Drinking games

Elevate your social nights and parties with awesome Drinking Games!

Have fun, but stay within the law

Don’t drink if you’re under the legal age in your country or state. Simple as that.

Never drink and drive

It’s dangerous, illegal, and just not worth it. Alcohol slows your reflexes and clouds your judgment. Same goes for biking, using machinery, or stirring up trouble while drunk. No matter your blood alcohol level—just don’t do it. Get a cab, call a sober friend, or take public transport.

Don’t push your limit

Everyone has their own limits—you know yours. Don’t let anyone pressure you to go beyond them.

Take it slow and sip mindfully

Drinking too much, too fast can lead to accidents, serious harm—or worse. And remember: regular overdrinking can cause addiction. Stay safe.

Disclaimer

This content is for entertainment purposes only. Always follow your local laws and drink responsibly. The authors and publishers of this content are not liable for any consequences, injuries, or legal issues resulting from the misuse of these games. Know your limits, take care of your friends, and have fun safely.

Please, drink and play responsibly!

Friends Playing drinking game

What Is a Drinking Game?

Drinking games are basically regular games… but with a boozy twist.

In a drinking game, whenever something specific happens, you take a sip of your drink. Simple as that. It’s about linking game actions with the rule of “take a drink.” It could be a card game, a dice game, or something wild you play at a party — either way, it’s a fun way to blend gameplay with drinks.

Just remember: the point isn’t to get wrecked — it’s about turning up the fun and sharing a good time with friends.

Why Do People Play Drinking Games?

All over the world, for ages now, friends have been getting together to crack open a few beers or mix some cocktails, catch up, and share a laugh.

Some groups meet specifically to dive into board games or wild party games.

But what’s the perfect combo of both? Drinking games, of course. You get to play and sip — the best of both worlds. That’s the magic of drinking games right there.

Nothing gets a night with friends going faster than a good drinking game.

What Kinds of Drinking Games Are Out There?

There are tons — seriously, thousands — of drinking games. Pretty much any game can be turned into one. Just add a rule that connects gameplay to sipping, and boom — you’ve got a drinking game. People have even turned chess into one. Lose a pawn? Take a drink.

Some are based on classic games with “drinking rules” added, while others were made from scratch just for drinking.

At LOODENS, we’ve handpicked the best of the bunch and grouped them to help you quickly find the right one for you and your fun-loving crew.

But before we jump in, let’s go over some essential, universal rules that apply to most drinking games — tried, tested, and respected by drinkers everywhere.

General Rules for Drinking Games

Throughout a drinking game, players take sips (or more) based on the game’s rules — but how much should you actually drink?

That depends. Each group should agree on their own limits to keep things fun and safe. Here are four key factors to help decide:

  1. Type of drink – A sip of beer isn’t the same as a sip of tequila.
  2. Glass size – A finger’s worth in a beer mug is not the same as in a cocktail glass.
  3. Severity of the penalty – In Drunk Jenga, toppling the tower should carry a heavier penalty than a minor mistake.
  4. Game duration and penalty frequency – A 10-minute game with constant penalties is very different from a slower-paced one.

These basics help avoid overdoing it — and keep the night enjoyable for everyone.

Drinking Game Rule #1 – Pick Your Drink

Each player chooses their own drink. No peer pressure, no forcing. Period.

Drinking Game Rule #2 – Glass Guidelines

  • Beer, lager, and cider are best enjoyed from a pint glass (or their original bottles).
  • Cocktails or spirits? Use a half-pint glass or something smaller.

Drinking Game Rule #3 – How Much to Drink

Here’s a quick guide to common measures:

  • One-finger: Hold your glass, place your finger horizontally across the rim. Drink until the liquid reaches just below your finger.
  • Two-fingers: Same idea — just with two fingers stacked.

Fun fact: People with bigger hands usually end up drinking more!

Other commonly used terms:

  • Sip – A small, slow drink.
  • Gulp – A bit more than a sip, taken quickly.
  • Mouthful – What you can comfortably hold in your mouth before swallowing.
  • Swig – A generous, confident drink — larger than a gulp.

These terms are flexible, giving players control over their intake.

Shot Glasses and Bigger Measures

  • Shot glass: Great for strong drinks. Just keep an eye on how often it’s used.
  • Half-pint: A hefty serving — only for low-penalty games and lighter drinks.
  • Full can / Down a pint: Some games include this as a penalty, but we strongly discourage it. Downing large amounts quickly is risky, and that’s where fun stops and binge-drinking begins.

Our recommendation?
Start light. Use the “sip” or “one-finger” rule for minor penalties, and go to “two-fingers” for heavier ones. As you get more experience, you’ll know when to dial it up — or down.

Drinking Game Rule #4 – Use Your Non-Dominant Hand

Drink with your non-dominant hand — righties use the left, lefties use the right.

Why? It adds an extra challenge and keeps players alert. If someone forgets and drinks with the wrong hand? That’s a penalty right there.

(You can even ask players to write down their dominant hand before starting!)

Drinking Game Rule #5 – For Extra Fun!

Want to spice things up? Try adding these bonus rules:

  1. Thumb Master
    One player becomes the Thumb Master. At any time, they can place their thumb on the table. Everyone else must copy them. Last one to react? Drinks. Then they become the new Thumb Master.
  2. Live Master
    One player is the Live Master. If they suddenly start moving and dancing, everyone else must follow their lead. Last one to copy? Drinks and becomes the next Live Master.
  3. No Pronouns Rule
    Avoid using words like “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they.” Sounds tricky? It is. But it adds a fun language twist and makes the game way more entertaining.

Drinking Game Rule #6 – Etiquette Matters

  1. No saying “drink”
    You’ll need to get creative — say “sip,” “imbibe,” or “partake of the elixir.” It keeps things fresh and fun.
  2. No pointing
    Instead of pointing at people, use your elbow or another creative method. This keeps the vibe playful and respectful.
  3. No hats in the circle
    Hats off, folks. It’s a simple rule that helps keep things fair and above board.
  4. No swearing
    Keep it clean. Drinking games are meant to be fun and lighthearted, not crude or offensive. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Best Drinking Games

Below, you’ll find some of the most popular drinking games out there. Some are timeless classics adapted for drinking, others are newer trends that have taken the party world by storm. Either way, there’s something here for every kind of player.

  • Juego guatafac
  • Friends playing Shot russian roulette
  • Amigos jugando a Beer Pong en dos equipos
  • Drunk UNO rules
  • Customizing a Buzzy Jenga

Party games

Fun games for your party, game night, friends or family reunion