Sip Like a Local: International Drinking Rules and Fun Party Games

Get ready to take your drinking game global! With international drinking rules and quirky customs from around the world, every toast becomes a mini cultural adventure. Whether you’re hosting or traveling, these fun rules and games will bring a fresh twist to every glass raised – cheers to that!

What Are International Drinking Rules?

International drinking rules bring a playful structure to gatherings, whether it’s a house party, hostel meet-up, or local pub night. They introduce light-hearted regulations like “no pointing” or “no swearing” – simple commands that lead to unexpected laughs. The goal? To connect people across different backgrounds through a common set of “rules” that everyone can follow, no matter where they’re from. While these rules are pretty universal, regional twists make them even more interesting, reflecting local customs and attitudes toward social drinking. Let’s dive into the most popular ones!

Classic International Drinking Game Rules

Universal Drinking Rules Everyone Can Follow

1. No Pointing – If you point, you drink! This rule keeps you mindful of gestures.
2. Dominant Hand Only – Use your non-dominant hand to sip, or pay the price (take a drink).
3. No Swearing – Every curse word equals a drink.
4. No Names Allowed – If you address someone by their name, you’re taking a penalty sip.

Funny and Unique Drinking Rules

Some rules are just there to make everyone laugh, like “No saying ‘drink’” – good luck sticking to that one! Or how about “You must cheer with eye contact” to add a little extra social pressure? Unique, fun rules like these bring out personalities, quirks, and guaranteed laughs.

Interactive Rules for Group Fun

Interactive rules build engagement in the game. Popular ones include:

• Cheers with Eye Contact – Keep those eyes locked, or you’ll be the next to drink.
• Challenge Another Player – Pick any rule and challenge a friend. If they mess up, it’s an instant drink penalty.

Cultural Drinking Etiquette Around the World

When it comes to drinking around the world, different cultures bring unique traditions, customs, and rules that turn a simple act of sharing a drink into a meaningful gesture. Here’s a look at some notable customs to keep in mind:

• China: Always serve the elders first as a sign of respect, and avoid drinking before they do. Toasting frequently throughout the meal is common and encouraged to enhance the social bond.
• Cuba: It’s customary to save the first pour of rum for the saints by spilling a bit on the ground. Known as “giving it to the earth,” this practice honors ancestors and brings blessings for the gathering.
• Denmark: When raising a glass, make eye contact with everyone involved before taking a sip. This simple gesture signals friendliness and respect in Danish culture.
• Germany: Keep your reach free of others when toasting. Crossing arms with someone else’s drink can bring bad luck, and maintaining individual space while clinking adds to the tradition’s formality.
• Hungary: Avoid clinking glasses altogether, especially with beer. According to legend, this tradition stems from a historical grievance, and Hungarians still follow it to honor their ancestors.
• Ireland: Never ask for a “Black & Tan.” Instead, order a “half and half” to avoid offending locals, as “Black & Tan” has historical connotations related to conflict.
• Japan: Tips are considered unnecessary and even rude; it’s seen as a sign of respect for the establishment to not leave extra money. Instead, show your gratitude through polite gestures.
• Korea: In Korean drinking culture, it’s polite to fill up your friends’ glasses, not your own. Pouring drinks for each other shows camaraderie and respect, especially in a social setting.
• Poland: In Poland, vodka is typically drunk in a single gulp after a toast of “Na zdrowie!” It’s almost a ritual, and sipping vodka here may raise a few eyebrows.
• Russia: You can never put an empty bottle back on the table; it’s a bad omen, meaning you’re done for the night! Instead, empty bottles are placed on the floor.
• Spain: Avoid crossing arms or glasses when making a toast, as it’s considered unlucky. Additionally, Spaniards often toast with the phrase “Salud!” (meaning “health”). Another tradition is to take small sips and enjoy drinks alongside tapas, which emphasizes savoring the experience rather than drinking quickly.
• Thailand: In Thai culture, don’t start drinking until the most senior person in the group takes the first sip. This custom demonstrates respect for hierarchy and elders.
• Turkey: Clinking glasses is essential, especially at the bottom of the glass. Turks believe it reinforces a shared sense of friendship and respect among drinkers.

