Who doesn’t love a good game night? Mix in some drinks, and you have a perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re hosting a lively get-together or a chill evening with friends, board games provide the perfect blend of fun and camaraderie. Let’s explore the best board games while drinking that pair perfectly with a drink in hand. In this list, we delve into games that not only entertain but also enhance the spirit of social gatherings with a splash of alcohol. Remember, while the fun is contagious, drinking responsibly ensures everyone has a great time.
Best Board Games While Drinking: Unforgettable Fun for Grown-Up Gatherings
1. Cards Against Humanity
- One player becomes the card czar and draws a question card.
- Other players each choose one answer card from their hand.
- The card czar chooses the funniest answer card.
Cards Against Humanity has become a staple for many party nights. Known for its witty and often outrageous prompts, it’s a game where players fill in the blanks with the funniest—or most shocking—cards possible. Each round is a wild ride of laughter and surprise, making it the perfect icebreaker with drinks.
Adding a drink for every time your card is chosen amps up the fun. However, it’s important to pace yourself; the game’s hilarity makes time fly. The black-and-white design and straightforward mechanics mean it’s easy to jump into after a few drinks, keeping the evening lively and interactive.
- Players: 4-20+
- Playtime: 30-90 minutes
2. Drunk Jenga
- Play classic Jenga while drinking.
- Adding a challenge to removing blocks.
- Focus on the game and choose the right parts.
Classic Jenga gets a boozy upgrade with Drunk Jenga. In this version in the number of the best board games while drinking, the blocks come with fun challenges or drinking prompts written on them. As you pull each block, you might find yourself having to act out a silly dare or take a sip.
This game is great for building up suspense and laughter, as the tower gets wobblier with each block removed. The tactile nature of the game adds an extra challenge when drinks are involved, making coordination even more rewarding. Jenga’s universal appeal combined with a splash of alcohol makes it a hit at any party.
- Players: 2+
- Playtime: Varies
3. What Do You Meme?
- One player becomes the judge and draws a meme image card.
- Other players each choose one caption card from their hand.
- The judge chooses the funniest caption card.
Memes have taken the internet by storm, and now they’ve found a place on your tabletop with What Do You Meme?. This game challenges players to pair caption cards with hilarious photo cards to create the funniest meme possible. Perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh, especially when sharing stories over drinks.
The creativity and humor involved can be heightened with themed drinks, perhaps one for each meme genre. Its simple rules allow even newcomers to jump in quickly, making it ideal for gatherings where conversation and banter flow as freely as the drinks.
- Players: 3-20+
- Playtime: 30-90 minutes
4. Beeropoly
- Beeropoly is a themed version of the classic Monopoly game.
- The game features a beer theme with pubs and other beer-related properties.
- The game continues until all but one player are bankrupt.
As the name suggests and within the best board games while drinking, Beeropoly requires players to roll dice and move around the board, landing on spaces that can have them doing anything from competing in a rhyme battle to taking drinks. Each turn presents a new surprise, with tasks ranging from lighthearted challenges to serious drinking feats.
This game is perfect for a relaxed group of friends keen on mixing beer and board games into a single enjoyable experience. Complete with beer-themed tasks, it’s best paired with craft brews or your favorite ale. Moderation is key here, to keep the enjoyment going strong throughout the night.
- Players: 2-6
- Playtime: 60 minutes
5. Kings
- Each player is dealt a hand of cards.
- Players take turns playing cards to the table, following suit if possible.
- If a player cannot follow suit, they must play a card of the trump suit
Kings, traditionally played with a deck of cards, is now available in stylish card-pack form to streamline set-up. Players draw cards one at a time and perform actions based on a fun set of house rules—such as categories, rhyming, or toasting.
Each card spices up the dynamic of your gathering by introducing new layers of competition. Aligning specific drinks with card draws can add an extra layer of strategy and thematic coherence. Kings is a classic institution in drinking games, offering endless variations to match any night’s vibe.
- Players: 3+
- Playtime: Varies
6. Dixit
- Players vote secretly for the card they think is the storyteller’s.
- Each player selects a card from their hand that they think best.
- Storyteller can tell you a little about the card they have in mind.
A game of imagination through the best board games while drinking, Dixit invites players to interpret whimsical images through storytelling. With each player offering a clue about their card, others must guess which image matches the tale. Sipping a drink as you conjure creative clues can make for enchanting and often humorous outcomes.
Pairing this game with cocktails that match in theme—perhaps inspired by the fantastical cards—heightens the creative atmosphere. It’s an excellent option for those who favor artistry and mystery, providing a relaxing yet engaging experience amidst the merriment of a drinking night.
- Players: 3-6
- Playtime: 30 minutes
7. Picolo
- Players draw cards with challenges on them.
- Challenges can range from simple to complex.
- Players must complete the challenges as quickly as possible.
Picolo is a digital game played on your phone where participants input their names and let the app generate challenges or actions to perform. It’s perfect for incorporating smartphones into the fun and is a simple way to get everyone involved, especially with drinks in hand.
With no physical setup required, it’s versatile, making it a seamless addition to any spontaneous gathering. The dynamic challenges keep everyone on their toes, ensuring laughter and surprises throughout the night. Its adaptability means you can tailor the experience to suit your group’s mood and alcohol tolerance.
- Players: 2+
- Playtime: Varies
8. Survive: Escape from Atlantis!
- On each turn, players draw tiles and place them on the board.
