If you’ve ever been to Bloomington, Indiana, you’ve probably heard of Sink the Biz. This legendary drinking game is a test of skill, strategy, and luck. It’s a staple among Indiana University students and beer lovers who enjoy a friendly challenge.
Also known as Sink the Bismarck, this game combines dexterity with drinking, making it one of the most entertaining bar games around. The goal is simple: pour beer into a floating glass without sinking it. But as the game progresses, tension builds, and eventually, someone sends the glass to the bottom—earning themselves a hefty drink.
Want to bring the fun to your own home or just learn how to play before your next visit to Nick’s? Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Is Sink the Biz?
Sink the Biz is a drinking game that involves a bucket of beer and a floating glass. Players take turns pouring beer into the glass, trying to avoid being the one who makes it sink. The unlucky player who sinks it must drink the entire contents of the floating glass.
History & Origin of Sink the Biz
The Birth of a Bar Game
Sink the Biz was first introduced at Nick’s English Hut, a well-known bar near Indiana University. Over the years, it became a rite of passage for students and visitors. The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity—anyone can play, but not everyone can win.
Why is it Called “Sink the Bismarck”?
Originally, the game was called Sink the Bismarck, a reference to the famous German battleship from World War II. The name was inspired by the way the floating glass resembles a sinking ship when too much beer is poured in. Eventually, the name was shortened to Sink the Biz, making it easier to remember and more brandable for Nick’s English Hut.
Sink the Biz Rules – How to Play
What You Need to Play
- A bucket filled with beer
- A small floating glass (traditionally a highball or shot glass)
- A group of players ready for a challenge
Step-by-Step Gameplay
- Fill a bucket with beer, leaving enough space for the floating glass to move.
- Place the small glass in the bucket so it floats on the surface.
- Players take turns carefully pouring beer into the floating glass.
- The goal is to pour just enough beer without making the glass sink.
- The player who sinks the glass must drink all the beer inside it.
Official Bar Rules vs. Home Rules
At Nick’s English Hut, the game follows specific house rules, with special glasses designed for play. If you’re playing at home, you can replicate the setup using any beer bucket and a small floating cup.
Strategies & Tips to Win Sink the Biz
- Pour Like a Pro: Small, steady pours help keep the glass afloat longer. Rushing or pouring too much at once increases the risk of sinking it.
- Trick Your Opponents: Some players try to pour from unexpected angles or slightly shake the bucket to throw off their competitors. Keep an eye on sneaky tactics.
- Best Beer to Use: Lighter beers with lower density tend to work best, as heavier beers may affect how the glass floats. Experiment with different types to find the best balance.
Where to Buy a Sink the Biz Set
If you want to bring Sink the Biz home, Nick’s English Hut sells official game sets for $39.99, including the bucket, glass, and liner. These are available on their website and make a great addition to any party. Alternatively, you can create your own version using a regular beer bucket and a small floating glass.
DIY Sink the Biz with a Personal Twist
Not everyone has the luxury of playing Sink the Bismarck at a legendary bar like Nick’s English Hut, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the fun home. With a little creativity, you can craft your own custom Sink the Bismarck setup—and even add some wild twists to make it unique.
1. The Classic Setup: What You Need
Before getting fancy, you need the essentials:
- A large bucket (stainless steel, plastic, or even a punch bowl).
- A floating glass (highball, shot glass, or even a mini beer mug).
- Beer (or any liquid of your choice).
Want to keep it traditional? Get an official Sink the Biz set from Nick’s English Hut. Want to get creative? Let’s move on.
2. Creative Twists: Make Your Game Unique
Glow-in-the-Dark Sink the Bismarck
- Use a clear bucket and add tonic water (which glows under blacklight).
- Get glow-in-the-dark shot glasses for a futuristic twist.
- This is perfect for late-night parties and EDM-style drinking games.
3. Pirate-Themed Sink the Bismarck (“Sink the Kraken”)
- Instead of a normal cup, float a mini toy pirate ship (or a plastic skull).
- Use rum-based drinks instead of beer.
- Whoever sinks the ship has to do a pirate accent for the next 10 minutes.
4. Giant-Size Party Edition
- Get a kiddie pool instead of a bucket.
- Use a floating beer stein instead of a tiny glass.
- Players have to pour using beer pitchers, making it way harder to control.
5. Mystery Liquid Edition
- Instead of just beer, fill a few mystery bottles with random liquids (pickle juice, hot sauce, soda, whiskey, or soy sauce).
- Players blind-pour one of the mystery bottles into the glass.
- The unlucky player who sinks it must drink the concoction, no matter how disgusting.
6. House Rules: Add More Chaos
- Reverse Rounds – If the cup is almost full, you can remove a tiny bit of liquid instead of adding more, just to mess with people.
- “Ship’s Captain Rule” – The first person who sinks the glass becomes the game referee and gets to enforce weird rules (e.g., “Next pour must be done with your eyes closed!”).
- Sudden Death Round – Once the game is down to two players, every pour must be double the normal amount.
Sink the Bismarck Gone Wild
Sink the Bismarck is already chaotic, unpredictable, and hilarious, but some people have taken it way too far. These are the wildest, most ridiculous versions ever created—and if you’re brave enough, you might want to try them yourself.
1. Sink the Volcano
- Instead of a normal floating glass, players float a mini volcano (shot glass with dry ice in it).
- Every pour creates a bubbling eruption.
