How Many Gallons Of Punch Should You Make For A Party?

Whether you're celebrating a holiday, a personal milestone, or you just miss your loved ones, there are few things more uplifting than a party. It doesn't even need to be particularly fancy — a few simple yet indulgent apps like gooey hazelnut and fig baked brie and ice-cold drinks are enough to satisfy just about anyone. Of course, determining the right amount of refreshments to provide can be tricky, especially if you're planning on batching your cocktails to be the host with the most or crafting a zero proof homemade punch.

The key to making sure there are enough drinks to go around is to consider how many guests you'll be hosting and about how long they'll be there. Conventional wisdom suggests that 10 people require 1 gallon or so of punch. If your party is 3 hours long, that's enough for everyone to enjoy about one 4-ounce drink every hour. However, if your party runs more than three hours (or your guests are really enjoying your punch) you might consider making up to 2 gallons for every 10 people. For example, if you're expecting 20 guests, you'll need between 2 and 4 gallons of punch. If you're still worried about running out, be sure to have extra bottled beverages or easy mixers on hand to provide a bit of a buffer. Just stash away a few bottles of wine, a case of soda, or supplies for 3-ingredient party favorites like sea breeze and bay breeze cocktails.

Once you've determined how much punch you need for your party, the next challenge is choosing what flavor to serve. Since there are literally thousands of delicious punch recipes out there, the easiest way to narrow down your choices may be to serve something seasonal. For instance, spiced apple cider (hot or cold) is a clear winner for autumn, while a cranberry-orange concoction makes a perfect winter mixer. If you're celebrating in spring, strawberry basil is a refreshing combination, while watermelon and lime is perfect for summer. 

Another way to choose the right punch is to consider your budget. If you need to stretch your pennies for a big bash, you might want to party like it's 1795 with a cognac-based Philadelphia punch another time. However, this pricier punch may be perfect for a small dinner party, since you won't need to make as much. For a budget conscious blend, consider nonalcoholic punch recipes which are usually more affordable and great for party guests who abstain. 

If you're making several batches of punch for a crowd, another issue you may run into is keeping your concoction cold. An easy way to do this is to chill your punch using a clever bundt pan trick where the cake tin becomes a mold for decorative ice rings. Feel free to use water, but rings made of extra punch or a complementary juice will keep your punch cold without diluting its flavor.