Besides soft music and delicious food, drinking games can make your house party the talk of the town. They’re the secret ingredient to turning a good party into a better one.
So, if you’re looking to elevate the mood and energy of your next gathering, here’s 21 fun drinking games that promise a night of laughter, bonding, and, of course, some good old tipsy fun.
1. Kings Cup
Start by placing a large cup, known as the King’s Cup, in the center of a table. Spread a deck of cards face down around the cup. Players take turns drawing a card, and each card has a specific action or rule associated with it.
Each card has a rule, like ‘2’ is “you drink,” ‘3’ is “me drink,” and so on. When a King is drawn, the player pours a drink into the central cup. The person who draws the fourth King drinks the central cup.
Kings Cup is a dynamic game that combines multiple mini-games into one, ensuring that no two rounds are ever the same. The diverse rules keep everyone engaged, and as the game progresses, the King’s Cup becomes a looming challenge that adds suspense to each draw.
The game encourages interaction, laughter, and playful competition, making it a favorite at many house parties. Plus, the ability to create custom rules with the Jack card ensures that the game can be tailored to any group, keeping it fresh and exciting each time it’s played.
2. Medusa
Players gather around a table that has a shot glass placed in front of each participant. Everyone begins with their heads down, looking at the table. On the count of three, all players lift their heads and look directly at another player.
If two players find themselves making eye contact, they both shout “Medusa!” and take a shot. If you look at someone who isn’t looking back at you, you’re safe for that round.
Medusa is a game of chance, anticipation, and hilarious outcomes. The tension builds with each countdown, and the sudden shouts of “Medusa!” followed by laughter make it a lively and engaging game.
It’s perfect for breaking the ice among guests who might not know each other well, as it requires minimal setup and rules but delivers maximum fun. The unpredictability of who you’ll lock eyes with and the shared moments of laughter when it happens make Medusa a memorable game that’s sure to be a hit at any house party.
3. Never Have I Ever
Players sit in a circle, each with their drink in hand. Taking turns, each player makes a statement starting with “Never have I ever…” followed by something they’ve never done.
For instance, “Never have I ever been skydiving.” Anyone who has done the mentioned activity takes a sip of their drink. The game continues as players reveal amusing, surprising, or sometimes embarrassing facts about themselves, all while learning more about the others in the group.
“Never Have I Ever” is more than just a drinking game; it’s a window into the experiences and stories of the participants. As players share their “nevers,” the group gets to bond over shared experiences and laugh at unexpected revelations.
It’s a fantastic way to break the ice and encourage storytelling, making it perfect for both close friends and new acquaintances. The game can be as light-hearted or as risqué as the group decides, ensuring adaptability to different party vibes.
Whether you’re discovering new things about old friends or getting to know new ones, “Never Have I Ever” promises a mix of laughter, surprises, and genuine connections.
4. Drunk Jenga
Drunk Jenga is a boozy twist on the classic tower-building game. Begin with a standard Jenga set, but with a twist: each block has a rule written on it. These rules can range from “take two sips” to “swap seats with the person to your right.”
Players take turns pulling blocks from the tower and placing them on top. They also follow the rules on the block they pick. The game goes on until the tower falls, at which point the person who caused the collapse might have a special rule to follow, like finishing their drink.
Drunk Jenga combines the suspense of the traditional Jenga game with the unpredictability of drinking challenges. The added rules on each block make every move a gamble, not just for the stability of the tower but for what the player might have to do next.
It’s a game of strategy, dexterity, and luck, ensuring that everyone is engaged and on the edge of their seats with every turn. The blend of physical challenge and the hilarity of the drinking rules makes Drunk Jenga a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties where guests are up for a mix of strategy and fun.
5. Thumper
All players sit around a table and assign each other a unique hand gesture or sign. The game starts with everyone drumming their hands on the table, creating a rhythmic thumping sound. One player then performs their assigned hand gesture followed by another player’s gesture.
The player whose gesture was mimicked then performs their own gesture followed by someone else’s, and the cycle moves on. If a player misses their cue or is too slow to respond, they must take a drink.
Thumper is a high-energy game that requires attention and quick reflexes. The rhythmic drumming and the challenge of remembering gestures create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. As players make mistakes and the drinks start flowing, the game becomes even more hilarious and chaotic.
6. Buffalo
The core rule of Buffalo is deceivingly simple: participants must only drink with their non-dominant hand for the entirety of the game. If someone is caught drinking with their dominant hand, they must chug the entirety of their drink as a penalty.
The game doesn’t have a set start or end time; it can go on for the entire duration of the party or even become an ongoing tradition among friends.
Buffalo is a game of vigilance and memory. As the night progresses and drinks are consumed, it becomes increasingly challenging to remember the rule, leading to more slip-ups and more drinking. The simplicity of the rule, combined with the joy of catching friends out, makes it a favorite.
It’s also versatile, fitting seamlessly into any party without needing to pause other activities. The playful “gotcha!” moments when someone is caught create bursts of laughter and camaraderie, making it a staple for many gatherings
7. Confidence
Confidence is a daring game of chance and bravado. Players sit in a circle, each with their drink. Players take turns flipping a coin, but before they do, they must declare how many sips they’re willing to bet on the outcome.
