Tipsy On Tap • Dry-Hire Planning
Alcohol Calculator
Estimate what to buy for your event—then let our team turn it into a tailored shopping list based on your guest count, duration, and menu.
How it works
A quick estimate—followed by concierge-level planning
Use the guidelines below to get a starting point. After you complete our questionnaire, we provide a detailed shopping list and quantities tailored to your event.
1) Share your event details
Tell us your guest count, event length, service style, and preferred drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, or a full bar).
2) Choose your bar mix
Select the beverage types you want served. We will recommend balanced quantities so guests have options without overbuying.
3) Receive your shopping list
You will get a clear list of what to buy and how much—spirits, wine, beer, mixers, garnishes, and ice (unopened alcohol may be returnable per store policy).
4) We support ordering (dry-hire)
Alcohol is provided by the client, but we can help facilitate ordering through a partner vendor where available.
Drinks Calculator
Estimate beer, wine, and liquor quantities for your event.
Simple planning guidelines (starting point)
Total drinks per guest
Plan for 1–2 drinks per guest per hour, depending on your crowd and the flow of the event.
Beer + wine events
A common split is 60% beer and 40% wine. For wine, plan roughly 1 bottle per 2–3 guests for a 4–5 hour event.
Full bar events
For spirits, a practical starting point is 1 (750ml) bottle per 10–12 guests per spirit category you plan to serve, plus mixers and garnishes.
Alcohol planning FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about dry-hire service, coverage, and how we help you buy the right amount.
Do you provide the alcohol?
We are a dry-hire service, so alcohol is provided by the client. We make it easy with a tailored shopping list and can help facilitate ordering through a partner vendor where available.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the DMV (DC, MD, VA) plus Pennsylvania. Travel is calculated from our home base, with mileage included in standard packages and additional mileage available.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry $2M General Liability and Liquor Liability Insurance, and we can add your venue as an additional insured.
Do you provide bartenders?
Yes. Certified T.I.P.S. bartenders are included with our packages, along with setup and breakdown time.
How do I know how much to buy?
After you complete our questionnaire, we provide a detailed shopping list and quantities based on your guest count, duration, and menu selections.
Can you help me keep it simple?
Absolutely. We can recommend a streamlined menu (for example: one signature cocktail, one spirit + mixer option, beer, and two wines) to keep purchasing and service efficient.
Ready when you are
Get a tailored shopping list for your event
Complete our questionnaire and we will confirm quantities, recommend a balanced bar menu, and help you plan a polished dry-hire experience.