Each of these customs highlights the values and traditions embedded in social drinking worldwide, transforming a casual act into a cultural experience filled with meaning and respect.

The Best Local Drinks to Try

Sampling local drinks is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in another culture. Here are some traditional beverages that offer both flavor and a taste of cultural heritage:

• Brazil – Caipirinha: This refreshing cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar, and lime, is Brazil’s national drink and embodies the country’s vibrant beach culture. Sip it on a warm night to feel like a local.
• Peru – Pisco Sour: A cocktail made from pisco (a type of brandy), lime juice, egg white, and bitters. This drink is as beloved in Peru as it is in Chile, where there’s a lively debate over who invented it!
• Ethiopia – Tej: A traditional honey wine enjoyed in Ethiopia, tej is often flavored with leaves from the gesho tree, giving it a distinct flavor. It’s typically served in a round glass called a berele.
• Italy – Aperol Spritz: In Italy, especially around Venice, an Aperol spritz is a classic aperitivo drink made with Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda. It’s a refreshing way to start an evening with friends.
• Japan – Sake: Sake, or rice wine, is a traditional Japanese drink served at everything from formal events to casual gatherings. Try it warm or chilled depending on the season, and don’t forget to pour for others!

These drinks are not only delicious but also carry cultural stories that make every sip a new experience.

Drinking Myths from Around the World

Every culture has its quirks and superstitions, and drinking traditions are no exception. Here are some of the more unusual beliefs about drinking:

• Russia – Never Mix Vodka with Water: Russians believe that diluting vodka with water is a bad omen, possibly because it’s seen as “watering down” life itself. Stick with vodka straight to keep the good vibes!
• Hungary – No Cheers with Beer: Legend has it that Hungarian patriots avoid clinking beer glasses, a superstition linked to historical battles. Even today, some Hungarians will not toast with beer.
• Argentina – Always Pour with the Right Hand: In Argentina, it’s considered bad luck to pour wine with your left hand, which can be seen as disrespectful to those present.
• Italy – Don’t Cross Arms While Toasting: Italians are big on respecting personal space and avoiding bad omens, so crossing arms while making a toast is considered bad luck.
• China – Never Pour with a Single Hand: In China, pouring with two hands shows respect and appreciation, particularly when offering a drink to someone older or of higher status.

Fun Party Games to Play Anywhere

These globally inspired drinking games require minimal supplies, making them perfect for travelers, parties, or gatherings with friends. Whether you’re on the go or just want to keep things simple, these games bring the fun and cultural flair from different parts of the world, no matter where you are.

1. High or Low

• How to Play: This card game, also known as Around the World, is as simple as it gets! Players take turns guessing whether the next card drawn from the deck will be higher or lower than the previous one. Guess wrong, and you drink. For an extra twist, assign additional rules to face cards or jokers.
• Why It’s Fun: High or Low is quick, easy to set up, and keeps everyone engaged as they test their luck. All you need is a deck of cards and a bit of intuition!

2. Twenty One 

• How to Play: Players sit in a circle and take turns counting from 1 to 21. The player who lands on 21 must take a drink and make a new rule for one of the numbers (e.g., “for 3, say ‘buzz’ instead”). Each time the game reaches 21, a new rule is added, and if anyone breaks a rule, they drink and the count restarts at 1.
• Why It’s Fun: 21 drinking game is a fun and fast-paced game that tests everyone’s memory and concentration as the rules stack up. It’s easy to set up and brings plenty of laughs as players struggle to keep track of the increasingly wild rules!

3. King’s Cup 

• How to Play: A deck of cards is spread around a central cup, known as the “King’s Cup.” Each card number has a corresponding rule: for example, drawing a “2” might mean “you” (choose someone to drink), “4” could mean “floor” (everyone touches the floor, last one drinks), and so on. When a player draws a King, they add some of their drink to the King’s Cup. The player who draws the final King must drink the entire cup!
• Why It’s Fun: King’s Cup offers endless possibilities for creativity with its rules, making it easy to personalize the game to the crowd and keep everyone engaged.

