Some movie nights call for popcorn and soda. Others demand adventure, conspiracy, and a solid National Treasure Drinking Game to go along with it. If you’re a fan of National Treasure (2004), you already know it’s the perfect mix of historical drama, wild theories, and Nicolas Cage delivering iconic lines with absolute conviction. And since rumors of National Treasure 3 are swirling, this game is perfect for celebrating the return of everyone’s favorite treasure-hunting historian.
Whether you’re a fan of treasure hunting games or just looking for a fun way to spice up your next movie night, this drinking game will turn every history lesson, clue-solving moment, and over-the-top Nicolas Cage performance into a party!
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How to Play: The National Treasure Drinking Game Rules
All you need is:
✔ Your drink of choice (beer, cocktails, shots, or even themed drinks—maybe a Declaration Daiquiri?)
✔ Any National Treasure movie (yes, even the Edge of History TV show if you’re feeling brave)
✔ A sense of adventure, and maybe a map
Take One Sip When…
- Ben Gates dramatically removes his glasses to examine a clue.
- Someone mentions the Declaration of Independence.
- Riley Poole says something sarcastic (bonus sip if it’s actually helpful).
- There’s an unnecessary explosion.
- The FBI/CIA/some other government agency gets involved.
- Someone says “We need to find [INSERT HISTORICAL ARTIFACT HERE]!”
- A real historical figure is name-dropped like everyone should already know them.
Take Two Sips When…
- They break into a government building or museum.
- Someone spots an impossible-to-see clue with the naked eye.
- A U.S. president is directly referenced.
- Ben Gates disguises himself or pretends to be someone else.
- A treasure is revealed but not actually taken (WHY do they always leave it behind?!).
- The villain dramatically explains their evil plan instead of just winning.
- There’s a dramatic car chase through a historic location.
Take Three Sips When…
- Someone figures out a clue that makes NO sense in real life.
- Abigail Chase gets mad at Ben but ultimately helps him anyway.
- Riley Poole is actually right about something.
- A trap is triggered but miraculously doesn’t kill them.
- The movie awkwardly zooms in on an old document or engraving for dramatic effect.
Finish Your Drink If…
- They actually find the treasure!
- Ben Gates gives a long-winded historical speech.
- The FBI lets them go without consequences.
- Someone makes a toast or drinks in the movie (yes, even bad guys count).
- A major historical landmark gets destroyed and no one seems that upset about it.
Extra Drink for National Treasure 3 (2024) (When It Exists!)
- The new villain is related to an old villain.
- A new character is introduced as “the next Ben Gates.”
- Riley Poole starts a podcast about treasure hunting.
- Nicolas Cage does a crazy stunt himself.
- A real-life secret society is involved (Illuminati? Freemasons? WHO KNOWS?!)
- The treasure is somehow bigger than in National Treasure 2.
Bonus Game: Civil War Beer Pong
Want to keep the National Treasure vibes going? Try Civil War Beer Pong—a fast-paced, strategic twist on beer pong where you defend your cups like a battle. Perfect for those who think they could strategize like Ben Gates while under pressure!
Wild Variations of the National Treasure Drinking Game
1. The Founding Fathers Challenge
(For Those Who Think They Could Have Signed the Constitution in 1776)
Each player must pick a Founding Father (or a major character from the film). Whenever their historical figure’s name is mentioned, they drink.
Example Assignments:
- Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) – Drink whenever someone says “history” or “trust me.”
- Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) – Drink whenever Riley complains or is the comic relief.
- Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) – Drink whenever she corrects someone or is unimpressed.
- John Adams, George Washington, etc. – If any Founding Father is mentioned, that player drinks.
Bonus Rule: If a player claims they are “descended from” their character, they must take a shot of historical significance (a.k.a. whatever’s in your glass).
2. The Freemason Conspiracy Challenge
(For Those Who Love a Good Hidden Symbol)
Before the movie starts, each player must come up with a secret Freemason drinking rule and write it on a slip of paper. At the halfway mark, everyone reveals their hidden rule, and from that moment on, all rules apply.
