Food Section

Cutting Your Drink Costs

Booze can suck up a considerable chunk of your budget, but there are ways to keep the bill in check.

If you've ever thrown a cocktail party, you know how easy it is to break the bank on drinks. Fortunately, with a little strategic planning, you can keep the bar tab within reason. Here's how:

Give hard liquor the heave ho

Full bars are quick to rack up a big tab, because they offer your indulgent guests too many choices. You're generally charged for each open bottle, so you'll end up paying for a whole bottle of top-shelf gin just to serve three martinis. And paying by the drink can be just as expensive. So host a wine and beer bar with plenty of tasty—but limited—selections instead.

Know your crowd

If your parents' friends love Merlot, order magnum bottles by the case and get a volume discount. And if nothing but Guinness will keep your pals happy, skip the Bud Light and order the finer brew in bulk.

Throw a brunch bash

Have a light brunch reception on a summer morning and serve mimosas or Bloody Marys. After all, most of your guests won't drink whiskey sours at 10:00 a.m. or guzzle beer for four hours in the summer heat.

Bartenders and baristas

Save money and lives by switching to a coffee bar for the last hour. Have plenty of whipped cream and shaved chocolate on hand. And ask your bartender and valet to keep an eye out for tipsy drivers.