For example, a player might say, “I bet three sips it will be heads.” They then flip the coin. If they’re right, they’re safe, and play moves to the next person. If they’re wrong, they must drink the number of sips they bet.
Confidence tests players’ intuition and their willingness to take risks. As the name suggests, it’s all about how confident you feel in your prediction and how much you’re willing to wager on it.
The game brings out the competitive spirit in players as they weigh their odds and decide how bold they’re feeling. It’s a game of suspense, with each coin flip being a moment of anticipation. The cheers when someone gets it right and the groans when they get it wrong add to the lively atmosphere.
8. Drunk Twister
Drunk Twister is a hilarious and slightly wobbly take on the classic Twister game. Set up the Twister mat and spinner as usual. The twist? Before each turn, the player must take a sip of their drink.
As players stretch and contort to place their hands and feet on the colored circles, their increasing inebriation makes maintaining balance all the more challenging. If a player falls or touches the mat with an elbow or knee, they must take an additional drink as a penalty. The last person standing, or rather twisting, is the winner.
Drunk Twister takes the physical challenge of the original game and amplifies it with the added element of alcohol. As players become more tipsy, the game becomes more unpredictable and, inevitably, more hilarious.
The combination of trying to maintain balance while slightly inebriated leads to plenty of laughs, tumbles, and memorable moments. It’s perfect for those looking to add a physical and playful challenge to their party.
The game encourages players to let loose, laugh at themselves, and enjoy the silly and spontaneous moments that arise. Whether you’re a Twister pro or a newbie, adding a boozy element ensures that every round is fresh, fun, and full of surprises.
9. Beer Pong
Beer Pong is a classic party game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. To set up, two teams stand at opposite ends of a long table, each with 6 or 10 cups arranged in a triangle formation, filled with beer.
Players take turns tossing a ping pong ball into the other team’s cups. If the ball lands in a cup, the other team drinks from that cup and then removes it from the table. The game goes on until one team has eliminated all of the other team’s cups. The losing team must then drink any remaining beer in the winning team’s cups.
Beer Pong is a competitive game that’s always a hit at parties. The thrill of landing a shot, the strategy of deciding which cups to aim for, and the camaraderie between teammates make it both engaging and entertaining. As the game progresses and players consume more drinks, shots can become more unpredictable, adding to the fun and suspense.
10. Slap Cup
Slap Cup is a fast-paced drinking game that’s all about speed, accuracy, and reflexes. Players gather around a table filled with cups of beer. Each cup has a small amount of beer, except for one in the center, which is full.
Players take turns trying to bounce a ping pong ball into one of the cups. If they succeed, they drink the beer from that cup, refill it, and then attempt to bounce the ball into the cup again. If they miss, the next player takes their turn.
Here’s the twist: if you make the ball into a cup on your first try, you can pass the cup to any player. If it takes more than one try, you pass it to the player on your left. If at any point a player has a cup to their right and another player makes their ball into their cup before they do, their cup gets slapped away, and they have to drink a cup from the center.
Slap Cup is a game of rapid-fire actions and reactions. The constant movement, the pressure to bounce the ball quickly, and the threat of having your cup slapped away make it exhilarating and intense. As players race against each other and the bouncing balls create a rhythm, the energy and excitement levels soar.
11. Christmas Hat
Christmas Hat is a festive drinking game that combines the joy of the holiday season with the fun of a movie night. To begin, choose a Christmas movie that everyone enjoys. Before starting the movie, place a Santa hat on the corner of the TV screen.
As the movie plays, every time a character appears to “wear” the Santa hat due to their position on the screen, everyone takes a sip of their drink. proceeds throughout the entire length of the movie, and players drink each time the illusion of a character wearing the Santa hat occurs.
Christmas Hat is a delightful and laid-back game that’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. It adds an interactive element to movie-watching, making it a more engaging and communal experience.
The anticipation of waiting for the next character to “wear” the hat, combined with the surprise and laughter when it happens, creates a warm and jovial atmosphere. It’s a game that requires minimal setup and can be played with any Christmas movie, making it versatile and suitable for all ages of adults.
12. Categories
Categories is a verbal drinking game that tests players’ knowledge and quick thinking. Players sit in a circle, and one player chooses a category, such as “fruits,” “car brands,” or “famous actors.” Going clockwise, each player must name something that fits within that category without repeating any previous answers.
If a player hesitates for too long, repeats an answer, or gives an incorrect response, they must take a sip of their drink. After a player drinks, a new category can be chosen, and the game continues.
Categories is a game of wit and recall, making it both challenging and entertaining. It’s a fantastic way to test and expand your knowledge across various topics while also learning new things from other players.
13. Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck is a rhythmic drinking game set to the iconic song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Before starting, players gather in a circle with their drinks ready. Play the song, and the first person starts drinking when they hear the word “thunder.”
They continue drinking until the word “thunder” is sung again, at which point the next person starts drinking. This rotation continues for the duration of the song, with players taking turns drinking every time the word “thunder” is mentioned in the lyrics.
