10 Drinking Games That’ll Have You Regretting Everything

If your idea of a good night includes loud laughter, questionable dares, and a group of friends pushing the limits of decency — congratulations, you’re one of us.

The truth? Drinking games aren’t about the rules. They’re about the chaos that unfolds between the first sip and the last questionable decision. From old-school classics to absolute units of madness, the best drinking games are less about strategy and more about surviving with your pride slightly intact.

So if you're standing around at a party wondering who's going to break the ice, this list isn't just entertainment — it's your plan. And if you're already two beers deep, well, the ride starts here.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: drinking games are chaos generators. What starts with a casual “Let’s just play one round” ends with someone crying into a plate of nachos or waking up with a traffic cone in bed. We don’t ask why—we just accept it.

If you’ve ever uttered the phrase “I’ll pace myself tonight,” while clutching a Solo cup, this one’s for you. Below are the best drinking games that blur the line between bonding and breakdown. We’ve also dropped in a few harsh truths for legal and physical safety reasons (because someone’s got to).

Also: don’t forget to check out the Special Taproom Drafts (STDs) if you're looking for brews as bold as your party games.

1. Sip Happens: The Game of Accidental Intimacy

What it is: Everyone sits in a circle. One person flips a coin and calls heads or tails out loud. If they’re wrong, they drink and answer a “mildly inappropriate” question from the group. If they’re right, they get to pick someone else to answer — or drink.

Optional twist: Whoever drinks has to share a weird secret, or admit the worst place they’ve ever thrown up. You choose your shame.

What actually happens: After two rounds, everyone knows way too much about each other, someone’s blushing, and the phrase “that stays in this room” gets tossed around more than the coin.

Why it works: It’s simple, no props needed, and the mess is emotional instead of physical. Perfect for groups that are one drink away from oversharing anyway.

Safety tip: Emotional vulnerability pairs best with a solid cider and a friend with a “delete my search history” pact.

2. Flip Cup: Where Coordination Goes to Die

What it is: Two teams compete. One person from each team chugs their drink, then tries to flip their empty cup upside down by flicking the rim. Then the next person goes.

What actually happens: You flip. You fail. You yell at your cup. Everyone cheers like it’s the Olympics.

If you nail the flip: You pass the torch to your next teammate.

If you fail: You keep flipping until you land it. Meanwhile, the other team pulls ahead and you're the reason your side is behind.

Flip Cup is less about drinking and more about yelling at your hands for not working. Great for teams, but brutal for those with shaky coordination after drink #3.

Pro tip: If you're rocking anything from our Full Tap Menu, pick something light. Chugging a stout just to flip a cup? That’s a decision you’ll feel tomorrow.

3. Drunk Jenga: Because the Tower Isn’t the Only Thing That’ll Fall

What it is: It’s Jenga, but each block has a rule written on it. Think: “Take two shots,” “Swap shirts with someone,” “Speak in an accent until your next turn.”

What actually happens: Someone eventually cries, another proposes marriage (ironically?), and a third loses a sock to an unknown cause.

What happens when the tower falls?
Whoever topples it takes the punishment — usually finishing their drink or doing something completely uncalled for. That part’s up to the group. Just make sure the consequence is harsh enough to make them regret their shaky hands.

Heads-up: Drunk Jenga goes from fun to full-on chaos faster than you’d expect. Don’t start this game unless you’re okay with blackmail material.

This drinking game is a great way to escalate quickly from playful to unhinged. Highly recommend — unless you're afraid of what you might reveal or do.

4. Power Hour: 60 Minutes of Why Did I Think This Was a Good Idea?

What it is: Take one shot of beer every minute for 60 minutes. Or, if you're feeling overly ambitious (or Gen X), go for 100 minutes — one shot per minute.

What actually happens: Around minute 20, you're vibing. By minute 45, you're questioning everything. If you push to 100, you’re going full “Century” mode — good luck.

Note from our Gen X crew: We used to call this “Century.” One shot of beer every minute for 100 minutes. Then again, we’re Gen X, and built different. Stronger. More questionable choices. Less regret.

Reality Check: This is a lot more drinking than it sounds like. Don’t underestimate how fast it adds up.

5. Never Have I Ever: Where Oversharing Becomes a Sport

What it is: Players take turns saying things they’ve never done. If someone has done the thing, they drink.

