Picture this: You’re at a party; the drinks are flowing, but something’s missing. The music’s great, the vibe is solid, but the energy? It’s just not hitting that peak level of fun. That’s where the best drinking games come in; they’re the secret sauce that turns casual hangs into unforgettable memories. Whether you’re breaking the ice with new friends, adding some fire to a couples’ night, or just trying to outlast your competitive buddy who always claims to be unbeatable at Beer Pong, there’s a drinking game for every vibe and occasion.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up some of the best drinking games you can play anywhere. From classics like Flip Cup and Never Have I Ever to creative spins like Mushroom, Hot Spot, and other drinking games, these games are designed to guarantee you’re never stuck with a dull moment at a party.
Disclaimer: Alcohol is not an obligation when playing drinking games. You can easily swap alcohol for non-alcoholic drinks like Juices, Mocktails, Soft drinks, etc. Whenever there’s alcohol, let’s drink responsibly. Focus on fun, not overindulgence.
Also Read: Drinking Card Games For Your Next House-Party!
Best Drinking Games for Adults
| S.No | Game Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beer Pong | Throw ping pong balls into cups; opponent drinks. |
| 2 | Flip Cup | Drink and flip your cup; the first team wins. |
| 3 | Never Have I Ever | Say things you haven’t done; others drink if they have. |
| 4 | Truth or Drink | Answer honestly or take a drink. |
| 5 | Quarters | Bounce a quarter into a glass; successful shots nominate a drinker. |
| 6 | Mushroom | Stack cards on a glass; don’t knock it over. |
| 7 | Jenga | Remove blocks and complete drink challenges. |
| 8 | Thunderstruck | Drink when “Thunder” plays in the song. |
| 9 | Two Truths and a Lie | Guess the lie; the wrong guess means a drink. |
| 10 | Most Likely | Point to who’s most likely to drink. |
| 11 | Cheers to the Governor | Count to 21; mistakes mean drinks. |
| 12 | Fuzzy Duck | Say phrases in order; mistakes mean drinking. |
| 13 | Drink While You Think | Drink while thinking of valid terms. |
| 14 | Detective | Find the secret killer; the wrong guess means drinking. |
| 15 | Drunken Artists | A drawing game where the artist drinks until guessed. |
| 16 | Bob | Say “Bob” before names; forget and drink. |
| 17 | Thumper | Copy animal moves; mistakes mean drinking. |
| 18 | Beer Hockey | Flick coins to score; losers drink. |
| 19 | Where’s the Water? | Guess water or liquor; wrong guesses drink. |
| 20 | Quarter Baseball | Bounce quarters for runs; losers drink. |
| 21 | Hot Spot | Sing themed songs; hesitate and drink. |
| 22 | Fingers | Guess fingers on the glass; wrong guess drinks. |
| 23 | Bite the Bag | Pick up a bag with your mouth. |
| 24 | Bullshit | Bluff with cards; get caught and drink. |
| 25 | Straight Face | Read silly sentences; laugh and drink. |
1. Beer Pong
Source: Pixel-Shot /shutterstock
Supplies: Two ping pong balls, 12-20 cups, a table, beer
Number of Players: 2–4
Duration: 20–40 minutes/Round
Beer Pong is one of the most popular drinking games and guarantees hours of fun at parties, tailgates, and picnics. To play, you’ll need a table, two ping pong balls, and 12 or 20 plastic cups. The cups are set up in a pyramid shape at each end of the table and filled with beer.
You and a teammate will take opposite ends. Take turns throwing ping pong balls and try to land them in your opponent’s cups. If you make a shot, the other team drinks the beer in that cup. You can rearrange (or “re-rack”) the cups twice during the game to make aiming easier.
The goal is simple: eliminate all of the opposing team’s cups before they clear yours. Winners usually stay on the table, ready to take on the next challengers.
