The Ultimate Party Drink Shopping Guide: Tips from Your Local Bottle Store in Busselton
Planning a party or event? Learn how to choose the right drinks, calculate how much to buy, and save money, straight from your local liquor experts at Brew Plus.
Don’t Let Party Drink Shopping Stress You Out
Planning drinks for a party can feel like walking a tightrope. If you buy too little, you’ll run dry mid-event. Buy too much, and you waste money (and fridge space). Meanwhile, guests expect choice, quality, and that the bar “just works.”
That’s where guidance helps. This guide arms you with a clear plan for what to buy, how much, and how to save, all through the lens of a bottle store that actually stocks what locals in Busselton want.
At Brew Plus, we’ve helped countless hosts avoid the “ran out” panic or the “why did I order all this?” regret. We know seasonal trends, what pairs well with Aussie menus, and which bundles deliver value.
Use this guide to:
Start with the right assumptions (guest list, duration, style)
Calculate exactly how much alcohol you’ll need
Choose between beer, wine, spirits, and RTDs
Maximise value using local deals and smart bulk buying
Unlock event services you can tap into locally
By the end, you’ll have a confident shopping list, and peace of mind that your party bar will be a hit, not a headache.
Start with the Basics — Who, What, When
Before you start grabbing cartons or picking bubbles, you need to know your guest list, event type, and duration. These three details shape every decision you’ll make about drink styles, quantities, and budget.
Know Your Crowd: Guest Count, Age, Preferences
Start by estimating:
Total guests
How many are drinking?
What do they usually enjoy?
A 40-person party with mostly beer drinkers needs a different drinks list than a 20-person dinner with wine lovers. Also consider:
Are there non-drinkers?
Do some guests prefer spirits or cocktails?
Any dietary needs? (e.g. gluten-free beer, low-alcohol options)
Having a rough guest breakdown helps prevent overbuying the wrong stuff, and makes it easier to grab crowd-pleasing options.
Event Type Matters: BBQs vs Weddings vs Birthdays
Your party format affects both what people want and how long they’ll drink.
| Event Style | Best-Fit Drinks |
|---|---|
| Backyard BBQ | Beer, cider, crisp white wine, RTDs |
| Cocktail Party | Spirits, mixers, sparkling wine |
| Wedding | Sparkling, wine, mid-strength beer |
| Milestone Birthday | Mix of beer, wine, spirits |
Tip: Think about glassware and ease of serving. Cocktails need more setup than a beer fridge.
How Long Is the Party Going For?
A two-hour afternoon catch-up needs far less alcohol than a 6+ hour reception. The longer the event, the more you’ll want:
Variety (some guests may switch between drinks)
Non-alcoholic options
Ice, mixers, and top-ups
Use the next section to calculate how much to buy based on your timeframe and guest count.
How Much Alcohol Do You Actually Need?
One of the most common party planning mistakes? Misjudging how much alcohol to buy. Fortunately, there’s a simple formula to guide your quantities, no spreadsheet required.
The 3-Drink-Per-Guest Rule (And When to Adjust)
A general rule of thumb is:
3–4 standard drinks per guest for a 2–3 hour event
Add 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour
Adjust based on:
Time of day (daytime events = lighter drinking)
Guest habits (light drinkers vs big celebrations)
Availability of other refreshments
One standard drink in Australia =
100ml wine (13% ABV)
285ml full-strength beer
30ml of spirit
Sample Drink Calculator: 10, 25, 50, and 100 Guests
| Guests | Beers (stubbies) | Bottles of Wine | Spirits (700ml) | Mixers (1L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 30–40 | 4–5 | 1–2 | 3–4 |
| 25 | 75–100 | 10–12 | 3–4 | 6–8 |
| 50 | 150–200 | 20–24 | 6–8 | 12–15 |
| 100 | 300–400 | 40–50 | 12–16 | 24–30 |
Need help calculating mixed drink ratios? Ask our team at Brew Plus—we can recommend bundle options that save you time and money while hitting the right variety.
