Are you ready to duel with drinks and rap your way through history? Whether you’re a die-hard Hamilton fan or just looking for an excuse to rewatch Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece, this drinking game will take your night to the next level.
With catchy lyrics, emotional ballads, and more historical references than your high school textbooks, Hamilton is the perfect musical to turn into a game. But be warned—these characters talk fast, and the shots can add up quickly. That’s why we’ve designed multiple ways to play, whether you want a casual sip-along or a full-fledged Revolutionary War-style challenge.
Before we get started, a quick disclaimer: Drink responsibly. Know your limits, pace yourself, and consider trying the non-alcoholic version if you just want to enjoy the game without the hangover. Now grab your favorite beverage, and let’s raise a glass to freedom!
Table of Contents
How to Play the Hamilton Drinking Game
The concept is simple: Watch Hamilton, follow the drinking prompts, and enjoy the show. You can play solo, with a small group, or turn it into a full-on Hamilton party.
What You’ll Need
- A copy of Hamilton (Disney+ version or the soundtrack)
- Your favorite drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Snacks to keep you fueled
- Friends who know the words (optional but highly recommended)
Basic Rules
- Take a sip, two sips, or finish your drink based on specific triggers in the show.
- Choose your difficulty level: Light (only major moments) or Hardcore (every possible drinking opportunity).
- Stay hydrated and don’t overdo it—Hamilton is a long musical, and you want to make it to the end.
Official Hamilton Drinking Game Rules
Take a Sip When…
- A new song begins
- Hamilton writes something
- A character drinks on stage
- Angelica makes a sacrifice for Eliza
- Someone references money (“Ten-dollar founding father”)
Take Two Sips When…
- Someone says “I am not throwing away my shot!”
- Burr breaks the fourth wall
- King George enters with his crown and cape
- Hamilton talks about his legacy
- There’s a reference to “New York”
Finish Your Drink If…
- A duel takes place
- A main character dies
- The show ends
If you’re playing on Hardcore mode, be prepared—this game can get intense fast.
Wild Hamilton Drinking Game Variations
If you want to take things up a notch, these unique variations will make your Hamilton drinking game even more unpredictable and fun.
1. The “Burr-vivor” Challenge
Aaron Burr plays the long game, so this variation is all about endurance. Each player picks one main character (Hamilton, Burr, Eliza, etc.), and whenever your chosen character speaks or sings, you take a sip. If your character dies or gets publicly humiliated (looking at you, Burr), you must take a full shot. Last one standing wins.
2. “The Duel of the Century” Mode
Every time a duel scene happens, pause the show. Two players face off in a Rock-Paper-Scissors battle. The loser takes a shot and has to dramatically reenact their “death”. Extra points if you collapse onto the floor in slow motion while whispering “I’m sorry, Theodosia…”
3. The King George Power Hour
Give the classic Power Hour game a Hamilton twist! Every time King George sings “Da da da da daaaa”, take a sip. If you can make it through all of “You’ll Be Back”, “What Comes Next”, and “I Know Him” without needing a break, you earn the title of Official Royal Drinker of England. Bonus rule: Stand up and do a dramatic royal wave every time he appears.
4. The Lafayette Speed Round
During “Guns and Ships”, players must try to rap along with Lafayette. Whoever messes up first takes a shot. If you actually make it through the verse flawlessly, everyone else has to drink in your honor. Good luck—this one will test both your liver and your linguistic skills.
5. “The Room Where It Happened” Mystery Drink
At the start of the game, one player secretly mixes a mystery drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and hides it. When “The Room Where It Happens” plays, everyone must take a sip from the mystery drink without knowing what’s inside. It could be something delicious… or something you instantly regret.
6. “The Schuyler Sip-Sters” Rule
Whenever the Schuyler sisters sing “Work!”, every player must take a sip while dramatically striking a power pose. If you don’t do the pose, you have to take two extra drinks.
7. “My Shot” Challenge Mode
Every time anyone says “shot”, “take a shot”, or “I’m not throwing away my shot”, you must take a shot. (Spoiler: You will not survive this game. Do not attempt unless playing with water.)
8. “The Hamilton Scandal” Tabloid Edition
Whenever someone is publicly shamed, exposed, or involved in drama (Maria Reynolds affair, Jefferson mocking Hamilton, etc.), everyone must dramatically gasp and take a sip. Bonus rule: Whoever reacts the most theatrically can give out an extra drink to another player.
9. The “We Know” Interrogation Game
During “We Know”, one person is assigned to be Hamilton, and the rest of the group plays Jefferson, Madison, and Burr. The group must grill Hamilton about their last embarrassing drunk decision. If Hamilton successfully dodges the question, everyone else takes a sip. If they confess, Hamilton takes the sip instead.