2. Flip Cup
Source: Tero Vesalainen /shutterstock
Supplies: Plastic cups, table, beer
Number of Players: 4+ (even teams preferred)
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Flip Cup is among the funny drinking games that are easy to learn. You’ll need red plastic cups (often called Solo cups) and a table or counter. Two teams stand on opposite sides of the table, with each player having a full cup in front of them.
The game starts with the first players from each team racing to finish their drink. After that, they place their empty cups upside down on the edge of the table and should successfully flip them right-side up using just one hand. Once they succeed, the next teammate in line does the same. All players drink at the start of each round to keep the game flowing.
It’s like a relay race—whichever team flips all their cups first wins.
3. Never Have I Ever
Source: Milan Ilic Photographer /shutterstock
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Never Have I Ever is one of the most popular drinking games among college students in the USA—and for good reason! It’s a great way to learn some surprising facts about your friends. People looking for drinking games without cards mostly find this game appealing.
To play, everyone holds up five fingers. One person starts by saying, “Never have I ever…” and finishes the sentence with something they’ve never done before. For example, “Never have I ever gone skydiving.” If anyone in the group has done that thing, they put one finger down and take a drink.
Each person takes turns making a new statement (no bluffing!) The goal is to stay in the game by keeping your fingers up for as long as possible.
Be warned—things can get personal quickly, especially if you’re playing with close friends or strangers who aren’t shy. Be respectful throughout.
Never Have I Ever is versatile. You can use it among drinking games for couples and as part of drinking games like Kings Cup and Drunk Jenga.
4. Truth or Drink
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 20–40 minutes
Truth or Drink is a classic party game with a boozy twist. One person asks you a question—sometimes funny, sometimes personal—and you have two choices: answer honestly or take a drink instead. (When they ask, “Have you ever texted your ex at 2 AM?”, I don’t even hesitate– I just take the drink!)
It’s one of the best drink games to break the ice, but it’s also important to keep the questions friendly. The goal is to have fun, not to make anyone uncomfortable. If a question feels too personal, just take a drink and move on—no pressure, no judgment.
I remember playing this game at a house party where things started lighthearted but quickly turned into a mix of laughter and surprising confessions. That’s the fun of Truth or Drink—you learn unexpected things about your friends.
5. Quarters
Supplies: Quarters, table, cups
Number of Players: 2–6
Duration: 20–40 minutes
The best drinking games aren’t just about luck—some, like Quarters, test your hand-eye coordination and patience.
To play, you need a quarter and a shot glass. Players take turns bouncing the quarter off the table, trying to land it in the glass. If you make it, you get to choose someone to drink. If you miss, the next person takes their turn.
The game keeps going until everyone has had plenty of chances to play (or drink). The challenge? Getting the perfect bounce while staying focused as the game goes on.
6. Mushroom
Supplies: Deck of cards, drinks, a flat surface
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 30–45 minutes
If you enjoy drinking card games, Mushroom is the drinking game for you. It gets more challenging as the game goes on.
Place an empty glass in the middle of the table and surround it with a deck of cards laid face down. On your turn, you’ll pick a card and carefully place it on top of the glass, making sure the corners hang off the edge. Sounds easy, right? Here’s the twist:
If you accidentally touch someone else’s card, take a drink.
If your card falls off while placing it, take two sips.
If three or fewer cards fall, you take three sips.
Knock off six or more cards? You lose the round and must drink whatever’s in the glass in the middle.
The more cards pile up, the harder it gets to keep the structure balanced—turning the simple stacking into a fun, tension-filled challenge.
This game taught me two things: patience and the importance of a steady hand. I played it during a beach trip, and as the tower grew taller, so did the stakes. Everyone’s concentration intensified, but every fall brought roars of laughter and plenty of drinks.
Mushroom is a great alternative for those seeking drinking board games. The setup and type of game mechanics are almost similar. Cards replace the board arrangements.
