Planning a party and looking for ways to turn up the fun? Tired of the same old drinking games? This blog post has you covered. We’re diving deep into the world of cup drinking games, offering a comprehensive guide to 13 unique and exciting games that are suitable for small and large groups & guaranteed to get your party started. From classics like Beer Pong and Flip Cup to lesser-known gems like Honeycomb and Flong, we provide detailed rules, variations to spice things up, and vivid descriptions to set the scene. Whether you’re a seasoned party animal or a drinking game novice, our guide will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to host an unforgettable get-together.
1. Flip Cup
Flip Cup thrives with a larger group, ideally 6 to 12 players divided into two equal teams. Each team lines up facing their opponents across a table, a plastic cup partially filled with beer in front of each player. The first players chug their drinks and then race to flip their empty cups upside down by flicking the lip of the cup. Once successful, the next teammate in line repeats the process. The first team to complete the entire cup-flipping relay wins, basking in glory (and probably a little lightheadedness). Spice things up by using different liquids or assigning point values based on the speed of flipping. For a real challenge, try flipping with your non-dominant hand.
Picture this: Your team is neck-and-neck with your rivals, the tension palpable. You down your drink, adrenaline pumping, and focus all your energy on the cup. One swift flick… success! You slam the cup down, triumphantly slapping the table as your teammate grabs their drink, ready to continue the battle. The air crackles with excitement; this is Flip Cup at its finest.
2. Beer Pong
Beer Pong is best enjoyed with four players, two on each team, but you can definitely play with larger groups by rotating players. Two teams stand at opposite ends of a table, each with a formation of cups partially filled with beer. Players take turns tossing ping pong balls into their opponent’s cups. If a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team drinks the contents. The first team to eliminate all their opponent’s cups wins, securing bragging rights and a slight buzz. Add some extra fun by introducing trick shots, like bouncing the ball off the table before it lands in a cup, or implementing “redemption shots” to bring back eliminated cups.
Imagine the scene: You and your teammate are locked in an epic Beer Pong battle. The music is pumping, the crowd is cheering, and the pressure is on. Your opponent sinks a shot, a mischievous grin spreading across their face. But you’re not fazed. With a flick of your wrist, you send the ping pong ball flying. It bounces once, twice, and…splash! Straight into their cup. The crowd erupts as you celebrate, knowing victory is within reach.
3. Quarters
Quarters is adaptable for various group sizes, but 4-6 people creates a lively atmosphere without things getting too chaotic. Players take turns bouncing a quarter off the table, attempting to land it within a designated cup or shot glass. If successful, they pass the quarter to a chosen player, who must then drink. Failure to land the quarter results in the player taking a drink themselves. Sounds simple enough, right? It is, but those quarters can be deceptively tricky. Turn up the intensity with “double or nothing” where successful shots allow players to bounce two quarters, potentially doubling the drinking penalty for the next player. Alternatively, play “Around the World”, where players aim for different cups in a specific order, adding a strategic element to the game.
Picture a dimly lit basement, laughter echoing off the walls. A group of friends huddle around a wobbly table, the clinking of quarters adding to the lively ambiance. One player lines up their shot, their brow furrowed in concentration. The quarter bounces once, twice… and lands perfectly in the cup! A cheer erupts as they point to their hapless victim, who must now down their drink. The game continues, fueled by friendly competition and the rhythmic clinking of quarters.
4. Slap Cup
Slap Cup (also called Boom Cup or Rage Cage) is a rowdy party game best enjoyed with a larger group, ideally 4 or more players. The more, the merrier (and messier!). Players gather around a table, each with a cup. Two players start by chugging their drinks and then try to bounce a ping pong ball into their empty cup. Once successful, they pass the cup to the player on their right. The goal is to “catch up” to the player with the other ball by sinking your shot before they do. If you succeed, you get to slap their cup off the table! They then grab a new cup from the center, chug it, and rejoin the game. The last player standing faces the dreaded “death cup” – a concoction of everyone’s drinks.
Variations: Allow players who sink their shot on the first try to pass the cup to anyone, not just the person on their right, adding a layer of strategy. Or implement “reverse mode” where making your shot on the first try sends the cup in the opposite direction.
Imagine a crowded table, cups scattered everywhere, a chaotic symphony of bouncing ping pong balls and shouts of victory. You’ve been eyeing your opponent, their cup tantalizingly close. You sink your shot, slam your cup down, and lunge for theirs – SLAP – sending it flying. Their jaw drops as they scramble for a fresh cup from the center, their fate sealed. This is Slap Cup, a thrilling mix of skill, speed, and just a touch of malice.
5. Chandelier
Chandelier is a party game that shines with a larger group, ideally 6-8 players, but can accommodate up to 15 for a truly chaotic experience. Players take turns bouncing their own ping pong ball into the center cup. If they succeed, everyone chugs their drinks and races to flip their empty cups upside down. The slowest drinker also has to down the central “chandelier” cup. If a player accidentally lands their ball in someone else’s cup during their attempt, that person drinks their beer. For those who like to live on the edge, introduce a “two strikes and you’re out” rule. Two missed attempts at the chandelier, and you’re sidelined, leaving the remaining players to battle for glory. For true mayhem, use multiple ping pong balls, transforming the game into a whirlwind of bouncing projectiles.
