Ready to level up your party with the best music drinking games? Get ready to sing, sip, and laugh the night away with a diverse mix of genres from classic rock anthems to modern pop hits and underrated gems! This guide has everything you need to choose the perfect drinking game songs, master some classic and themed games, and most importantly, play responsibly.
I. Best Pop Drinking Game Songs
Get ready to unleash your inner pop star and get the party pumping with these infectious pop anthems! Pop music is practically made for drinking games – with its catchy melodies, upbeat tempos, and singalong choruses, it’s guaranteed to get everyone moving and grooving (and maybe a little tipsy).
Classic Pop:
- “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” – Beyonce: Channel your inner Sasha Fierce and take a sip every time Beyonce says “oh oh oh” or someone busts out their best single ladies dance moves.
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey: Belt out this karaoke favorite and take a sip every time the key changes, someone hits a high note, or a small-town girl/city boy is mentioned.
- “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: This funky track is guaranteed to get everyone on their feet. Take a sip every time Bruno Mars says “doh,” someone busts a move, or the horns section blasts out a catchy riff.
- “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift: Embrace your inner Swiftie and shake off your worries with a sip every time Taylor mentions haters, dancing, or shaking something off.
Modern Hits:
- “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd: Get ready for a night of synth-pop and hazy memories with this atmospheric hit. Take a sip every time The Weeknd hits a high note, mentions the city at night, or the synth beat drops.
- “Bad Guy” – Billie Eilish: This edgy pop anthem is perfect for a more alternative crowd. Take a sip every time Billie Eilish whispers, mentions being a bad guy, or the bass drops.
- “Levitating” – Dua Lipa: Get ready to levitate with this disco-infused pop hit. Take a sip every time Dua Lipa mentions levitating, dancing, or feeling good.
- “Good 4 U” – Olivia Rodrigo: This angsty breakup anthem is perfect for anyone who’s ever been scorned. Take a sip every time Olivia Rodrigo mentions heartbreak, revenge, or being better off without her ex.
Underrated Gems:
- “Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani: This cheer-tastic anthem is perfect for a high-energy drinking game. Take a sip every time Gwen Stefani spells out “B-A-N-A-N-A-S” or someone shouts “hollaback!”
- “Toxic” – Britney Spears: This pop masterpiece is full of catchy hooks and suggestive lyrics. Take a sip every time Britney Spears mentions poison, being addicted to someone, or getting a little bit naughty.
- “Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen: This infectiously catchy song is perfect for a singalong drinking game. Take a sip every time Carly Rae Jepsen says “hey,” mentions calling someone maybe, or the chorus gets stuck in your head.
- “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: This feel-good anthem is all about letting loose and having a good time. Take a sip every time Macklemore mentions not being able to hold him down, the beat drops, or someone starts dancing like nobody’s watching.
Game Ideas:
- Lyrics-based Games: Get creative with the lyrics and create your own drinking rules. For example, take a sip every time a specific word or phrase is sung, or take a shot every time the singer mentions a certain topic.
- Sing-along Challenges: Challenge your friends to a sing-along battle. If someone messes up the lyrics, everyone else takes a sip. Bonus points for dramatic performances and impressive vocal runs.
- Beat Matching: Put your rhythm skills to the test with this simple game. Take a sip every time the beat drops or the song changes tempo. This one’s easy to follow but can get challenging after a few drinks.
II. Classic Rock Anthems for Drinking Games
Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar, crank up the volume, and release some pent-up energy with these classic rock anthems! Nothing gets the party pumping like the iconic riffs and anthemic choruses of classic rock. These timeless tunes are perfect for amping up the atmosphere, encouraging some epic sing-alongs, and creating unforgettable (or maybe slightly blurry) memories with your fellow music lovers.
Must-Haves:
- “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC: This electrifying anthem is guaranteed to get the party started with its iconic opening riff and Angus Young’s signature energy. Challenge your friends to see who can best mimic Angus’s legendary guitar solo – loser takes a shot!
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses: This power ballad is a classic for a reason. Take a sip every time Slash shreds a guitar solo, Axl Rose hits a high note, or someone belts out the “sweet child o’ mine” chorus. Just be careful not to get too emotional and start pouring your heart out.
