How Much Beer Do You Need for a BBQ?

The baseline: two beers per person per hour

For the first two hours, plan on two beers per guest per hour. After that, drop to one per hour as people slow down, eat more, or switch to something else. A four-hour BBQ with fifteen guests works out to roughly seventy-five beers, or just over three 24-can cases.

That sounds high if everyone is driving, but realistic if guests are staying or walking. Adjust downward if it is a work-night event or most guests are driving.

Adjust for weather and time of day

Hot afternoons increase consumption, especially if there is no shade. Add 25 percent to the beer count when the temperature is over 25 C. Evening events and cooler days tend to slow the pace naturally.

Daytime barbecues also burn through lighter lagers faster than darker beers or imports. A mix of Corona Extra, Heineken and Molson Canadian covers most crowds without overthinking it.

Account for the non-beer drinkers

Not everyone wants beer. A good rule is to set aside 20 to 30 percent of your drinks budget for wine, coolers and spirits. White Claw and Smirnoff Ice are easy crowd-pleasers for people who want something lighter.

If you know the crowd leans toward cocktails, keep one bottle of vodka or tequila and a few mixers in reserve. It is cheaper than running out and making an emergency trip.

Buying late for a BBQ

If the count comes up short after the stores close, delivery is the cleanest fix. A few cases of beer and a couple of coolers can be at your door in about 30 minutes, which is faster than sending someone out to hunt for an open store.

Order once rather than in pieces. One delivery keeps everything cold together and avoids repeated ID checks at the door.

Common questions