- Players must work together to find the best solutions.
- Players must decide which meeples to evacuate first.
Travel back to a time when volcanic eruptions and treacherous waters dominated, in Survive: Escape from Atlantis!. Players aim to evacuate their pieces from a sinking island, avoiding sea monsters and rivalries. Although not a conventional drinking game, it becomes hilarious when paired with tropical drinks, enhancing the Atlantis vibe.
The combination of strategy and luck makes it an exhilarating experience in the group of the best board games while drinking, keeping players engaged as they plot their escape routes. With its unpredictable twists, this game is perfect for players who enjoy more depth in their gameplay, coupled with a light-hearted competition.
- Players: 2-4
- Playtime: 60 minutes
9. Exploding Kittens: NSFW Edition
- This Edition is a more adult-oriented version.
- Use your cards the right way and do not get eliminated.
- The game involves both luck and strategic card play.
Exploding Kittens: NSFW Edition is a riotous card game where players draw cards hoping to avoid the explosive kitten. The NSFW edition spices things up for a more adult audience, making it a perfect pairing with a night of drinks and laughs.
This game’s unpredictable nature keeps everyone on edge, with each draw potentially triggering hilarious chaos. Choosing a drink as a consolation for those who draw the dreaded kitten keeps everyone involved till the very last card. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys a game with quick rounds and plenty of surprises.
- Players: 2-5
- Playtime: 15 minutes
10. Cinco Linko
- Players take turns placing colored pegs on a grid of connecting lines.
- You cannot place pegs directly adjacent to their own pegs.
- You can jump over their opponent’s pegs to connect their own.
Cinco Linko, known for its simple rules and addictive gameplay inside the best board games while drinking, challenges players to link their five tiles horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Its simplicity makes it a great option for drinking nights, where conversation flows as fluidly as the drinks.
The game’s fast pace keeps everyone engaged, while its travel-sized format makes it easy to move from table to patio if needed. Pairing this with light, refreshing beverages ensures a carefree experience that captures the spirit of friendly competition. It’s a perfect example of less being more when it comes to fun.
- Players: 2-4
- Playtime: 15 minutes
11. Drink-a-palooza
- If a player is the last to complete a challenge, they receive a penalty.
- The challenges often lead to humorous and unpredictable situations.
- While not mandatory, the game often involves alcohol.
Boldly combining elements of classic drinking games and board games, Drink-a-palooza is designed for those who want a nostalgic blend of Beer Pong, Kings Cup, and Flip Cup, all in one board. The aim is to collect bottle caps as you complete challenges.
Its nostalgic charm appeals to veteran party-goers and newcomers alike. Filled with familiar game elements, it’s best enjoyed with a mix of friends who love a good throwback. While chaotic, it offers structured creativity that can be tailored by introducing house rules to match any group’s drinking style.
- Players: 2-12
- Playtime: 30-60 minutes
How to Enhance Your Drinking Game Night
Enhancing your drinking game night can turn a fun evening into an unforgettable one. Consider integrating house rules to personalize the games, making them uniquely yours. Pair drinks with specific games to create a thematic ambiance—imagine sipping tropical cocktails while escaping Atlantis or testing your endurance in Drink-a-palooza with craft beers.
Setting up a safe and cozy environment is essential, ensuring you have plenty of space to play out the night’s festivities without any hiccups. Remember, the key to a successful night is having fun while keeping safety in mind. Provide non-alcoholic options to keep everyone hydrated and in good spirits.
Safety and Responsibility
Drinking responsibly should be part of any game night plan. It’s crucial to stay aware of alcohol consumption, balancing the fun with moderation. Ensuring everyone is of legal drinking age is a must, along with clear limits for each person. Designating a sober friend or arranging transport options at the night’s start can prevent hiccups and ensure everyone gets home safe.
Conclusion
Hosting a drinking game night with the **best board games while drinking** is a fantastic way to combine laughter, friendly competition, and lasting memories. From the outrageous laughs of **Cards Against Humanity** to the strategic fun of **Dixit**, these games cater to all tastes and add a boozy twist to your gatherings. Whether you prefer lighthearted party games like **What Do You Meme?** or themed classics like **Drink-a-palooza**, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with a drink in hand. The key to a successful night lies in balancing excitement with responsibility. Setting up a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, personalizing the experience with thematic drinks, and fostering camaraderie will take your evening to the next level. At the same time, prioritizing safety and moderation ensures everyone has fun while staying in good spirits. So, gather your friends, pour your favorite drinks, and get ready for a night filled with hilarious challenges, creative storytelling, and unforgettable moments. Just remember—whether you’re sipping cocktails or sticking to mocktails—playing responsibly is the ultimate house rule. Cheers to fun and games!
Can these games be played without alcohol?
Yes, absolutely! These games are designed for fun and can be just as enjoyable without alcohol. Simply swap the drinks for snacks or other non-alcoholic options to accommodate all guests.
What are some tips for moderating alcohol consumption during game nights?
Set pace alcohol limits, such as drinks per hour, and encourage regular snack breaks. Keeping plenty of water available ensures everyone stays hydrated. Incorporating non-alcoholic drinks as alternatives throughout the night can also help maintain balance.
How do we introduce house rules without complicating the gameplay?
Introducing house rules can be simple. Start with one or two additions that enhance the experience rather than overloading the game. Tailor these rules to fit the dynamic of your group and be open to adjusting them as needed.