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen: This epic masterpiece is practically begging for a drinking game. Take a sip every time the song changes tempo, Freddie Mercury hits a high note, or someone mentions Galileo, Figaro, or Scaramouche. Bonus points if you can sing along without messing up the lyrics!
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi: This feel-good anthem is all about overcoming adversity and living your best life. Every time Jon Bon Jovi mentions livin’ on a prayer, Tommy and Gina, or holding on, raise a glass in celebration!
Fun Twists:
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC: This suggestive anthem is perfect for a more adult party. Take a sip every time AC/DC mentions shaking all night long, a woman’s body, or doing something a little bit naughty.
- “Pour Some Sugar on Me” – Def Leppard: This sweet and sticky anthem is sure to get everyone singing along. Take a sip every time Def Leppard mentions sugar, love, or getting hot and heavy.
- “Paradise City” – Guns N’ Roses: This high-energy anthem is perfect for a wild night of partying. Take a sip every time Guns N’ Roses mentions Paradise City, taking a ride, or escaping reality.
- “Jump” – Van Halen: Get ready to jump around with this iconic party anthem. Take a sip every time David Lee Roth screams “jump,” Eddie Van Halen shreds a guitar solo, or someone actually jumps off the couch.
Underdog Champions:
- “Carry on Wayward Son” – Kansas: This epic rock ballad is perfect for a singalong. Take a sip every time the song changes tempo, the violin kicks in, or someone mentions carrying on.
- “Rock You Like A Hurricane” – Scorpions: This hard rock anthem is sure to get the party rocking. Take a sip every time the Scorpions mention a hurricane, rocking you, or feeling the sting.
- “We’re Not Gonna Take It” – Twisted Sister: This rebellious anthem is perfect for a group of friends who are ready to party. Take a sip every time Twisted Sister mentions not taking it, fighting back, or sticking it to the man.
- “We Built This City” – Starship (For ironic fun): This cheesy 80s anthem is perfect for a group of friends who love to poke fun at bad music. Take a sip every time Starship mentions building a city on rock and roll, the radio, or having a good time.
Game Ideas:
- Air Guitar Contests: Channel your inner rock god and have an air guitar competition. Take a sip every time someone drops the air guitar, misses a cue, or looks absolutely ridiculous.
- Power Ballad Challenges: Test your vocal cords with a power ballad sing-off. Take a sip every time the singer hits a high note, the key changes, or someone gets so emotional they start crying.
- Name that Solo: Put your musical knowledge to the test with this challenging game. Players take turns “playing” iconic guitar riffs on air guitar, and the others have to guess the song. If you guess wrong, you take a drink.
III. Hip-Hop Hits to Get the Party Started
Yo, let’s crank up the party with some hip-hop bangers! Nothing gets the energy pumping and the drinks flowing like those infectious beats and killer rhymes. From old-school classics that still make you wanna jump around to modern bops that’ll have you twerking on the table (hopefully not literally, safety first!), this mix of eras has got your drinking game covered.
Old-School Legends:
- “Jump Around” – House of Pain: This one’s a no-brainer. As soon as that iconic intro hits, everyone will be bouncing off the walls – perfect for a “take a sip every time someone jumps” rule.
- “Hypnotize” – The Notorious B.I.G.: Biggie’s smooth flow is like a shot of liquid cool, but the beat is still hype enough to keep the party going. Take a swig every time he says “uhhh” and you’ll be feeling good in no time.
- “It Was a Good Day” – Ice Cube: Even if your day wasn’t as epic as Ice Cube’s, this chill track is perfect for setting a relaxed vibe. Maybe take a sip every time he mentions something good happening – just don’t overdo it if your day was actually terrible.
- “California Love” – 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre: West Coast represent! This anthem is all about good vibes and good times, making it ideal for getting the party started. Take a sip every time they say “California” and you’ll be feeling the love in no time.
Party Starters:
- “Get Low” – Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz: Okay, who can resist getting low when this banger comes on? This one’s practically begging for a “take a sip every time they say ‘get low'” rule – just make sure you can still get back up!
- “In Da Club” – 50 Cent: Go shawty, it’s your birthday! Or even if it’s not, this track is guaranteed to make you feel like celebrating. Take a sip every time 50 Cent says “go shawty” and you’ll be feeling like a baller in no time.