7. Drink Jenga
Source: VGstockstudio /shutterstock
Supplies: Jenga blocks (with rules written on them), alcohol or non-alcohol drinks
Number of Players: 2–6
Age Group: 21+
Duration: 30–60 minutes
Drunk Jenga is just like the classic game of Jenga but with a boozy twist. You’ll start with a tower made of Jenga blocks, but here’s the catch—each block has a drinking challenge or rule written on it. Some examples include tasks like “Make a Toast” or rules such as “Drink only with your left hand.”
On your turn, you’ll carefully pull out a block without knocking the tower over. Once you remove the block, you have to complete the challenge written on it. As more blocks are removed, the tower becomes shakier, making each turn more intense.
The real twist? The person who knocks over the tower has to chug a full drink or finish what’s in their hand, depending on the house rules.
8. Thunderstruck
Supplies: Music (song: “Roxanne” by The Police or “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC), drinks
Number of Players: 2+
Duration: Length of the song (~5 minutes)
Thunderstruck is a simple drinking game that’s played while listening to the song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Everyone sits or stands in a circle, and the rules are easy to follow: every time you hear the word “Thunder” in the song, you take a drink.
The challenge isn’t the rules—it’s keeping up with the pace of the song. As the music picks up, the word “Thunder” comes faster and more often, making it harder to stay on track.
It’s one of the funniest drinking games on the list. Just be ready for the song’s intense finish—it’s where the real challenge begins!
9. Two Truths and a Lie
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 15–30 minutes
“I have been skydiving. I once met a celebrity, and I can speak five languages.” Sounds impressive, right? But one of those statements is a lie—that’s the challenge of Two Truths and a Lie, a fun game that’s all about deception and surprises.
To play, each person takes turns sharing three statements about themselves. Two must be true, and one must be a lie. The rest of the group must guess which one is false. If you guess wrong, you take a drink. If you guess right, the person who told the lie drinks instead.
The trick is to make your statements outrageous but believable so that no one can tell which one is false. It’s a great way to learn unexpected things about friends through fun drinking games.
I would suggest that the best way is to know about your better half in drinking games for couples.
Look at 25 drinking games without cards that require nothing but a simple drink in your hand!
10. Most Likely
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 15–30 minutes
If you’ve ever wondered what your friends really think of you, Most Likely is among those funny drinking games to find out. The rules are simple: one person asks a question like, “Who’s most likely to book a last-minute trip?” or “Who’s most likely to get caught sneaking a drink on a plane?”
After the question is asked, every one counts to three and points to the person they believe fits the description best. If you’re the one getting pointed at, you’ll take a sip for every finger aimed your way. For example, if three people point at you, that’s three sips. (Honestly, it’s like being too relatable is a blessing and a curse.)
Most Likey is frequently played among drinking games for couples.
I played this with friends during a road trip, and it quickly became a way to tease each other (lightheartedly, of course). The best part? It brought out inside jokes and stories we hadn’t shared in years. It could be embarrassing at times to come across unexpected answers.
The trick is to not take anything personally. You must also be wary of stepping on others’ boundaries. Then, you’ll know how to get the best out of the game.
11. Cheers to the Governor
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 4+
Duration: 20–40 minutes
Have you ever tried counting to 21 with a twist? That’s exactly what makes Cheers to the Governor such a fun and unpredictable drinking game. Everyone sits in a circle and takes turns counting from 1 to 21.
Sounds easy, right? Here’s the twist: there are special rules you have to follow as you go.
For example, the numbers “7” and “11” switch places, so instead of saying “seven”, you say “11” and vice versa. If someone messes up, they take a drink. When the group successfully reaches 21, everyone says, “Cheers to the Governor!”
The best part? The person who lands on 21 gets to create a new rule—like making an animal sound every time someone says “15”. The game starts over, and the rules keep stacking up, making each round harder and funnier than the last.
12. Fuzzy Duck
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 4+
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Fuzzy Duck is a speaking game that starts easy but quickly turns into a hilarious challenge. Everyone sits around a table, and players take turns saying the phrase “Fuzzy Duck” in order. It sounds simple, but staying focused is harder than it seems, especially as the drinks start flowing.