- When it sinks, the player must chug AND shotgun a beer while screaming like a lava monster.
2. Sink the Bunker (Dystopian Edition)
- Instead of beer, players pour a mix of mystery “apocalypse supplies” (canned soup, vodka, energy drinks, etc.).
- The person who sinks the cup must drink it while delivering a speech about the end of the world.
- Players must wear tinfoil hats for added effect.
3. Sink the Jet (Top Gun Edition)
- Float a toy fighter jet instead of a glass.
- Players must pour beer while wearing aviator sunglasses.
- When it sinks, the loser must chug and then sing “Danger Zone” at full volume.
4. Sink the Werewolf
- Played only on a full moon.
- The sinking player must drink, then immediately howl like a wolf and crawl on all fours.
- Bonus rule: If you look in a mirror while playing, you have to take an extra penalty shot.
5. Sink the Time Machine
- Each round, players roll a time-travel die (DIY one with eras written on it—Medieval, Future, ’80s, etc.).
- If you sink the glass, you must drink and act like someone from that era for the next 10 minutes.
- Example: If you roll Medieval, you must only speak in Old English.
Nick’s English Hut: More Than Just Sink the Biz
If you’ve heard of Sink the Biz, you’ve definitely heard of Nick’s English Hut—the legendary Bloomington bar where the game was born. But Nick’s is much more than just the home of this iconic drinking challenge. It’s a historic watering hole, a rite of passage for Indiana University students, and a cultural landmark that has stood the test of time.
A Brief History of Nick’s English Hut
Founded in 1927, Nick’s has been a staple of Bloomington for nearly a century. Located just a few blocks from Indiana University’s campus, it has seen generations of students, alumni, and locals pass through its doors. During Prohibition, Nick’s operated as a restaurant, but when alcohol became legal again, it quickly cemented itself as the go-to bar for Hoosiers.
The name “Nick’s English Hut” may sound fancy, but the bar itself is a laid-back, welcoming spot where people come to drink, eat, and soak in the college-town atmosphere.
Beyond Sink the Biz: Other Must-Try Experiences at Nick’s
While Sink the Biz is Nick’s most famous attraction, there are plenty of other things that make this bar special:
1. The Famous Strombolis
Nick’s menu is stacked with classic pub food, but the strombolis are legendary. A combination of crispy dough, melted cheese, and flavorful fillings, these are a must-try for first-time visitors. Many IU students consider a stromboli from Nick’s to be their ultimate college comfort food.
2. “The Bucket” Tradition
Another quirky drinking tradition at Nick’s involves ordering a bucket of beer instead of a regular pitcher. This adds to the fun of the Sink the Biz game but is also a nod to the bar’s old-school style of drinking.
3. IU Game Day Headquarters
On Indiana Hoosiers game days, Nick’s turns into a sea of red and white, packed with students and alumni cheering on their team. The atmosphere is electric, especially during basketball season when IU fans gather to watch the games, sing the fight song, and celebrate victories.
4. The Writing on the Walls
Nick’s is filled with notes, signatures, and messages from past visitors—some scribbled on walls, others carved into tables. It’s a tradition for students and travelers to leave their mark, making the bar feel like a living scrapbook of IU history.
5. The Upstairs Bar – A Hidden Gem
While most people crowd into the main bar area, the upstairs section at Nick’s has a cozy, almost speakeasy-like vibe. It’s perfect for those looking for a quieter place to enjoy their drink or chat with friends.
Whether you’re there for Sink the Biz, game day, or just a good meal, Nick’s English Hut offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. It’s more than just a bar—it’s a Bloomington institution.
Sink the Biz Around the World
While Sink the Biz started at Nick’s English Hut in Bloomington, the game has taken on a life of its own, spreading to college towns, house parties, and bars around the country—and even overseas!
College Town Rivalries – Who Plays It Best?
Sink the Biz has made its way to other college campuses, where students tweak the rules and make it their own. Some notable places where the game has caught on include:
- Purdue University (Indiana) – Some Boilermakers have adopted their own version of the game, though they might not admit it came from IU territory!
- University of Wisconsin – Madison – Known for their love of beer games, some bars in Madison have introduced Sink the Biz nights with different challenges.
- University of Texas – Austin – Everything’s bigger in Texas, including Sink the Biz. Some Austin bars have experimented with bigger buckets and steins.
International Twists on Sink the Biz
The game has made its way outside the U.S., with people introducing their own cultural spins:
- United Kingdom – “Sink the Pint”
In some UK pubs, players float a small pint glass inside a larger one and use traditional ales instead of lagers. The loser has to chug the pint while shouting a classic pub toast. - Germany – “Bismarck Bier Battle”
In a nod to the original “Sink the Bismarck” name, German beer halls have played a version where players float a small stein inside a larger stein. - South Korea – “Titanic”
In Korean drinking games, a popular variation called Titanic involves floating a shot glass of soju inside a larger glass of beer (maekju). Players take turns pouring soju into the shot glass, trying not to sink it. The unlucky player who makes it sink has to down the entire drink—earning both cheers and groans from their friends..
Sink the Biz is more than just a drinking game—it’s a tradition, a challenge, and a great way to bring people together. Whether you’re playing at Nick’s English Hut or recreating it at home, the excitement never fades. The next time you gather with friends, test your skills and see who can keep the glass afloat the longest. Just remember, once you sink the Biz, there’s no turning back.