When it comes to hosting a memorable game night, an unbeatable combination can turn an ordinary gathering into an unforgettable experience: card and board games paired with your favorite drinks.

Whether you're looking to add excitement to a casual hangout, a wild party, or a relaxed evening with friends, the right games can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll explore a selection of card games with drinking elements (i.e., games made to make you drunk), and some board games that allow you to sip, while you strategize, and socialise with your friends.

Just remember -  drink responsibly, and of legal age! 

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Drinking Card Games

To put it simply, these games want to get you drunk!

The sole purpose of these games are built on the premises to get you and your fellow players, drunk. So, if you need some help to get yourself drunk, or you want to do it fast - these games are just for you!

Do or Drink

Do or Drink basically is the drinking version of truth or dare. Very simple and very effective way to get drunk. 

In this popular drinking game, you will be presented with silly or challenging tasks. If you fail to do the task - you drink. Simple as that. 

These Cards Will Get You Drunk

The name of "These Cards Will Get You Drunk" cannot be more clear - the game's purpose is to get you drunk!

In essence, it is a similar game to "Do or Drink", but in a smaller and less expensive package. Given its 30+ thousand reviews on Amazon, it has gotten a lot of people tipsy.

Buzzed

Another simple, but effective game to get you drunk. In the case of Buzzed, the cards are a mixture of standard silly tasks to "never have I ever" type of statements that will make a lot of people drink.

"Never Have I Ever: Sip & Share Secrets"

Never Have I Ever is a card game that's all about revealing secrets, sharing stories, and, of course, sipping your drink. Players take turns drawing cards that contain statements like "Never have I ever traveled to another continent" or "Never have I ever had a crush on a coworker." If you've done what the card says, you take a sip and share your tale.

BLY Games Party Starter

The BLY Games Party Starter takes all of the popular elements and mix them in one package. In this drinking game you will have to drink by playing out "Never have I ever", "Truth or drink", "Most likely to", and by failing to silly tasks.

You Laugh You Drink

You Laugh You Drink strays a bit from the classic drinking game elements (which can be good or bad, depending on the group of players).

This game gives you funny prompts you need to act out. And anyone who cannot keep a straight face - drinks.

Card Games with Drinking Elements

Card Games with Drinking Elements are social games that involve playing cards as a key part of the game while incorporating specific rules or actions involving drinking alcoholic beverages. 

These board games that go with alcohol typically include cards with instructions, challenges, or penalties that require players to take sips or shots of their drinks. This combination of card-based gameplay and drinking rules adds a fun and social aspect to get-togethers

"King's Cup: The Classic Sip & Play Game"

Kings, also known as King's Cup or Ring of Fire, is a timeless favourite at gatherings. The rules are simple: a deck of cards is spread in a circle, and each card corresponds to a specific action or challenge. From waterfall drinking to truth or dare, this game has it all. The best part? The more you play, the merrier everyone gets.

"Drunk Uno: Colorful Chaos with a Twist"

This unofficial version of Uno gets a lively twist when you add drinking rules to the mix. Assign actions to different cards, like "Draw 2," meaning the player sips twice, or "Skip," leading to the next player taking a drink. It's a colorful and chaotic game where strategy combines seamlessly with sips of your chosen beverage.

Relaxed Board Games for a Nice Drink On the Side

Board Games for Relaxed Sipping refer to a category of tabletop games that are well-suited for leisurely gameplay, allowing players to enjoy their favourite drinks while participating.

These games are characterised by their generally slower pace, less intense strategic depth, and often interactive and social elements that accommodate the sipping of beverages during play. They create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for social gatherings, where players can simultaneously engage in gameplay and casual conversation while savouring their drinks.

"Ticket to Ride: Sip Your Way to Victory"

Ticket to Ride is a beloved board game that invites you to embark on a railway adventure. With its relaxed pace and strategic decision-making, it's the perfect game for sipping your drink while plotting your next railroad route. Whether you're claiming railway routes or blocking your opponents, you'll enjoy every sip of your chosen libation.

"Catan & Cocktails: Settle in with a Drink"

Catan, also known as The Settlers of Catan, is a classic board game where players collect resources, trade, and build settlements. Its interactive gameplay and negotiations provide ample time for sipping cocktails or your beverage of choice. Plus, the game's social nature encourages lively conversations and laughter.

"Twilight Imperium: Savor the Epic Journey"

Twilight Imperium is a grand strategy board game that unfolds like an epic space opera. This game is known for its lengthy gameplay, which is perfect for savoring your favorite drinks as you plot your galactic conquests. It's a game night that can stretch into the early hours, with each sip adding to the epic experience.

"Scythe & Scotch: A Slow Burn with Flavor"

Scythe combines strategic gameplay with stunning artwork and a captivating alternate history theme. This slow-burning board game immerses players in a world of intrigue and conflict. Sip your scotch or preferred spirit as you navigate the intricacies of this beautifully crafted game. It's an experience that's as rich as the drink in your hand.

Spheres of Life: Mythical Forest

The Spheres of Life: Mythical Forest is a new fantasy card game for 2-7 players. It has an easy-going gameplay and social interactions. So it can be the perfect cataliser for a few glasses of your favourite drink with your buddies. 

The History of Drinking Games

The history of drinking games is a journey through time, spanning centuries and cultures, revealing how the fusion of games and libations has evolved into the beloved social activity we know today. From ancient China's "Jiuling" with toasts and challenges to medieval Europe's "Pub Games," combining skill and chance with merrymaking, drinking games have deep roots in human culture.

Colonial America's tavern traditions and the 20th-century revival in college settings further contributed to their enduring popularity. In the digital age, mobile apps and online platforms have brought these games to the virtual world, reinforcing the timeless appeal of connecting, having fun, and sharing laughter over a drink. Drinking games continue to remind us that the joy of play and camaraderie transcends eras, providing a spirited tradition cherished and enjoyed by generations.

Conclusion: Cheers to Unforgettable Game Nights with Friends!

In the world of social entertainment, few things can compare to the joy of gathering with friends for a game night filled with laughter, fun, and shared experiences.

Combining the thrill of card and board games with the pleasure of sipping your favorite drinks creates a recipe for unforgettable evenings. Whether you're a fan of classic card games with a twist or you prefer to immerse yourself in epic board game journeys, there's a perfect game to accompany your chosen libations.

So, raise your glass to the perfect fusion of entertainment and refreshment, and let the games begin. Cheers to the best drinking card and board games that transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary memories!

In the meantime, feel free to explore what Joyful Games has to offer - from other board game tips to fun board and card games.

If you have a favourite drinking game that was not mentioned here - let us know in the comments below!