Sitting around drinking with pals is one of our favourite pastimes, but throw a game into the mix, and you’ll always take it to the next level.
Drinking games are perfect for any kind of crowd, be it old uni pals or friends of friends you’re only just getting to know at a do like a hen or stag party.
They can break the ice between near-strangers (helpful at work drinks and events like Freshers Week) and reveal things about the mates you thought you knew inside out.
While there are plenty of games you can play off the cuff, like Never Have I Ever (someone claims to have never done an obscure activity showcasing their daring or stupidity; those who have done it take a sip of their drink. If the sipper is surprising enough, their anecdote ensues) or a TV-based bingo-style game where viewers take a sip everytime a catchphrase is used or a prop is shown, there are plenty of card and board games to bring some structure to the process.
Because who doesn’t adore organised fun?
We kid; some games really are better with props and prompts. Don’t believe us? We challenge you to check out the list below and not find a game you’re itching to play. But remember this: the winner takes it all.
Always drink alcohol responsibly.
Shop the best drinking games below
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Cards Against Humanity
The first version of CAH came out in May 2011 and took the gaming world by storm; it’s been outraging people ever since. The game is easy enough to play, and will reveal your most horrible friends in an instant. It goes like this: in each round, a player asks a question pulled from the Black Card stack, everyone else must consult their White answer card and choose the funniest option from their pile. The Black Card holder picks the person with the wildest answer, and that winner picks the next Black Card. Hilarious and horrific in equal measure, turn it into a drinking game by having losers take a sip of their drink.
Buy now £26.99, John Lewis
Drinking Roulette incl. 16 shot glasses
Whether there’s just two of you or a gang of eight, this casino-style roulette wheel game promises plenty of fun. Fill the shot glasses with your choice booze - or you could add a twist, as one customer did, by filling the evens with chocolate and the odds with liquidised broccoli - and let the wheel spin. The stakes may be high, but so are the laughs.
Buy now £12.49, Amazon
Booze Ball Drinking Game
Truth or Dare, Magic 8-ball style. Bring this Booze Ball to your next shindig, and watch the party shoot into the stratosphere. Instead of helping you make a decision, this mischievous ball displays challenges which you must complete - one of the options include "Everyone have a shot".
Buy now £5.00, The Works
Cieex Beer Pong Set
You don’t need much to play a game of beer pong but this set adds a sense of ceremony to the proceedings. Complete with a mat, blue and red cups and of course, the all-important ping pong balls, to play simply split yourselves into teams and try and get as many ping pongs into the opposition’s cups. If the ball lands in a cup, you finish that drink. The objective is to drink the other side dry and crown yourselves the winners! If you want to go slow, fill the cups with low or no alcohol beer and save the full-strength for the party.
Buy now £18.99, Amazon
Flip Cup Drinking Game
Requiring skill and composure under pressure, this simple game is perfect for anyone who struggles to remember complex rules - especially under the influence. Split your group into teams and take turns in draining cups of beer before flipping the cup so that it lands lip-down on the table. Fail and you’ll have to complete one of the challenges on the cards.
Buy now £7.49, IWOOT
Solid Tipple Tower Drinking Game
Jenga with a delightfully boozy twist, this takes the classic building game and turns it on its head. Causing the tower to fall by removing bricks means you and your team need to take a sip of your drink. There are four branded shot glasses included too, making this a perfect game to play with two or four contenders.
Buy now £12.00, Amazon
BRUTAL The Drinking Game
Strictly not for family games night, this wild game is a megamix of classic card games: think charades, truth or dare, Never Have I Ever and more. It's simple to play - crucial when you've had a few - all you need to do is decide the forfeits and then take it in turns to pick a card from the 250 deck. Perfect for student halls, work dos and pre-wedding parties.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Expansion
A mix of Never Have I Ever and Uno, this hilarious card game is the perfect way to find out more than you ever knew about your mates. There are 400 cards to pull from the deck which provide conversational kindling - each one promises to ignite plenty of questions! One to play with friends who aren't easily offended.
Buy now £24.95, Amazon
