedding of 150 guests?
If wine is served only during the meal, estimate 1 glass per person: 150 glasses, equivalent to 22 bottles of 750 ml. If served throughout the event alongside a spirit, estimate 2 glasses per person: 300 glasses, equivalent to 43 bottles.
Is it better to serve blanco or reposado tequila at a wedding?
For open-bar service with long drinks, blanco tequila is the right choice: its fresh agave notes work better in mixed drinks, and its cost per bottle allows for greater volume without straining the budget. Reposado can be reserved for specific moments in the event, such as the toast or a tasting bar.
What happens if there is leftover tequila after the wedding?
Unopened bottles can be returned or stored without issue — tequila does not expire as long as the seal remains intact. Opened bottles should be consumed within a reasonable time or stored in a cool place away from direct light.
Can I host my wedding at Casa Sauza?
Yes. Quinta Sauza in Tequila, Jalisco, hosts weddings year-round. The Casa Sauza team advises on event planning, including drink calculations, service logistics, and venue coordination. You can start the conversation from the weddings page at casasauza.com.