Don't Forget the Non-Alcoholic Options
Every good party includes options for:
Designated drivers
Non-drinkers
Kids or teens (if attending)
Stock a mix of:
Still and sparkling water
Juice
Soft drinks
Non-alcoholic beer or wine
Having these on hand improves guest comfort and helps with responsible service.
Party Drink Categories: What to Buy and Why
Once you’ve nailed your numbers, it’s time to choose what types of drinks to offer. The best mix depends on your crowd, your menu, and your vibe, but this quick breakdown makes it easy to cover all your bases.
Beer and Cider
Great for casual events, BBQs, and sunny afternoons
Offer a mix of:
Lager – light, easy-drinking crowd-pleaser
Pale Ale – for those who want something with flavour
Mid-Strength – a smart option for all-day events
Cider – especially popular with mixed groups
Local picks at Brew Plus:
Beerfarm India Pale Lager
Rocky Ridge Jindong Juicy
Yallingup Cider Co.
Wine and Bubbles
Ideal for dinner parties, weddings, and toast-worthy moments
Cover your bases with:
One white, one red, one sparkling
Bonus: add a rosé for summer or daytime events
Think about food pairings too:
Chardonnay or Sauv Blanc for seafood
Cabernet or Shiraz for roasts and BBQ
Great-value options from Brew Plus:
Swings & Roundabouts Chardonnay
Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon
La Cache Blanc de Blancs Sparkling
Spirits and Mixers
Perfect for cocktail parties or guests who like to mix things up
Essentials include:
Vodka
Gin
Whiskey or Bourbon
Rum
Don’t forget the mixers:
Tonic, soda, cola, lemonade, ginger beer
Juice (cranberry, orange, lime)
Go-to bottles stocked at Brew Plus:
Archie Rose Double Malt Whisky
BELVEDERE Vodka
Margaret River Classic Botanical Gin
Pre-Mixed and RTDs (Ready to Drink)
Great for grab-and-go convenience and variety
Popular with mixed groups and younger guests. Look for:
Vodka premixes (e.g. Smirnoff, Hard Solo)
Whiskey & cola cans
Seltzers for low-cal, low-alc refreshment
Brew Plus Recommends: Top Party Drink Picks by Occasion
Not sure where to start? Here’s a cheat sheet of local favourites available at Brew Plus, tailored to match different types of events. These picks are crowd-tested and party-approved.
Backyard BBQs and Casual Catch-Ups
Easy, relaxed, and usually beer-heavy.
Beerfarm India Pale Lager – crisp, hoppy and sessionable
Rocky Ridge Crisp Hoppy Mid – mid-strength with full flavour
Eagle Bay Brewing Wheatbelt Lager – reliable and refreshing
Swings & Roundabouts Semillon Sauvignon Blanc – chilled white wine with broad appeal
Yallingup Cider Co – dry and local
Weddings and Milestone Celebrations
Elegant, balanced, and built for longer events.
La Cache Blanc de Blanc – refined local sparkling
Taittinger Brut Reserve NV – French champagne for classic toasts
Swings & Roundabouts Rosé – light, dry, and food-friendly
Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon – iconic Margaret River red
Howard Park Petit Jete Brut NV – sophisticated bubbles with value
Cocktail Party Essentials at Brew Plus
Whether you're hosting a sundowner soirée or a laid-back garden party, Brew Plus has everything you need to serve up top-tier cocktails with minimal fuss.
Spirits-forward or mixed to perfection – the choice is yours.
Featured Spirits & Mixers:
Archie Rose Double Malt Whisky – Smooth, balanced, and versatile. Sip it neat or stir into a whisky sour.
BELVEDERE Vodka – Exceptionally pure, ideal for martinis or your favourite mixer.
Margaret River Classic Botanical Gin – Local and aromatic, perfect in a G&T or refreshing spritz.
Fever Tree Mixers – A premium range of tonics, sodas, and ginger beers that elevate every pour.
Monin Cocktail Syrups – The secret to standout espresso martinis, vibrant spritzes, or easy mocktails.
Ready-to-Pour Favourites (750ml Bottles):
Idle Hands Margarita Fizz – Zesty, sparkling, and ready to serve.
Margaret River Spirits Vodka Lemonade – A crisp local classic with a modern twist.