- “Yeah!” – Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris: Yeah! This song is all about getting your groove on and having a good time. With its catchy chorus and high-energy beat, it’s perfect for getting people moving and the drinks flowing. Take a sip every time they say “yeah!” and let the good times roll.
- “Work” – Rihanna ft. Drake: Time to work, work, work, work, work on those drinks! This song’s sexy beat and suggestive lyrics are perfect for a more adult party. Take a sip every time Rihanna says “work” and let the temperature rise.
Modern Bops:
- “Bodak Yellow” – Cardi B: This song is all about confidence and swagger, so channel your inner Cardi B and take a sip every time she brags about her success. Just be careful not to spill your drink while throwing money in the air.
- “Sicko Mode” – Travis Scott: Get ready for a wild ride with this genre-bending banger. Take a sip every time the beat switches or Travis Scott goes off on a tangent – you’ll be feeling sicko mode in no time.
- “Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X: This genre-defying hit is perfect for a diverse crowd. Take a sip every time Lil Nas X mentions horses or cowboys and you’ll be riding high all night long.
- “WAP” – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion (for raucous parties): Okay, this one’s for the wild ones. If you’re not afraid of a little (or a lot) of explicit content, then this song is sure to get the party going. Just be prepared for some seriously NSFW lyrics.
Game Ideas:
- Finish the Lyric: Test your hip-hop knowledge and rapping skills with this challenging game. Play a song and pause it after a line in the verse. The next person has to try to finish the lyric. If they mess up, they take a drink.
- Freestyle Challenge: Pass the “mic” (it can be any object, really) around the circle and have each person freestyle rap for a few lines. If someone stumbles, hesitates, or starts spitting nonsense, they have to take a drink.
- Iconic Phrase Callouts: Choose a few classic hip-hop phrases like “Holla!”, “Throw your hands in the air,” or “Word up” and take a sip every time you hear them in a song. This is a great way to get everyone involved and keep the energy high.
IV. Throwback Drinking Game Jams (80s/90s)
Get ready to dust off those leg warmers and slap bracelets, because we’re taking a trip down memory lane with some epic 80s and 90s throwbacks! These tunes are guaranteed to bring back good times, cheesy dance moves, and maybe even some questionable fashion choices. Crank up the volume, grab your drinks, and let’s get nostalgic!
Pop Powerhouses:
- “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper: This anthem of female empowerment is perfect for getting everyone on their feet and singing along. Take a sip every time you hear the word “fun” and let loose like it’s 1983.
- “Like a Prayer” – Madonna: This iconic track is full of controversy and catchy hooks, making it ideal for a drinking game. Take a sip every time Madonna strikes a pose or mentions religion – just be careful not to choke on your holy water.
- “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins: Time to kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose! This high-energy track is perfect for a dance-heavy drinking game. Take a sip every time someone busts a move or mentions dancing.
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston: Get ready to belt out this classic ballad at the top of your lungs. Take a sip every time Whitney hits a high note or mentions love – you’ll be feeling the power of love (and maybe a little tipsy) in no time.
Rock Classics:
- “You Give Love a Bad Name” – Bon Jovi: This hair metal anthem is perfect for a headbanging drinking game. Take a sip every time Jon Bon Jovi screams, mentions love, or shakes his luscious locks.
- “Back in Black” – AC/DC: This hard rock classic is sure to get the party started. Take a sip every time you hear a guitar riff, Angus Young ducks walk across the stage, or someone mentions hell’s bells.
- “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” – Eurythmics: This synth-pop masterpiece is both eerie and catchy, making it perfect for a spooky drinking game. Take a sip every time Annie Lennox’s voice gets deep and mysterious or someone mentions sweet dreams.
- “Welcome to the Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses: Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar with this iconic anthem. Take a sip every time Axl Rose screams, Slash shreds a guitar solo, or someone mentions the jungle.
Dancefloor Fillers:
- “Never Gonna Give You Up” – Rick Astley: We’re never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, and never gonna stop playing this classic dance track! Take a sip every time Rick Astley promises his undying devotion or someone gets Rickrolled.
- “Wannabe” – Spice Girls: Spice up your life with this girl power anthem! Take a sip every time the Spice Girls mention friendship, girl power, or zig-a-zig-ah.