4. Cardinal Puff

• How to Play: This drinking game is all about precision and memory. Players chant the phrases “Here’s to the honor of Cardinal Puff, for the first time tonight, I drink to Cardinal Puff.” They take one drink and tap the table once with each hand and foot. For the second round, they repeat the chant with “second time” and double the gestures, tapping twice, and so on. Each time a player messes up the chant or actions, they start over and drink!
• Why It’s Fun: Cardinal Puff combines memory, concentration, and coordination, leading to endless laughter as players inevitably make mistakes. This is perfect for small, engaged groups who want a fun challenge.

5. Thumper 

• How to Play: Thumper is a high-energy game perfect for groups! To start, players sit in a circle and each chooses a unique hand gesture, such as clapping, snapping, or waving. The game begins with everyone drumming their hands on the table in rhythm while chanting, “What’s the name of the game? Thumper! Why do we play? To get f****d up!” The first player does their chosen hand gesture, followed by the gesture of another player. That player then repeats their own gesture and adds another, and so on. If anyone misses the beat, hesitates, or forgets a gesture, they drink!
• Why It’s Fun: Thumper is fast-paced, hilarious, and full of surprises as players try to remember each other’s gestures while keeping up with the rhythm. It’s a fantastic icebreaker and perfect for lively groups looking to add some fun and silliness to the night!

6. APT (Apartment Drinking Game)

• How to Play: A korean drinking game that starts by chanting “Apateu, apateu, apateu…” while making rhythmic hand gestures. After the chant, players stack hands one on top of the other in a pile. The leader then calls out a number, which should be less than or equal to the total hands in the stack. Players remove their hands one by one in order, trying to time their removal to the called-out number. The player who is last to remove their hand on the chosen number drinks.
• Why It’s Fun: APT is rhythmic, social, and easy to play without props, making it great for parties or casual nights with friends. With its rising popularity thanks to Rosé, it’s become a new Korean party staple that’s sweeping the world. Check out “Korean Drinking Game”, you’ll get 12 most popular drinking games in Korea.

7. Captain Buff

How to Play: This Dutch-inspired drinking game combines memory, coordination, and hilarity. Players take turns following a precise sequence: raising their glass, saying “I drink to the good fortune of Captain Buff,” taking a specified number of sips, tapping the table, standing up and sitting down, and saluting. Each round increases in complexity as the number of actions grows. Mess up the sequence or forget the words? Start over and drink!

Why It’s Fun: Captain Buff combines Dutch tradition with hilarious party chaos. The escalating sequence keeps players on their toes, creating laughter and unforgettable moments with its mix of actions, phrases, and cultural flair!

Global Drinking Game Variations

These inventive twists on global drinking games combine humor, cultural inspiration, and just a bit of “wild card” fun. Here’s a set of unique drinking games you can play with friends that bring out the laughs, the quirks, and the cultural connections we all share.

1. Passport Roulette

• How to Play: Each player writes down a country and a traditional drink on a piece of paper, then tosses them into a bowl. Players take turns drawing a paper slip, and whatever they pull becomes the “country of the round.” Every player must take a drink based on that country’s traditional drink (or the closest available substitute!). If someone draws their own country, they take a penalty sip.
• Why It’s Fun: This game is a boozy tour around the world! It keeps things surprising and lets players try new drinks they might not have considered.

2. Language Slip-Up

• How to Play: Choose a few simple phrases from different languages, like “Cheers” or “Hello,” and assign a phrase to each player. Every time someone forgets to say their designated phrase before drinking, they take a penalty drink. If anyone tries to say it with the wrong accent or in an especially dramatic way, they can force someone else to drink.
• Why It’s Fun: This game encourages a mix of international flair, silly accents, and dramatic performances. It’s great for groups who don’t mind a little (okay, a lot of) friendly teasing!