Picture a crowded room, music thumping, the hanging ping pong ball swaying like a disco ball gone rogue. You take aim, your eyes narrowed in concentration, and send your ping pong ball flying. It arcs through the air, ricocheting off the table… and SMACK – direct hit on the chandelier! Cheers erupt as everyone scrambles for their drinks, a flurry of chugging and frantic cup flipping. It’s a blur of laughter, spilled beer, and triumphant shouts – Chandelier at its chaotic best.
6. Honeycomb
Honeycomb works best with a medium-sized group of 4-6 players, striking a balance between strategic play and lively competition. Two players at opposite ends of the table start by bouncing a ping pong ball into their empty cups. Successful shots allow them to pass their cup to any player. Missed shots mean passing the cup to the left, hoping to avoid being “overlapped” – when the cup rotation catches up to you before you sink your shot. If you get overlapped, the other player stacks their cup on yours, and you have to chug a new cup from the center before continuing. For an added challenge, introduce a speed element. Set a timer for each turn, forcing players to make quick decisions under pressure. To increase the drinking penalty, implement a rule where players who miss their shot three times in a row have to finish their entire drink.
Picture a dimly lit room, laughter echoing as players frantically bounce ping pong balls. You line up your shot, feeling the pressure as the cup rotation closes in. You sink it! Relief washes over you as you quickly pass your cup to an unsuspecting victim across the table. They fumble with their shot, panic sets in as the cup rotation approaches… too late! A triumphant grin spreads across your face as you slam your cup on top of theirs, the sweet sound of victory ringing in your ears. That’s Honeycomb – a thrilling mix of skill, strategy, and a dash of merciless glee.
7. Beer Die
Beer Die is a drinking game of skill and strategy, best enjoyed with four players, two on each team, but larger groups can rotate in and out for a piece of the action. Two teams face off across a table. Players take turns rolling a die and then bouncing it towards their opponents’ side. If the die lands on the table, the opposing team must catch it with 1 hand before it hits the ground. Fail, and you drink. If the die lands directly in a cup, you chug the whole thing.
Variations: Add a “body shot” rule, where a die bouncing off a player’s body results in a celebratory shot for the throwing team. For those who enjoy a bit of risk, implement a “double or nothing” option, allowing players to roll two dice simultaneously for a chance at double the reward – or double the consequence.
8. Stack Cup
Stack Cup is a wild ride best experienced with 4 or more players. The more, the merrier, and the higher the potential cup towers! The rule of stack cup is pretty same to Slap Cup. Two players start by chugging their drinks and then race to bounce a ping pong ball into their empty cup. Once a player sinks their shot, they pass their cup and ball to the right. The goal is to catch up to the other player and sink your shot before they do. If you succeed, you slam your cup into theirs, creating a stack. The player with the stacked cup grabs a fresh one from the center, chugs it, and rejoins the chaos. The game continues until only the dreaded “death cup” remains, a concoction of everyone’s drinks, destined for the final loser.
Variations: Allow players to pass their cup to anyone, not just the person on their right, if they sink their shot on the first try, introducing a strategic element. To up the ante, implement a “double or nothing” rule – sink two shots in a row, and you can create a double stack on another player’s cup.
Picture a crowded table, cups flying, ping pong balls bouncing with reckless abandon. You lock eyes with your opponent, a silent battle of wills commencing. You sink your shot and lunge forward, slamming your cup into theirs with a satisfying THUD. Their jaw drops as they grab a fresh cup, their fate sealed. The game continues, a chaotic dance of bouncing balls, towering cup stacks, and the ever-present threat of the dreaded death cup. This is Stack Cup – a game for the bold, the daring, and the slightly uncoordinated.
9. Speed Stacking
Speed Stacking is a game of pure, unadulterated dexterity, perfect for any number of players – you can even turn it into a solo challenge if you’re feeling particularly competitive. Forget ping pong balls, Speed Stacking is all about those cups. Each player gets a set of cups and must stack them in a specific sequence (usually a pyramid, up-and-down, then back to a pyramid) as quickly as humanly possible. The fastest stacker wins, basking in the glory of their superior hand-eye coordination. It’s a race against time, a test of agility, and a fantastic way to channel your inner child. Spice things up by introducing different stacking sequences, forcing players to adapt and think on their feet (or, more accurately, with their hands). For a real challenge, try stacking with your non-dominant hand, adding an extra layer of difficulty and potential hilarity.
Picture a room full of people, each hunched over their stack of cups, the air thick with anticipation. Someone shouts, “Go!” and the frenzy begins. Cups fly through the air, a symphony of clattering plastic. You’re in the zone, your hands moving with lightning speed, building and deconstructing cup pyramids with robotic precision. The adrenaline is pumping, the finish line is in sight… and you slam down the last cup, triumphant. That’s Speed Stacking – a game of pure skill, intense focus, and maybe a little bit of showing off.