10. “Helpless” Love Connection Round
Whenever a love song plays (Helpless, Satisfied, Wait for It), the last person to dramatically swoon or blow a kiss to another player has to drink.
Safe & Fun Alternative Ways to Play Hamilton game
Not everyone wants to go full Revolutionary War mode. Here are some fun variations to keep the game exciting while staying safe.
Non-Alcoholic Versions
- Use water, soda, or juice for a fun, family-friendly experience.
- Turn it into a fitness challenge: Do five squats instead of taking a shot.
Adjust the Difficulty
- Light Mode: Only drink on big moments (duels, deaths, and King George appearances).
- Hardcore Mode: Every name drop, every toast, every time Hamilton writes something.
Team Play
- Assign characters: If you’re Hamilton, drink when he speaks. If you’re Burr, drink when he gives advice.
Hamilton-Themed Party Ideas
A drinking game is great, but why not take it up a notch with a full Hamilton-themed night?
Cocktail Ideas
- The Burr Bourbon Smash – A whiskey-based drink with a bit of a bite.
- The Schuyler Sister Sangria – A sweet and sophisticated drink to match their elegance.
- The Founding Fathers’ Fizz – A colonial-inspired gin cocktail.
Dress-Up Suggestions
Encourage guests to come as their favorite Hamilton character. Bonus points for period-accurate costumes.
Extra Activities
- Hamilton karaoke (try rapping “Guns and Ships” after a few drinks)
- Trivia contests to test your knowledge
- A dance-off to “The Room Where It Happens”
Revolutionary War Cocktails: Themed Drinks Inspired by Hamilton
If you’re going to drink, why not do it in true Hamilton style? Forget boring beer—these custom cocktails will make your Hamilton night feel like a true Broadway-worthy experience.
1. The Burr Betrayal
For those who love a bittersweet twist
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz Campari (for that sharp, traitorous bite)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
- Stir with ice and serve in a glass with a knowing smirk.
2. The Schuyler Sister Sangria
For when you want something classy and refreshing
- 1 bottle of white wine (Angelica-approved)
- ½ cup brandy (Eliza brings the strength)
- 1 cup chopped fruit (Peggy… exists)
- Splash of club soda
- Stir, let sit for an hour, and enjoy while shouting “WORK!”
3. The King George Royal Punch
For anyone who wants to rule the party
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup
- 2 oz sparkling wine
- Serve in a fancy glass, sip smugly, and remind your friends “You’ll be back”.
4. My Shot Espresso Martini
For when you refuse to throw away your shot… or your energy levels.
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz espresso
- ½ oz coffee liqueur
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Shake with ice, serve in a martini glass, and prepare to talk way too fast for the rest of the night.
Mix these up before the game starts, and let the Hamilton-themed chaos begin.
Drunk History: The Real Historical from Revolutionary War
Ever wondered how much of Hamilton is actually true? Well, let’s fact-check it—drunkenly.
1. The Real Alexander Hamilton vs. Lin-Manuel’s Version
- In the musical: Hamilton is a broke orphan from the Caribbean.
- In real life: His family was wealthier than the musical suggests, but he still faced hardship.
2. Did Angelica Really Love Hamilton?
- In the musical: She sacrifices her love for Hamilton to protect Eliza.
- In real life: Angelica was already married when she met Hamilton.
3. The Reynolds Pamphlet Drama
- In the musical: Hamilton dramatically ruins his career by publishing The Reynolds Pamphlet.
- In real life: Yep, he actually did that. And yes, it was just as dumb as it sounds.
Turning Hamilton into Drunk History is the perfect way to laugh, debate, and argue over the wildest details of America’s past. But if you’re a fan of high-stakes treasure hunts and American Revolutionary War history, why stop at Hamilton? Pair this game with a National Treasure drinking game for the ultimate Founding Fathers double feature! Both feature historical conspiracies, dramatic monologues, and a whole lot of references to Alexander Hamilton—so whether you’re belting out “My Shot” or deciphering hidden clues with Nicolas Cage, you’ll be toasting to freedom all night long.
Fan-Favorite Hamilton Games from Social Media
1. Reddit’s Most Popular Rules
Fans on Reddit have debated whether this game is even possible with alcohol, given how often key phrases repeat. Some suggest playing with shots of beer instead of hard liquor to make it through the entire show.
2. TikTok Challenges
On TikTok, users post reaction videos showing how fast they get tipsy. The most common issue? Underestimating how often Hamilton’s name gets mentioned.
3. Twitter Debates
Some fans say the drinking game is “the fastest way to pass out,” while others argue that it’s a test of endurance. The consensus? Pace yourself, or you’ll be out by “Satisfied.”
Have your own rules or a fun experience with the game? Share them in the comments or tag your Hamilton party on social media. Let’s see who can last through the revolution without throwing away their shot.