3. Around the World in 80 Sips

• How to Play: Create a spinner or use an online app that randomly selects a country. Each time a player spins, they have to mimic a drinking custom from that country. For example, if they spin Japan, they need to pour a friend’s drink and wait to toast. If they spin Russia, they have to clink glasses and yell “Na zdorovie!” (for health).
• Why It’s Fun: This game combines fun with a little cultural education, and each turn is a surprise as everyone takes on different customs.

4. International Charades

• How to Play: Each player gets a card with a different country and a traditional drink (e.g., “Ireland – Guinness,” “Mexico – Tequila”). Without speaking, players must act out the drink and country on their card. Whoever guesses correctly takes a sip with the performer. If no one guesses correctly, the performer drinks alone!
• Why It’s Fun: Between miming the drinks and embodying cultural stereotypes (in good fun!), this game leads to lots of laughs and creative performances.

5. Time Traveler Toast

• How to Play: Each player acts as though they’re in a different decade or historical period, adopting the drinking customs and phrases of that time. For instance, a player in “Ancient Rome” might say “To Bacchus!” before drinking. If anyone slips and uses a phrase from the wrong era, they take a drink. Periodic “time jumps” can also switch everyone’s assigned time period, adding chaos!
• Why It’s Fun: It’s like historical cosplay, but with drinks! Expect hilarious improvisations as players try to stay in character and remember each era’s customs.

6. Spicy Globe Challenge

• How to Play: Assign a spicy drink or snack to different countries (like a spicy Michelada for Mexico or wasabi for Japan). Whenever someone makes a mistake (like forgetting to cheer in eye contact), they have to add spice to their drink or take a small bite. Another twist is letting players “donate” their spice to others as a penalty for losing a mini-game.
• Why It’s Fun: This game is for adventurous drinkers and brings a fiery kick! It adds a wild element, as players must be on their toes to avoid the spice penalties.

7. World Record Binge Bingo

• How to Play: Before starting, come up with wild records from around the world, like “most hugs in a minute” or “fastest time peeling an orange.” Every time someone drinks, they must attempt to break one of these records on the spot. Success means they get to nominate someone else to take a drink.
• Why It’s Fun: This game mixes feats of skill (or lack thereof) with global trivia, making each round unpredictable. The records make for hilarious attempts, especially when the “champion” selects the next unlucky drinker.

8. Geo-Twister

• How to Play: Tape a large world map to the floor, or use a Twister board if available. Players take turns spinning a wheel to determine their body part and region (e.g., “left hand on Europe” or “right foot on South America”). If someone stumbles or falls, they drink. Add regional rules like “shout ‘Cheers!’ in the language of the country you land on” for an extra twist.
• Why It’s Fun: It’s Twister with a cultural twist! This game adds physical comedy and plenty of mix-ups, while players laugh and struggle to keep their balance.

9. The Globe-Trotter’s Gauntlet

• How to Play: Set up stations around the room, each representing a country with a different drink and drinking rule (e.g., “France – sip wine with pinky up,” “Ireland – cheers and then drink without using hands”). Players rotate through each station, following each rule, and anyone who breaks a rule has to start the gauntlet over.
• Why It’s Fun: This game is like an obstacle course with drinks, challenging everyone’s memory and coordination. It’s ideal for groups that love a bit of (semi-sober) athleticism!

10. UNESCO World Cheers Challenge

• How to Play: Players take turns pulling from a deck of global landmarks or UNESCO sites, with each card carrying a cheers tradition or phrase from that location. The player must perform the cheers custom correctly (like shouting “Prost!” for Germany or doing a toast with eye contact for Denmark) or take a penalty drink.
• Why It’s Fun: This game turns global heritage sites into party starters, bringing a touch of culture and a dash of competition. It’s as informative as it is entertaining, and it makes toasts a world-traveling experience.

Exploring the world’s drinking rules and games lets us experience the many ways cultures celebrate, connect, and have fun. From Ireland’s no-nonsense “half and half” orders to Japan’s respectful toasting customs, each tradition brings something unique to the table. And with games like the APT chant or Time Traveler Toast, you’ll never run out of ways to keep the night interesting. So the next time you raise a glass, add a twist with these global inspirations – and remember, it’s not just about the drink, but the cheers, the laughs, and the memories along the way!