- “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” – Backstreet Boys: Backstreet’s back, alright! This boy band classic is perfect for a nostalgic singalong. Take a sip every time the Backstreet Boys harmonize, mention love, or show off their synchronized dance moves.
- “The Rhythm is Gonna Get You” – Gloria Estefan: This Latin-infused dance track is guaranteed to get your hips moving. Take a sip every time Gloria Estefan mentions the rhythm, dancing, or the Miami Sound Machine.
Guilty Pleasure Gems:
- “Ice Ice Baby” – Vanilla Ice: Yo, VIP, let’s kick it! This hip-hop classic might be a bit cheesy, but it’s still a lot of fun. Take a sip every time Vanilla Ice says “Ice Ice Baby” or attempts to rap.
- “Barbie Girl” – Aqua: Life in plastic, it’s fantastic! This bubblegum pop hit is perfect for a lighthearted drinking game. Take a sip every time Aqua mentions Barbie, Ken, or life in plastic.
- “Mambo No. 5” – Lou Bega: A little bit of Monica in my life, a little bit of Erica by my side… This catchy Latin dance track is perfect for a large group. Take a sip every time Lou Bega mentions a different woman’s name.
- “MMMBop” – Hanson: MMMBop, ba duba dop, ba du bop, ba duba dop, ba du… You get the idea. This catchy pop song is perfect for a singalong drinking game. Take a sip every time Hanson sings “MMMBop” – just be careful not to get too tipsy and forget the lyrics.
Game Ideas:
- 80s/90s Trivia: Test your knowledge of these iconic decades with some music trivia questions. Ask about artists, song titles, lyrics, and release years. The person with the least correct answers has to take a shot (or maybe just a sip, we don’t want anyone getting too wasted).
- Costume Contest: Encourage your friends to dress up in their best 80s or 90s attire. Think neon colors, leg warmers, ripped jeans, bandanas, and big hair. The person with the most outrageous outfit wins a prize – maybe a shot of their favorite liquor or a cassette tape of their favorite 80s/90s album.
- Sing-off Challenge: Divide your group into two teams: 80s vs. 90s. Each team takes turns singing their favorite songs from their respective decade karaoke-style. The team with the most enthusiastic and accurate performance wins bragging rights (and maybe an extra round of drinks).
V. Country Songs Perfect for Sippin’ and Singin’
Yeehaw! Time to crack open a cold one and crank up some country tunes. Whether you’re looking to get rowdy with your buddies or just chill out and reflect on life’s ups and downs, country music has got you covered. With its relatable stories, catchy melodies, and good-time vibes, it’s the perfect soundtrack for your next drinking game.
Good Time Classics:
- “Friends in Low Places” – Garth Brooks: This honky-tonk anthem is all about embracing your inner rebel and having a good time with your friends, even if you’re feeling down on your luck. Take a swig every time Garth mentions “low places” or someone sings along with that epic chorus.
- “Chattahoochee” – Alan Jackson: This summertime classic is perfect for a laid-back drinking game. Take a sip every time Alan Jackson mentions the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, or doing something wild and crazy. Just be careful not to fall off your inner tube.
- “Redneck Woman” – Gretchen Wilson: This sassy anthem is all about embracing your country roots and not caring what anyone thinks. Take a sip every time Gretchen mentions being a redneck, doing something badass, or rocking a pair of Daisy Dukes.
- “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” – Big & Rich: This party anthem is sure to get everyone on their feet and line dancing. Take a sip every time Big & Rich mention horses, cowboys, or having a good time. Just be careful not to spill your drink while you’re two-stepping.
Modern Hits:
- “Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line: Roll down the windows, crank up the radio, and get ready to sing along with this feel-good anthem. Take a sip every time Florida Georgia Line mentions cruising, summertime, or falling in love.
- “Body Like a Back Road” – Sam Hunt: This smooth and sexy track is perfect for a more intimate drinking game. Take a sip every time Sam Hunt mentions a body part, a back road, or getting hot and heavy with his girl.
- “Beer Never Broke My Heart” – Luke Combs: This relatable anthem is perfect for anyone who’s ever been through a tough breakup. Take a sip every time Luke Combs mentions beer, heartbreak, or moving on. Cheers to that!