The twist happens when someone says, “Does He?” This changes the direction of play, and now everyone must say “Ducky Fuzz” instead of “Fuzzy Duck.” If someone hesitates, mixes up the words, or laughs, they take a drink as a penalty.
The faster the game moves, the harder it becomes to keep up without making a mistake. Before long, everyone’s laughing and messing up, making Fuzzy Duck one of the funniest and most chaotic drinking games you’ll play.
13. Drink While You Think
Source: Dmytro Zinkevych /shutterstock
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 15–30 minutes
You’re sitting with friends, drink in hand, when someone says, “Let’s play Drink While You Think.” Sounds easy, right? But as soon as the game starts, you realize the challenge is all about speed and quick thinking.
First, the group picks a category like celebrities, movie titles, or band names. The first player says a name, let’s say, Seth Rogen. The next player must think of a name where the first name starts with the first letter as the last name from the previous turn—like Rachel McAdams. The twist? You must keep drinking until you come up with a name.
If someone says a name where both the first and last name start with the same letter, the game changes direction. The challenge is keeping up while balancing your drink. Hope you don’t get stuck thinking for too long!
14. Detective
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 6+
Duration: 20–40 minutes
If you’re looking for the best drinking card games, Detective is here. The game tests how well you can pay attention, and how much you trust your friends. To start, a dealer (who doesn’t play) selects cards from a standard 52-card deck: one ace (the detective), one king (the killer), and enough face cards so that every player gets a card.
If you get the king, you’re the killer. Your goal is to secretly “kill” other players by staring at them for three seconds. When someone is “killed,” the dealer announces it, and that player leaves the game. The detective, holding the ace, must figure out who the killer is by watching for suspicious stares or long pauses.
If the detective guesses correctly, the killer is caught, and everyone else drinks. If they’re wrong, the detective drinks and the game continues. If the killer eliminates everyone before getting caught, the detective loses and must finish their drink. Players can switch roles after one round.
15. Drunken Artists
Source: Lucky Business /shutterstock
Supplies: Paper, pens/markers, drinks
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Get ready for one of the best drinking games that mixes creativity with laughter – Drunken Artists is like Pictionary but with a spin. One person becomes the artist, while another keeps time using a phone or clock. The timekeeper whispers a secret word to the artist, who then starts drawing it out for everyone to guess. The goal? Be the first to figure out what the artist is drawing.
Here’s the catch: for every 20 seconds it takes someone to guess correctly, the artist takes a drink. The longer it takes, the more challenging (and funnier) the drawings get. Hence, one of the most challenging drink games out there.
Imagine trying to draw a giraffe after two rounds of drinks; I failed spectacularly. We played this at a birthday party. By the end, everyone’s drawings were unrecognizable but hilarious. Takeaway: It’s not about artistic skill but about letting go. Enjoy the chaos that follows when creativity meets alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
16. Bob
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Bob is a drink game that’s all about paying attention. There’s only one rule: whenever you say someone’s name, you have to add “Bob” before it. For example, instead of saying, “Sarah, can you pass me a drink?” you’d have to say, “Bob Sarah, can you pass me a drink?”
It sounds easy, but as the game goes on, it becomes surprisingly tricky, especially if everyone’s talking and the energy is high. If you forget to add “Bob” before someone’s name, you take a drink as a penalty. The group can decide how much the forfeit is, whether it’s a sip or a few fingers of your drink.
The fun of Bob-like drinking games comes from how quickly people start slipping up.
17. Thumper
Supplies: Drinks
Number of Players: 4+
Duration: 10–20 minutes
If you’re looking for a game that’s loud, silly, and guaranteed to get everyone laughing, I’d suggest playing Thumper. It’s perfect for breaking the ice and getting people out of their comfort zones.
To start, each player picks an animal and comes up with a noise and movement to match it. For example, you could be a lion and let out a growl while making clawing motions. When the game begins, you’ll do your animal’s sound and movement, and then the next person does theirs—plus copies yours right before.