Plus a variety of lemon spritzes and seasonal flavours – Perfect for entertaining without the bar tools.
Bundle Tip: Planning a cocktail party? Ask the Brew Plus team to help you build a custom spirits + mixers pack based on your guest list and menu.
Money-Saving Tips for Party Drinks
Hosting doesn’t have to mean blowing the budget. With a little smart planning (and help from your local bottle store), you can impress your guests without overspending.
Buy in Bulk — But Strategically
Carton discounts on beer and cider
Mixed wine cases often come with reduced per-bottle pricing
Consider buying 1–2 large bottles of spirits instead of many small pre-mixed drinks
Tip: Stick to versatile base spirits like vodka, gin and bourbon, they work across many cocktails.
Take Advantage of Brew Plus Specials
Brew Plus Busselton runs regular:
Weekly drink specials
Bundle deals for events
Seasonal promos on wine, beer, and spirits
Check the Specials Page or ask in-store for what’s currently available. You might find that perfect sparkling or craft beer at a great price.
BYO for Events? What You Need to Know
If your venue allows it, bringing your own drinks can save a significant amount, just make sure you:
Confirm corkage fees ahead of time
Bring appropriate glassware or cups
Arrange for cooling and storage (ice buckets, fridges, tubs)
Brew Plus can help you prep everything, from alcohol to mixers, garnishes, and extras.
Need Drinks for an Event? Brew Plus Can Help
Planning an event in Busselton? Brew Plus isn’t just a bottle shop, we’re your local drinks partner, with the experience and stock to help you host without the hassle.
Our Event Supply Services Explained
We regularly help locals and businesses with:
Weddings (licensed venues or backyard setups)
Birthday parties and engagements
Corporate functions and fundraisers
Holiday events and end-of-year celebrations
From casual BBQs to formal events, we tailor drinks packages to suit your guest list, budget, and vibe.
Custom Recommendations Based on Your Guest List
We’ll help you figure out:
How much wine, beer, and spirits to buy
What drink styles match your food or theme
How to include non-alcoholic options
What mixers and extras to stock
In-store consults are free, just bring your guest numbers and event details in for a quick chat.
Optional Add-Ons: Ice, Cups and Coffee Too
Need more than just the alcohol?
We also offer:
Bagged ice (in stock most days)
Plastic or compostable cups
Coffee to go (great for early setup days or recovery mornings)
Plus, we’re open early with drive-thru convenience, ideal for quick pickups or last-minute top-ups.
Conclusion: Plan Smarter, Shop Local, Party Better
Planning party drinks doesn’t need to be complicated, especially when you’ve got the right checklist and local support.
Here’s your recap:
Use your guest list and event style to guide what you buy
Stick to the 3–4 drinks per guest rule to avoid over- or under-buying
Choose a mix of beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options
Don’t forget the extras: ice, glassware, mixers, and cups
Save money by shopping specials, bundles, and buying in bulk
Let Brew Plus Busselton help you build the perfect drink list
Whether you’re throwing a backyard birthday, planning a wedding, or hosting a long-table dinner, Brew Plus has the stock, service, and local know-how to make your celebration seamless.
Drop into Brew Plus Busselton or get in touch to start planning your event drinks today.
Quick FAQs
How much alcohol do I need for a party of 50?
Roughly 150–200 standard drinks. That could be:
5 cases of beer
10 bottles of wine
4–5 bottles of spirits
(Adjust based on guest preferences and event length.)
What’s the best bottle shop near me for event drinks?
If you're in or near Busselton, Brew Plus is the go-to for event-friendly bundles, expert service, and a drive-thru for convenience.
Does Brew Plus supply alcohol for weddings?
Yes! We supply wine, beer, spirits, mixers, ice and extras for weddings of all sizes. Ask us about personalised recommendations and budget-friendly options.
What’s the cheapest way to buy drinks for a big party?
Buy in bulk, choose versatile options, and take advantage of weekly specials at Brew Plus. We also offer bundle discounts on beer and wine.
Can I get ice and mixers at Brew Plus?
Absolutely. We stock bagged ice, soft drinks, juices, tonic, soda, and everything you need to build a complete bar setup.
