Drinking and socializing go hand in hand. However, sometimes, we want something a little more interactive to go along with whatever it is we are sipping. 

That’s where drinking games come in. These games have been around for centuries. In fact, they’ve been around for as long as alcohol, with records showing that not only did the ancient Sumerians brew beer, but they also played what was known as the Royal Game of Ur, all the way back in 3000 BC!

If you’re looking for fun, engaging, but relaxed drinking games to try, these nine are perfect for chilling with friends.

1. Never Have I Ever

“Never Have I Ever” is a classic game that requires nothing more than a group of friends and some drinks. Each person takes turns making statements starting with “Never have I ever…” followed by something they haven’t done. If anyone in the group has done that thing, they take a drink.

Moreover, this game is a fantastic icebreaker if you’re introducing new friends to your circle. It’s also a great way to learn fun facts that you may not have known about those closest to you, and it’s sure to spark plenty of laughter-filled conversations. 

It’s simple, easy to play, and works wonderfully in any setting, from a cozy living room to a stylish bar or pub.

2. Kings 

Kings, also known as Ring of Fire, is easy to play and a lot of fun. To start, you simply arrange a deck of cards in a circle around an empty cup. Players then take turns drawing cards, each of which has a specific rule associated with it (e.g., 2 is “Drink,” where you choose someone to drink; 4 is “Table,” where everyone must touch the floor and the last person to do so drinks).

The beauty of Kings is that it’s a versatile game with many variations, keeping everyone on their toes. The game can be as creative or as simple as you choose, and you can add new rules or change them up. 

3. Flip Cup

This game is a little bit more high energy, but you can slow it down by playing sitting down.

Flip Cup plays out just as you’d imagine. To start, split up into two teams. Each player has a plastic or paper cup filled with a small amount of beer. Every player must drink their beer, then place the cup on the edge of the table and flip it using their fingers to land it upside down. The first team to successfully flip all their cups wins.

Flip Cup is a great way to foster a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition. It may be a staple at college parties, but it’s equally fun in any casual get-together. It ensures everyone is cheering every flip—or failure to flip.

4. Beer Pong

A true classic, Beer Pong is also high-energy, but it’s so easy to set up and play. Simply set up 10 cups in a pyramid shape at each end of a table, partially filled with beer. Teams take turns throwing a ping-pong ball into the opposing team’s cups. If the ball lands in a cup, the opposing team drinks and removes that cup. The game continues until one team has no cups left.

Beer Pong’s competitive nature and the excitement of landing a tricky shot always guarantee a good time.

5. Cheers to the Governor

This drinking game is also called 21, but it’s got nothing to do with Blackjack, which shares the same moniker. In Cheers To The Governor, players take turns counting aloud, starting from 1. Every time a player reaches 21, everyone raises their glass, says “Cheers to the Governor!” and takes a drink. After that, the player who reaches 21 creates a new rule for a specific number, such as “clap on 5 instead of saying the number.”

This game combines memory, strategy, and creativity, making it a lively and often hilarious challenge as everyone tries (and fails) to remember the evolving rules.

6. Straight Face

A surefire way to get everyone laughing, Straight Face is a genuine crowd-pleaser. 

All that’s needed for this easy game are strips of paper and something to write with. Each player picks up five slips of paper and writes something funny that they think will get the other players to laugh. Next, all of the slips of paper with writing on them get mixed up into a hat. 

Each player will then go one by one and pick a slip of paper to read aloud with a straight face. Each time someone laughs, giggles, or reacts in any way, they have to sip their drink. The last person to finish their drink wins.

7. Drunk Jenga

One of the more popular drinking games at bachelor parties, Drunk Jenga is also perfectly suited to chilling with friends. 

To start, write various challenges or rules on Jenga blocks. As players take turns pulling out the blocks, they must perform the action written on them. These can include telling a joke, making a new rule, doing something silly, or drinking. The last block pulled from the tower before it collapses determines who wins – then everyone else needs to drink.

Drunk Jenga is sure to keep everyone entertained and involved, with the suspense of the tower falling adding to the excitement.

8. Movie Drinking Game

If you’re watching a movie with your friends, this is the perfect way to add a twist.  Before starting the movie, establish a set of rules that indicate when to drink. These rules can be based on recurring elements or specific actions in the movie. 

The Movie Drinking Game turns a passive activity into an interactive one. It’s also highly customizable, as you can tailor the rules based on your favorite movies or genres. 

9. The Name Game

The Name Game tests your memory and knowledge of famous personalities, offering a fun and educational way to relax and unwind with friends.

Simply start with the name of a famous person, the next player must then say another famous person’s name that starts with the last letter of the previous name. For example, if the first name is “Marilyn Monroe,” the next name could be “Emma Watson.” If someone can’t think of a name or repeats one, they drink.

These nine low-key drinking games are perfect for creating memorable moments with friends. So, gather your friends, pour your drinks, and let the fun begin. Cheers, Tulleeho, Slainte, or whatever toast you prefer!

Drinking and socializing go hand in hand. But sometimes, we want something a little more interactive to go along with whatever it is we are sipping.