The pattern keeps growing as each player has to remember and repeat all the actions before them. If you pause or forget the sequence, you take a drink. It’s a fun challenge that quickly turns chaotic (in the best way) and will definitely make your group the life of the party.
18. Beer Hockey
Supplies: Coins, table, drinks
Number of Players: 4
Duration: 20–30 minutes
Beer Hockey is a fun and fast-paced drinking game that mixes quick reflexes with a bit of strategy. I remember the first time I played it—things started off easy, but as the drinks kicked in, aiming for the “goal” became a lot harder and a lot funnier.
Here’s how it works: One person spins a quarter on the table and calls out another player’s name. That person becomes the shooter. The rest of the players form a “goal” by making a small space between their pinky and index finger in front of their drinks. While the quarter is still spinning, the shooter tries to flick the quarter into one of the goals.
If they score, everyone raises their drinks while the person who got scored on starts to chug until the quarter stops spinning. The shooter can let it spin out naturally or stop it themselves. It’s a high-energy game that’s perfect for wrapping up a night of fun and a great way to end any drinking game session with a bang.
19. Where’s the Water?
Supplies: Clear cups, water, clear liquor
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 15–25 minutes
I’ve always thought bluffing games are the most fun, and Where’s the Water? Is a fit if you enjoy testing your friends’ poker faces. It’s simple to set up; you just need a bunch of shot glasses. Some are filled with clear spirits like vodka or tequila, while others are filled with water.
Everyone takes turns picking a glass, drinking the shot, and then saying, “Mmm, water!” in their most convincing voice—whether they actually drank water or not. The challenge is for everyone else to guess if they’re telling the truth or bluffing.
If someone calls them out and is right, the drinker has to take another shot. But if they’re wrong, the person who made the wrong guess drinks instead.
20. Quarter Baseball
Supplies: Quarters, table, cups
Number of Players: 2–6
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Think of Quarter Baseball as a mix of real baseball and a fun drinking challenge. Instead of a bat and ball, you’ll use a quarter and shot glasses to score runs.
The game is played with two teams of three players each. You’ll set up four shot glasses in a row on a table, with the closest glass counting as a single, the next as a double, and so on. When it’s your turn, you’ll try to bounce a quarter into one of the glasses. You get three tries (or “strikes”) to land the quarter into a glass. The farther the glass, the more points you score, and the more sips you take.
If your team scores, the other team drinks. Each team gets three outs before switching turns, just like in regular baseball. You can decide how many innings to play based on how long you want the game to last. If you seek some challenge, Quarter baseball is one of the best drinking games.
Let me tell you what happened to me!
During a lazy Sunday barbecue, we turned to Quarter Baseball for some low-pressure fun. It didn’t take long before we were all trash-talking like seasoned pros. The real fun was seeing how competitive everyone got with such a simple game.
21. Hot Spot
Supplies: Drinks, music (optional)
Number of Players: 4+
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Hot Spot is a fun drinking game for two people, especially if you love music and singing. The rules are simple: start by picking a word for inspiration, like “Peaches.” One of you sings a song related to that word—like “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America.
Then, the next person has to sing a different song connected to the last one. For example, since “Peaches” is about fruit, you could sing “Lemon Tree” by Fool’s Garden next. The connections can be about anything—lyrics, themes, or even just a memory the song brings up.
If you take too long to think of a song, you must take a drink from one cup placed in the center of the table.
The game keeps going until someone runs out of ideas, or you’re laughing too hard to continue. There’s also a fun challenge version where every song has to be sung to the tune of “Two Princes” by The Spin Doctors. D’you agree that this is one of the best drinking games?
22. Fingers
Supplies: Drinks, a cup
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Drink games like Fingers are about timing and guessing. To start, everyone sits in a circle and places one finger on the rim of a glass in the center of the group.
