Top Online Drinking Games: Fun Virtual Ideas for Adults

Online Drinking Games: Creative Fun for Remote Parties

Digital hangouts and virtual parties have become a staple for staying connected with friends and colleagues across distances. Online drinking games add an entertaining twist to video calls, helping break the ice, share laughs, and create memorable moments—even when you’re miles apart. Below, explore an extensive guide to the most popular online drinking games, their rules, how to play remotely, and essential safety advice.

Why Try Online Drinking Games?

• Connect with friends or coworkers during virtual gatherings.
• Spice up remote celebrations, including birthdays, holidays, or casual meetups.
• Bring classic party games to a digital space—no need for physical cards, cups, or props.
• Easily adapt for various group sizes and preferences, making them perfect for any adult age group.

How to Play Drinking Games Online

Online drinking games typically use videoconferencing platforms—like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet—alongside a shared set of rules, digital aids (such as randomizers, card generators, or game sites), and drinks of your choice. Many games require only conversation and imagination, while others need virtual tools.

• Set up a video call: All participants need access to the same videoconference.
• Prepare your beverage: Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, according to choice and comfort.
• Pick a game: Choose from the list below according to group preferences and mood.
• Review the rules: Make sure everyone understands how the game works.
• Play responsibly: Set limits, pace the rounds, and respect everyone’s boundaries.

Best Online Drinking Games to Try

Here are top online drinking games—with rules, setup tips, and recommendations—perfect for virtual parties and remote gatherings.

1. Never Have I Ever (Online Edition)

This classic game translates seamlessly to video calls. One player says something they’ve never done (“Never have I ever…”), and those who’ve done it take a drink. The game works well for discovering hilarious or unexpected facts about friends.

• Designate a host to keep things moving.
• Use a digital spinner or question list for inspiration.
• Players take turns sharing statements.
• Optionally, tally scores or play elimination rounds for added competition.

2. Ring of Fire / Kings Cup (Virtual)

Traditionally a card-based drinking game, ‘Ring of Fire’ is easy to adapt online by using digital card platforms. Each card corresponds to a rule, with iconic choices like ‘Waterfall’, ‘Thumbmaster’, or ‘Question Master.’ Everyone follows the rules based on the cards drawn.

For online play, use a virtual deck app and screen share. Announce card actions and keep a running chat to track who’s supposed to drink.

3. Drunk Pirate

This web-based drinking game generates random prompts for players—anything from “best dressed player drinks” to group challenges. Play multiple rounds, and skip any prompts that don’t suit your team for workplace or family settings.

• Visit the Drunk Pirate website or similar game generator.
• Each round, a player receives a prompt and follows instructions.
• Great for spontaneous fun; prompts are updated regularly.

4. Ride the Bus

A multi-round card game that’s ideal for online play with a virtual deck. Players must predict cards—red/black, higher/lower, inside/outside value, suit. Wrong guesses mean you drink; correct guesses let you nominate someone else.

• Use a screen-shared deck of cards.
• Each player takes a turn guessing card specifics through four progressive rounds.
• At the final round, correct guesses allow you to assign drinks; incorrect means you drink.

5. Flip Cup (Zoom Edition)

A relay-style game—players compete to drink quickly and flip their cup upside down, then pass the baton to the next teammate. Ideal for breaking the ice and adding high-energy fun.

• Split participants into two teams.
• Place cups in view of the camera on a sturdy table.
• Players drink, flip, and tag the next teammate.
• The first team to finish wins; losing team drinks extra.

6. Online Safari

Perfect for pet owners or animal lovers on Zoom. The only rule: Spot an animal on camera, take a drink. Add layers—drink twice for shy pets, or bottoms up if a pet causes chaos like knocking over a cup.

• Keep eyes open for unplanned animal appearances.
• Make up extra rules based on group creativity.

7. Synonyms

This fast-paced vocabulary game challenges players to name synonyms for a starter word. Hesitation or repetition means you sip your drink and start a new round. Fun for wordsmiths and quick thinkers.

• One player says a word—(“happy” for example).
• Next person names a synonym (“joyful”), continuing in order.
• If someone hesitates or repeats a word, they drink and begin a new round with a new starter word.