Example Hidden Rules:
- “Every time someone mentions a ‘clue,’ stand up dramatically before taking a drink.”
- “If Nicolas Cage stares longingly at a document, everyone must whisper ‘the truth is out there’ before sipping.”
- “Every time Ben ignores the law, toast to ‘lawlessness’ and drink.”
Bonus Rule: If a player accidentally breaks a hidden rule before it’s revealed, they must chug for 5 seconds as punishment.
3. The Declaration of Dependence: Team Drinking Mode
(For Those Who Work Better in Pairs)
This version requires partners. Each pair must share the drinking burden, meaning one player cannot drink unless their partner also drinks.
How It Works:
- One person is “Ben” (the genius adventurer).
- One person is “Riley” (the reluctant sidekick).
Whenever Ben drinks, Riley must drink too—because Riley always gets dragged along for the ride.
Bonus Rule: If Ben says anything overly dramatic, Riley can force Ben to finish their drink as punishment.
4. The National Treasure Speedrun
(For Those Who Think They Can Decode Faster Than Ben Gates)
Each player must take on the role of a historian, treasure hunter, or government agent and “compete” to solve the movie’s clues before Ben does.
How It Works:
- Before each big clue is revealed, players must pause the movie and write down their best guess for the next plot point.
- If you’re right, you get to hand out drinks to others.
- If you’re wrong, you must take a drink yourself.
Bonus Rule: If someone manages to predict a major twist correctly, they get to skip the next drinking round (because clearly, they’re a genius).
5. The “Stealing the Declaration” Ultimate Challenge
(For Those Who Want Absolute Chaos)
For this version, designate one player as the “Heist Master” (a.k.a. Nicolas Cage in full adventure mode).
How It Works:
- The Heist Master must “steal” something during the movie—a harmless household object, a snack, or someone’s drink.
- If someone catches them in the act, the Heist Master must finish their drink.
- If they succeed in stealing without getting caught, everyone else drinks instead.
Bonus Rule: If someone dramatically whispers, “I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence,” they get a free pass on drinking for one round.
6. The Riley Poole Rant Rule
(For Those Who Appreciate the Underrated Genius of Riley)
Justin Bartha’s character, Riley, is constantly underappreciated and ignored in National Treasure. It’s time to change that.
How It Works:
- Every time Riley makes a sarcastic comment and no one acknowledges him, everyone takes a sip in his honor.
- If Riley saves the day with a tech trick, but Ben takes the credit, take a shot for justice.
- If Riley explicitly says something correct that everyone ignores, chug for 5 seconds to drown your frustration.
Bonus Rule: If anyone in the group yells “Justice for Riley!”, they can skip their next drink.
Themed Cocktails for A National Treasure Adventure Night
Enhance your experience with some themed cocktails inspired by the movie.
The Declaration Daiquiri
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Raise your glass to historical inaccuracies.
The Freemason Fizz
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz honey syrup
- Ginger ale
- Lemon twist
Stir bourbon and honey syrup with ice, top with ginger ale, and garnish with a lemon twist. A drink fit for decoding ancient mysteries.
Ben Gates’ Bourbon Old Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- Orange peel
Muddle the sugar and bitters, add bourbon and ice, and stir. Sip as you plan your next heist (or just rewatch the movie).
Drinking Responsibly – A Friendly Reminder
While this drinking game is all about fun, it’s important to drink responsibly.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself.
- Know your limits and don’t feel pressured to drink more than you’re comfortable with.
- Have a designated driver or stay in for the night.
- If playing with non-drinkers, let them participate with mocktails.
The National Treasure Drinking Game is the perfect way to mix history, adventure, and a few drinks. Whether you go easy or full expert mode, you’re guaranteed a legendary movie night.
Try out the game, experiment with the cocktails, and let us know how it goes. Just remember: if you wake up feeling rough the next morning, blame it on Nicolas Cage.