One player starts the round by counting down, saying “Three, two, one,” and immediately guessing how many fingers will stay on the glass. At the same time, everyone else decides (quickly) whether to keep their finger on the glass or remove it.
If the guesser gets it right, they’re out of the game (which is a good thing). If they’re wrong, they take a drink and stay in. The game continues until there’s only one person left—and that player has to finish the drink in the middle.
23. Bite the Bag
Source: Roman Samborskyi /shutterstock
Supplies: Paper bag, scissors, drinks
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 20–30 minutes
Bite the Bag is one of those drinking games that sounds easy until you actually try it. Every time I’ve played, the room was full of laughter because it gets surprisingly tricky, very rapidly.
To play, place a paper bag on the floor. The goal is simple: take turns trying to pick up the bag using only your mouth—no hands allowed! If you can’t manage to grab it, you have to take a shot.
After each round, cut an inch off the top of the bag, making it harder for everyone to reach. The game continues until nobody can pick up the bag anymore. It’s a hilarious challenge that tests your flexibility and balance—and trust me, it’s way harder than it sounds! The game is popular exclusively among drinking games for adults.
24. Bullshit
Source: pics five /shutterstock
Supplies: Deck of cards, drinks
Number of Players: 3–6
Duration: 30–45 minutes
Drunk Bullshit is one of my favorite card games because it’s simple, fun, and made for two players. It’s a great way to test how good you are at bluffing—and how good your friend is at catching you.
To play, you take turns laying down cards in order, starting with 2s, then 3s, 4s, and so on. You don’t always have to be honest, though. You can lie about what card you’re putting down. If your opponent thinks you’re bluffing, they can call out “Bullshit!”
If they’re right and you were lying, you take a drink. If they’re wrong and you are telling the truth, they drink instead. The goal is to get rid of all your cards first, but the real fun comes from trying to outsmart each other while keeping a straight face. It is one of the most fun drinking games to play during parties.
25. Straight Face
Source: Roman Samborskyi /shutterstock
Supplies: Paper and pens (optional)
Number of Players: 3+
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Imagine trying not to laugh while someone tells the funniest joke you’ve ever heard- that’s precisely what Straight Face feels like. Everyone writes down silly or funny sentences on pieces of paper. The goal? To make others laugh without cracking a smile yourself.
All the papers are mixed up in the middle of the room. Players pick one, read it aloud, and keep a straight face. Sounds easy? Not when you’re already having fun and the sentences are meant to be ridiculous.
If you laugh while reading or listening, you lose the round—and yes, that means it’s time to take a drink. It’s among those drinking games about timing, self-control, and a good sense of humor.
Wrap Up
The best drinking games are more than just drinks and dares. You can create shared moments and good times. So, switch things up by adding prizes for winners or fun challenges for losers. You can also mix in trivia questions or team-based rounds to keep the energy high.
For non-drinkers, creative alternatives like mocktails or snack penalties keep everyone involved. Most importantly, play smart and respect everyone’s limits. The best memories come from laughter, not from how much you gulp down.
Also Read: Popular Drinking Board Games Ideas For Adults
FAQs
Can I play these drinking games without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can swap alcohol for non-alcoholic drinks or exciting challenges (e.g., doing push-ups or dares) while maintaining the game’s competitive and social aspects.
Are there any drinking games for adults that don’t require supplies?
Yes, games like Fuzzy Duck, Most Likely, and Thumper don’t require any supplies- just drinks and a group of friends. These best drinking games are for spontaneous fun without the need for extra materials.
What drinking games can be adapted for virtual play?
Many games like Never Have I Ever, Truth or Drink, and Most Likely can be played over video calls with friends. Just set clear rules in advance. Everyone can participate from their own space.
How can you make drinking games safe and enjoyable for everyone?
Set clear house rules before the start, e.g., limiting strong drinks or allowing players to skip a turn without peer pressure. Arrange alternatives to alcoholic drinks. Encourage laughter and competition. But ensure no one feels uncomfortable or forced to drink more than they can handle.
