Here are some things to consider when you start inputting your event info. If you’ve booked a bartending package with us we are happy to go over your results and help fine tune your list!

**Limited Cocktail Service Time

We know that some venues only allow cocktail service for a limited time (i.e. first 2-hours can be cocktails, beer, and wine, then beer and wine only for the remainder of the event) OR occasionally hosts prefer to only have cocktails for a limited time. Whether it is by venue rule or self-imposed, you will need to adjust your calculating a bit. In this example, if your venue only allows for 2-hours of liquor/cocktails but the event is 5-hours total, calculate 2-hours for beer, wine, and cocktails then note the totals. Then calculate for 3-hours with beer and wine only. Then combine the two amounts. Keep in mind, the first 2-hours will be a much larger percent of cocktails, so instead of the defaulted 50%, raise it to 60-70%. Also, the majority of drinking is in the first 2-hours (regardless of what is served), so when calculating the remaining 3-hours, calculate more conservatively with amounts on “Type of Drinkers” than you would with the first 2-hours.

**Keg Sizes & Amounts

If you're going the bottle route for beer/cider/seltzer, just snag the amount listed after you calculate. If you decide to go with kegs, check out the nifty chart below for the proper keg sizes and names to ace your order game. Stick to the 1/6th bbl or 1/2 bbl to make things simple!

Psst! Fun fact: 1/6th bbls are often mistaken for "Pony Kegs”, which are actually 1/4 bbls, but most breweries will only offer 1/6th or 1/2 bbls.

Since trailer space is tight, make sure to use the proper names of kegs so you order the correct sizes!

**The Penny Whip can fit two 1/2 bbls, OR one 1/2 bbl and two 1/6th bbls, OR up to four 1/6th bbls.

**Calculator Key

• Drink in Hand = guests will be toasting with what they are already drinking and no champagne toast is needed

• Industry Standards for preferences (for events with cocktails)

  • Beer = 25-30%

  • Wine = 15-20%

  • Cocktails = 50-60%

• Type of drinkers

  • LIGHT = One drink in the first hour, half drink every hour after that

  • AVERAGE = One drink per person per hour

  • HEAVY = Two drinks in the first two hours, one drink every hour after that

• 24 beers in a case

• 55 beers in a 1/6th bbl keg

• 165 beers in a 1/2bbl keg

• 12 bottles of wine in a case