How many drinks per person for a cookout?

The exact number depends on party length and how many guests drink alcohol, so start with your adult headcount and adjust for the hours.

Should I count children in the beer total?

No, only count drinking adults for beer, and keep separate sodas or water for children.

Does the BBQ calculator include ice and drinks?

Yes, entering adults and children gives you a shopping list with meat, buns, drinks, ice, and charcoal.

How Much Beer per Person for a BBQ?

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): Plan your drink count based on how many adults are drinking and how long the cookout lasts, adding extra for warm weather or long afternoons. You can enter your adult and child guest counts in the free BBQ calculator on this page to get a complete shopping list with drinks and ice.

Do it now, right here

Adults Children Meat per adult (lb)

Rules of thumb for a cookout with sides; big eaters or few sides need more. Change the amount per adult to match your group.

Step by step

Count how many adults at your cookout will be drinking beer.
Enter the total adults and children into the BBQ calculator to generate your baseline drinks and ice.
Increase the drink buffer if the party runs past four hours or takes place in hot weather.
Copy the shopping list and add non-alcoholic options for children and non-drinkers.

At a glance

Party situation	Drink planning	Why
Short afternoon cookout	Standard baseline	Guests usually pace themselves over 2 to 3 hours.
All-day backyard BBQ	Add extra drinks and ice	Longer hours mean steady consumption.
Hot summer weather	Increase cold drinks	Heat makes guests reach for drinks more often.