Gin Tasting Shopping List

A gin tasting needs more than a few bottles of gin. You will need enough tasting glasses, mixers, ice, water, garnishes and snacks for every guest, plus serving equipment to keep the stations running smoothly. Buy or prepare the non-alcoholic drinks before the gin, because they are easy to underestimate. Use the final guest count to calculate quantities, then check glasses and chilling space at least one day before the tasting.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 5
Chairsqty 24
Tableclothsqty 5

Tableware

Gin tasting glassesqty 60
Water glassesqty 24
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 4
Bar spoonsqty 4
Cocktail shakersqty 3
Bar stoolsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4
Serving jugsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 2

Decorations

Gin tasting cardsqty 24
Name badgesqty 24
Table numbersqty 5
Menusqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Bucketsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- London dry gin - 2 bottles
- Citrus gin - 1 bottle
- Spiced gin - 1 bottle
- Floral gin - 1 bottle
- Non-alcoholic gin - 2 bottles
- Indian tonic - 12 bottles
- Mediterranean tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 18 pieces
- Oranges - 8 pieces
- Grapefruits - 4 pieces
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Fresh rosemary - 3 bunches
- Fresh thyme - 2 bunches
- Juniper berries - 1 bag
- Pink peppercorns - 1 jar
- Cardamom - 1 jar
- Cucumber chips - 1 bag
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Salted nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 bags
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Grapes - 3 trays
- Strawberries - 3 tubs
- Cheese board - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 3 pieces
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Baguettes - 5 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilogram
- Mini quiches - 48 pieces
- Puff pastry snacks - 48 pieces
- Chocolate - 4 bars
- Lemon cake - 2 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Paper napkins - 5 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan one tasting glass per sample per guest, plus a few extras for breakage or replacing a glass between samples. Water glasses should be available throughout the evening, not shared between tasting rounds.
Allow about 2–3 cl of gin per sample per guest. For six samples and 10 guests, that is roughly 1.2–1.8 litres of gin in total, before allowing for a welcome drink.
Buy at least 500 ml of tonic or other mixer per guest for a tasting with several serves, and keep extra bottles available for guests who prefer a longer drink. Chill the mixers and gin several hours before guests arrive.
Provide at least 500 ml of drinking water per person, plus ice for the tasting stations and welcome drink. Prepare more ice than you expect to use if drinks will be served over two or more hours.
Prepare two or three small snack portions per guest and include plates, cutlery, serving platters and tongs. Cut garnishes shortly before serving so citrus and herbs do not dry out before the tasting starts.

Frequently asked questions

How many gin bottles do I need for a gin tasting?: For six samples, allow 2–3 cl of gin per sample per guest. Ten guests therefore need about 1.2–1.8 litres, so two or three 700 ml bottles will usually cover the tasting, depending on the pour size.
How many glasses does each person need at a gin tasting?: Use one tasting glass per sample if you can provide a full set at each place. For six gins and 10 guests, that means 60 tasting glasses; with fewer glasses, plan to wash and reset them between rounds.
How much tonic and ice should I buy for a gin tasting?: Allow around 500 ml of mixer per guest for several tasting serves, then add extra for a welcome drink or longer drinks. Prepare at least 1–2 kg of ice for 10 guests and increase that amount if the event lasts more than two hours.
What food should I serve at a gin tasting?: Choose small, mild snacks that will not overpower the gin, such as crackers, cheese, nuts or fruit. Plan two or three portions per guest and have them ready before the first tasting round, rather than serving food halfway through the pours.

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