10. Cup Pyramid Relay
Cup Pyramid Relay thrives with a larger group, ideally 8-12 people split into two or more teams, creating a truly competitive atmosphere. Each team lines up, facing a table with a mountain of cups. The first player races to the table and builds a cup pyramid, then chugs their drink before dismantling the pyramid and tagging in the next teammate. The first team to complete the entire pyramid-chug-dismantle relay wins, claiming victory and, perhaps, a slight wobble in their step. Add an extra layer of difficulty by introducing specific pyramid designs or requiring players to use only one hand for stacking and unstacking. To really test those motor skills, try having players build their pyramids blindfolded, relying solely on the guidance of their teammates.
Imagine the scene: Your team is neck-and-neck with your rivals, the tension palpable. You sprint to the table, hands flying as you build the cup pyramid with impressive speed. You grab your drink, down it in a single gulp, and then frantically dismantle the pyramid, your heart pounding in your chest. You slap the hand of your waiting teammate, the adrenaline still coursing through you as they take over, the relay continuing in a frenzy of cups, cheers, and spilled beer. This is Cup Pyramid Relay – a game of teamwork, coordination, and a whole lot of fun.
11. Cup “Hot Potato”
Cup “Hot Potato” is a game of suspense and quick reflexes, perfect for a medium-sized group of 5-8 players, ensuring everyone feels the heat. Players sit in a circle, passing a cup filled with beer around while music plays. When the music stops, the player holding the cup must chug the entire drink before the music starts again. Sounds simple enough, right? But as the game progresses and the pressure mounts, even the simplest tasks can become hilariously challenging. Inject an element of surprise by having players perform a dare instead of chugging the entire drink. Or, for those who like to live dangerously, try using a cup filled with a mystery concoction, turning the game into a gamble of taste and tolerance.
Imagine the room pulses with energy as the music blasts, the cup rapidly changing hands as players try to avoid being the one left holding it when the music stops. You grip the cup tightly, your heart pounding in sync with the beat, a mixture of anticipation and dread coursing through you. Suddenly, the music cuts out. You freeze, staring at the cup in your hand as if it were a ticking time bomb. The laughter of your friends is a merciless soundtrack as you frantically chug the beer, the clock ticking in your head as you race to finish before the music starts again. This is Cup “Hot Potato” – a game of suspense, quick reflexes, and the thrill of potential public humiliation.
12. Civil War
Civil War is a high-energy, team-based game best suited for larger groups, ideally 6 or 8 players split into two teams, but can accommodate 4 players in a 2v2 scenario as well. Each player gets three cups representing their “lives,” while teams fire ping pong balls at each other’s cups in a rapid-fire volley. Once a player loses all their cups, they’re out, but can still act as a defender for their team. The first team to eliminate all opposing cups wins, claiming victory amidst the chaos. For a more strategic approach, implement a point system. Award points for eliminating cups, with bonus points for taking out an opponent completely. To add a layer of deception, introduce “defector” rounds where, for a limited time, players can switch teams, creating temporary alliances and disrupting established strategies.
Imagine two teams facing off across a table, cups arranged like battle lines, ping pong balls whizzing through the air. The atmosphere crackles with tension and the sound of plastic cups meeting their demise. Your teammate sinks a shot, eliminating one of your opponent’s cups. The cheers are quickly silenced as you see another teammate grab a ball from the opponent’s side and fire it at YOUR cups. Betrayal! The game continues, a whirlwind of rapid-fire shots, shifting alliances, and the thrill of victory hanging in the balance. This is Civil War – a game of skill, strategy, and a healthy dose of good-natured treachery.
13. Flong
Flong is a unique and challenging drinking game ideal for 4 players divided into two teams, creating a dynamic balance of offense and defense. Two players from each team face off, one pair shooting ping pong balls at a pyramid of cups, the other pair ready to chug and flip cups. When a ball lands in a cup, both teams race to chug their beer and flip their empty cups upside down. The losing flipping team removes a cup from the pyramid. The first team to hit the final cup and win the subsequent flip-off wins the game. To increase the intensity, allow players to “deflect” incoming ping pong balls with their hands, adding a defensive element to the game. For those who enjoy a challenge, introduce trick shots, awarding bonus points for successful bounces off walls or other objects before landing in a cup.
The atmosphere is electric as your teammate lines up their shot, the ping pong ball a projectile of destiny. It flies across the table, a perfect arc… and clink – lands squarely in an opponent’s cup! Both teams scramble, chugging their drinks in a flurry of hurried gulps. You slam your empty cup down, flicking it with a practiced motion… success! Your opponents struggle, their cup stubbornly refusing to flip. A wave of triumph washes over you as they remove a cup from their pyramid, your team one step closer to victory. This is Flong – a game of precision, speed, and the exhilaration of a perfectly executed flip cup.