8. Rhymes

Similar to synonyms, but instead of listing related words, participants name words that rhyme with the chosen starter. Increase complexity by making full rhyming lines or couplets.

• Start with a word (“cat”).
• Each player adds a rhyming term (“hat”, “bat”, etc.).
• The first player to pause or repeat must drink.

9. Would You Rather

This game asks players to choose between two quirky, challenging, or silly scenarios. The twist: the team with the least popular answer drinks, or the player who gives the best reasoning gets to assign a drink.

• Prepare a list of “Would You Rather” questions.
• Examples: “Win the lottery or land your dream job?” “Never have to clean again or never have to cook again?”
• Group votes on their preference; minority or best reasoning decides drinks.

10. This or That

Easily adapted to remote play, ‘This or That’ involves one player prompting the group to pick their favorite of two options. Everyone votes—those in the minority drink. Share answers aloud or via chat, and keep rounds moving for maximum fun.

• Examples: “Cats or dogs?”, “Beach or woods?”, “Comedy or drama?”
• The group votes; team with fewer votes takes a drink.
• A fast way to learn about friends’ preferences.

11. Truth or Drink

An online spin on the popular party game. Each player is asked a personal (but respectful) question; if they refuse to answer truthfully, they must drink instead. The game is especially popular with close friends or during late-night video calls.

• Pick a game master or rotate turns asking questions.
• If you don’t want to answer, take a drink.
• Set respectful boundaries and avoid uncomfortable questions.

Virtual Card Games with Drinking Rules

Many traditional card games are now playable online with apps or platforms tailored for remote play. Popular choices include:

• Ring of Fire / Kings Cup: Adapts to any group size and lets players create house rules.
• Ride the Bus: Focuses on prediction and luck, with rounds increasing in difficulty and drinks.
• Online Poker Night: Add creativity—players with the lowest hand could drink a penalty sip.
• Uno Online: Add house rules—wild card triggers a group drink; skipped turn means sipping.

Games for All Group Sizes and Settings

• Small groups: Try ‘Would You Rather’, ‘Never Have I Ever’, or ‘Truth or Drink’ for intimate conversation.
• Large parties: ‘Flip Cup’, ‘Ring of Fire’, and ‘Drunk Pirate’ are high-energy and inclusive.
• Workplace or mixed company: Choose games with flexible prompts or allow for non-alcoholic participation.

Safety Tips for Online Drinking Games

• Set limits: Pace your drinking rounds; alternate with water breaks.
• Alcohol-free options: Anyone can participate with juice, soda, or snacks in place of alcohol.
• Respect boundaries: Never pressure anyone to drink; every rule can have a non-drinking alternative.
• Avoid sensitive topics: Steer clear of embarrassing or overly personal questions.
• Plan for responsible fun: End the game at a set time and encourage safe choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do I need to play online drinking games?

Most games require a video call platform (Zoom, Skype, etc.), drinks (alcoholic, or any beverage), and a willingness to have fun. Some games may benefit from virtual card apps or randomizer websites.

Can online drinking games be played without alcohol?

Absolutely! Substitute alcoholic drinks with juice, soda, or snacks. The main goal is laughter and engagement, not intoxication.

Is there an ideal group size for these games?

Games like ‘Would You Rather’ work for any group size, while relay games (‘Flip Cup’) and action games (‘Ring of Fire’) work best for at least four players. Adapt rules for your group as needed.

What online platforms work best?

Any stable video call program—Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams—is suitable. For game randomizers or card apps, screen sharing enhances clarity.

How do I make the games suitable for workplace events?

Focus on games with conversation-based prompts and provide non-alcoholic participation options. Always skip any unsuitable questions or rounds.

How do I keep the game inclusive?

Encourage everyone to join at their comfort level—including those choosing not to drink. Use snacks, water, or other ‘penalties’ that suit all members.

Conclusion: Fun, Connection & Responsible Play

Online drinking games bring people together for laughter, friendly challenges, and a break from routine—whether for remote parties, team-building, or casual chats. With dozens of classic and creative options, you’re sure to find games that suit your group. Always play responsibly, respect choices, and let the good times roll!

Author

Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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