Thunderstruck is a game of endurance and timing, all set to the backdrop of a classic rock anthem. The unpredictable intervals between the “thunder” cues add an element of suspense and surprise, as players never quite know how long they’ll be drinking for.
14. Paranoia
Paranoia is a whisper-based drinking game that’s all about secrets and choices. Players sit in a circle, and the game begins with one player whispering a question to the person on their right.
The question should be about someone in the group and can be as innocent or as daring as the asker chooses. The person answering the question responds out loud, naming someone in the group.
Here’s the twist: the rest of the group doesn’t know the question, only the answer. After the answer is given, a coin is flipped. If it lands on heads, the original question must be revealed to everyone. If it’s tails, the question remains a secret. Play then continues with the person who just answered asking a new question to the person on their right.
Paranoia is a game of intrigue, suspense, and, as the name suggests, a touch of paranoia. The mystery of not knowing the questions creates an atmosphere of curiosity and playful tension.
Players are left wondering why certain names were mentioned and what the hidden questions might be. The coin flip adds an element of chance, keeping everyone on their toes and hoping to uncover the secrets.
15. True or False
True or False is a guessing game that challenges players’ ability to bluff and detect bluffs. Players sit in a circle, and one player starts by making a statement. This statement can be about themselves, a general fact, or any topic they choose.
The catch is that the statement can either be true or completely made up. The other players then vote on whether they believe the statement is true or false. Those who guess incorrectly must take a sip of their drink. After each round, the next player makes a statement, and the game continues.
This game offers players the chance to share interesting facts or craft believable lies, all while trying to outsmart their friends.
16. Cup Swap
Cup Swap is a dexterity-based drinking game that tests players’ precision and speed. At the beginning, each player needs two cups: one filled with a drink and one empty. They also need a teaspoon. The objective is to transfer the drink from one cup to the other using only the teaspoon.
The catch? Players must do this as quickly as possible. Once a player has successfully transferred all their drink to the other cup, they can drink it. The last person to finish transferring and drinking is the loser of that round and might have an additional penalty, like taking an extra shot or doing a fun dare.
The challenge of quickly transferring a drink with just a teaspoon leads to spills, laughter, and playful competition.
17. Concoctions
Concoctions is a daring drinking game that’s all about creativity and bravery. Players gather various drinkable ingredients from around the house, ranging from different types of alcohol to juices, sodas, and even condiments.
Each player takes a turn playing the role of the “bartender,” where they create a unique drink mixture or “concoction” using any combination of the available ingredients.
The other players then take turns tasting the concoction and guessing the ingredients. If a player guesses incorrectly, they take a sip of the concoction. The game continues with players rotating the role of the bartender, crafting new and unpredictable mixtures for others to guess.
Concoctions is a test of players’ palates and their ability to identify ingredients in a mix. The fun lies in the unpredictability of the concoctions and the reactions of the tasters. Some mixtures might be surprisingly delicious, while others… not so much. It’s interactive and perfect for those looking to try something different at their party.
18. Sip, Sip, Shot
Sip, Sip, Shot is like the kids’ game “Duck, Duck, Goose.” Players sit in a circle. One player, called “it,” walks around and taps players’ heads, saying “sip.”
When the player decides to tap someone and say “shot,” the tapped person must jump up and chase the player around the circle. The goal for the “it” player is to take the empty spot before being tagged. If they succeed, the chaser becomes the new “it.” If they’re tagged, they must take a shot before the game continues.
Sip, Sip, Shot brings back the nostalgia of childhood games while adding an adult twist. The anticipation of waiting to be chosen and the sudden burst of energy when chasing or being chased create an atmosphere of excitement and laughter.
19. Two Truths, One Lie
In the game, each player takes a turn sharing three statements about themselves: two that are true and one that is a lie. The other players must then guess which statement is the fabricated one.
If the majority of players correctly identify the lie, the person sharing the statements takes a sip of their drink. If the majority gets it wrong, then everyone else drinks.
20. Attached at the Hip
Attached at the Hip is a hilarious and challenging drinking game that requires coordination and teamwork. Players are paired up and must choose two body parts (one from each player) to attach together, such as an elbow to a hip or a hand to a knee.
Once attached, the pairs must navigate a series of challenges or tasks without breaking their connection. This could include fetching a drink from another room, dancing to a song, or even just moving from one side of the room to the other. If a pair breaks their connection during a challenge, both players must take a sip of their drink.
The physical closeness and the challenge of moving in sync create plenty of comedic moments and unexpected stumbles.
21. Bite the Bag
To start, place a paper bag on the floor. Players take turns attempting to pick up the bag using only their mouth. They can’t touch the floor with any part of their body except their feet.
After each round, an inch is snipped off the top of the bag, making it progressively shorter and harder to pick up. If a player fails to pick up the bag or falls over while attempting, they must take a sip of their drink.
As the bag gets shorter, players must employ increasingly creative and precarious strategies to succeed, leading to plenty of laughs.
Conclusion
So the next time you’re hosting, pull out this drinking games list and ensure a night filled with laughter, bonding, and memorable moments. Cheers to unforgettable house parties!