- “Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker: This feel-good singalong is perfect for a group sing-along. Take a sip every time Darius Rucker mentions the Carolina coastline, a wagon wheel, or heading south.
Singalong Soul:
- “Jolene” – Dolly Parton: This heartbreaking ballad is perfect for a more emotional drinking game. Take a sip every time Dolly Parton begs Jolene not to steal her man or mentions her own insecurities. Just be prepared to shed a few tears along with those sips.
- “The Gambler” – Kenny Rogers: This storytelling classic is full of life lessons and sage advice. Take a sip every time Kenny Rogers mentions gambling, taking chances, or knowing when to fold ’em.
- “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” – Shania Twain: This empowering anthem is perfect for a girls’ night out. Take a sip every time Shania Twain mentions feeling like a woman, letting loose, or doing something wild and crazy.
- “I Hope You Dance” – Lee Ann Womack: This inspirational ballad is perfect for a reflective drinking game. Take a sip every time Lee Ann Womack mentions hope, dreams, or taking chances.
Game Ideas:
- Finish the Line: Test your knowledge of country music lyrics with this fun game. One person starts singing a line from a famous country song, and the next person has to finish it. If they mess up, they take a drink.
- Country Karaoke: Unleash your inner country star with a karaoke session. Give extra points (or drinks) for heartfelt performances, hilarious fails, and impressive yodeling skills.
- Storytelling Round: Get personal with this storytelling game. Choose a line from a country song and have everyone share a funny or relatable story inspired by that lyric. The person with the best story gets to choose the next song.
VI. Classic Music Drinking Games (with Clear Rules)
Alright, party people, let’s ditch the boring old board games and turn up the fun with some classic music drinking games! These crowd-pleasers are easy to learn, require minimal setup, and guarantee a good time (and maybe a slight headache in the morning).
Game 1: “Never Have I Ever” (Music Edition)
This party favorite gets a musical twist! Get ready to spill some secrets and down some drinks as you discover who’s the ultimate music aficionado (or the biggest poser).
Setup: Everyone starts with a set number of drinks, fingers, or tokens representing “lives.”
Gameplay: Take turns saying “Never have I ever…” followed by a music-related statement. For example, “Never have I ever been to a music festival,” or “Never have I ever cried listening to a power ballad.” If you’ve done the thing mentioned, take a drink and lose a life.
Variations:
- Theme it: Choose a specific genre or era of music to focus your statements on. Feeling nostalgic? Go for 80s hair metal. Want to get a little scandalous? Dive into the world of pop divas.
- Get creative: Use ridiculous or embarrassing music-related prompts for a funnier game. Think “Never have I ever sung into a hairbrush as a microphone” or “Never have I ever pretended to be a rockstar in the shower.”
Game 2: Name That Tune
Think you know your music? Put your knowledge to the test with this classic game of musical trivia. Get ready to hum, sing, and maybe even dance your way to victory.
Setup: Prepare a playlist of song snippets (intros, choruses, etc.). You can tailor the difficulty level based on your group’s musical knowledge. Divide into teams if you have a large group.
Gameplay: Play a song snippet and let the chaos begin! The first player or team to correctly guess the song and artist wins a point. The first to reach a set number of points wins the game (and bragging rights).
Variations:
- Difficulty levels: Use easier or more obscure songs depending on the crowd. Want to make things really challenging? Throw in some instrumental tracks or international hits.
- Team challenges: Have teams sing along or act out the song for extra points. This adds a hilarious twist and allows even those with limited musical knowledge to participate.
Game 3: Roxanne (The Police)
This simple yet effective game requires no preparation – just a good set of lungs and a tolerance for repetition. Get ready to sing along with Sting and see who can last the longest.
Setup: All you need is the song “Roxanne” by The Police.
Gameplay: Start the song and get ready to drink! Every time Sting sings “Roxanne,” everyone takes a sip. The pace will pick up as the song progresses, so be prepared to chug. The last person standing wins (and probably needs a bathroom break).
Variations: Choose a different song with a highly repetitive word or phrase. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen with its numerous “Galileo”s is a popular choice.
So there you have it, folks – three classic music drinking games to get your party started. Remember to drink responsibly, have fun, and may the best music lover win!