What actually happens: You find out who’s skinny-dipped, who’s hooked up with a co-worker, and who should’ve passed on this game entirely.

It’s a great way to get to know your friends — or realize you maybe don’t want to.

6. Edward Fortyhands: Beer Meets Bondage

What it is: Tape a 40oz bottle of beer to each hand. You can’t remove them until both are empty.

What actually happens: Everything becomes a challenge. Opening doors. Bathroom breaks. Dignity.

This drinking game is both iconic and kind of a disaster.

Small disclaimer: We do not recommend this one for safety reasons. Walking around hammered with both hands taped can be dangerous — especially if you stumble and can't catch yourself. Seriously, it's not worth a broken wrist.

7. Beer Pong: Friendship Breaker Since Forever

What it is: Toss ping pong balls into cups of beer. Sink it? Opponent drinks. Miss? Get roasted.

What actually happens: You miss three shots and your partner starts looking for a new best friend.

One of the best drinking games for two-on-two battles. Just don’t pair up with your significant other unless your relationship is built to withstand passive-aggressive comments and poor aim.

Pair your shots with something crisp from our On Tap collection. 

8. Quarters: The Silent Assassin

What it is: Bounce a quarter off the table into a cup. If you miss, you drink.

What actually happens: The first ten minutes are fun. Then you realize you’ve had six drinks and you're not getting better.

Added rules (you’re welcome):

• If you land the quarter in the cup, your opponent must drink the entire cup and catch the quarter in their teeth before lowering the cup.

• If they finish the drink but don’t catch the quarter, you get an extra turn if you miss your next attempt.

• Miss that next attempt? Turn over. Your opponent goes.
  
  

This game starts simple — then turns into a precision sport. Definitely not one for shots.

9. F*ck the Dealer: A Lesson in Bad Guessing

What it is: One player is the dealer. Others take turns guessing the value of the top card in a shuffled deck. Guess wrong? Drink. Guess close? You might get a hint. Guess right? Dealer drinks.

What actually happens: No one wins. You just lose slower than others.

One of the best drinking games for small groups with terrible luck and fading math skills. Gets messy fast.

10. Most Likely To…: Brutal Honesty in Game Form

What it is: One person asks, “Who’s most likely to ___?” Everyone points. The person with the most fingers on them drinks.

What actually happens: Someone gets roasted. Someone else gets offended. The rest just enjoy the show.

It’s social chaos in a question. Proceed with caution.

Still here? Good. You’ll need a drink after this one.

Let’s Get Real for a Second

We love drinking games. We play them. We laugh at the chaos. But here’s the thing:

We do not condone binge drinking or reckless behavior. Just because it’s fun doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Know your limits, drink water, and don’t be a hero. There. We legally covered our ass. 🙂

Why Do We Keep Playing These?

Because they’re fun. Because we’re all looking for a reason to bond, unwind, and tell a story that’ll live forever in the group chat. Just remember — the goal isn’t to black out. It’s to laugh. A lot.

Don’t let your night become a headline. Or a Reddit thread.

Drinking Games + Group Dynamics = Drama

You know that awkward tension between two people? Multiply that by five drinks and a game like “Never Have I Ever.” Suddenly your group chat’s imploding.

Here’s why it happens:

• Games that rely on secrets or truths can bring up past drama
  

• Alcohol lowers inhibition and filters
  

• People feel peer pressured to say or do things they wouldn’t normally do

Drink Smarter, Not Harder

If you're gonna play, at least do it with beer you don’t hate. The sad truth is, too many people settle for cheap, flavorless brews when the night calls for something stupidly good.

We don’t believe in boring. That’s why our shirts are loud, our beer’s bold, and our branding doesn’t apologize. From Wheat Dreams to Ale’s Deep, we keep things racy, punny, and 100% wearable even the morning after.

Want to drink like you mean it? Start here: cochranebalzacbrewing.com

You’ll Probably Regret It. That’s the Point.

Drinking games are ridiculous. That’s why we love them. Sure, they sometimes end in chaos—but more often than not, they end in memories, inside jokes, and that one story you’ll tell at every party until you die.

Just be smart. Pace yourself. Hydrate. And never—never—let your friends convince you Edward Fortyhands is a “fun idea.”

Need a T-shirt that screams “I make bad decisions in good company?” Grab yours at Cochrane Balzac Brewing & Cider Co.