Fun Activities To Pair With Beer Drinking

Drinking beer is a popular activity, and many people enjoy it with their friends and family. There are several activities that one can do while drinking beer, such as playing drinking games like Never Have I Ever, Most Likely To, and Shot Roulette. Many people also enjoy playing video games while drinking beer. Some prefer to relax and watch TV, movies, or sports matches. Others like to listen to music or play instruments. Beer is also commonly consumed while cooking, fishing, or playing casino games.

Play drinking games, like beer pong or flip cup

Drinking games are a great way to get the party going. Here are some detailed instructions on how to play two of the most popular drinking games: Beer Pong and Flip Cup.

Beer Pong

Beer Pong is a fun drinking game that requires a good amount of skill and a little bit of luck. It can be played by individuals or teams of two. The objective of the game is to eliminate all of your opponents' cups first. Here's how to play:

• Set up ten 16 oz (450 g) plastic cups on each side of a table, filling them halfway with beer or water.
• Arrange the cups into a triangle formation with the top point facing the opposing team.
• To determine who goes first, each team can play rock, paper, scissors, or a game of "eye-to-eye," where players try to make a cup while maintaining eye contact with their opponent.
• Each team takes turns throwing ping pong balls into the opposing team's cups, either directly or by bouncing them off the table. Remember to keep your elbows behind the table!
• If a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team must drink the beer in that cup and set it aside.
• When only four cups remain on each side, rearrange them into a diamond shape.
• When only two cups are left, rearrange them into a single-file line.
• The first team to eliminate all of their opponents' cups wins!

Flip Cup

Flip Cup is a fast-paced team-based relay drinking game. Here's how to play:

• Gather two teams of at least three people each and arrange plastic cups along each side of a sturdy table.
• Fill each cup with the beverage of your choice, such as beer or juice.
• Line up on either side of the table and match up with a player from the opposing team.
• Raise your cups and touch cups with your opponent, then place the cups on the table.
• Yell "Go!" and the first player from each team drinks the beer as fast as they can and attempts to flip their cup on the edge of the table so that it lands upside down.
• Once a player successfully flips their cup, the next player in their team can start drinking.
• The first team to finish drinking and flipping all their cups wins!

Cook with beer

Beer is a versatile ingredient that can add depth of flavour to a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. The malt and hops in beer provide a beautiful backdrop of flavour in all kinds of recipes. Here are some ideas for cooking with beer:

Braising and Stews

The carbonation in beer makes it an excellent braising liquid, adding a pleasant sweetness to everything from carrots to short ribs. Beer also adds complexity to stews and chillies. Try a hearty beef stew with a dark Belgian-style ale, or a Hungarian sausage stew with ale.

Beer-Battered Dishes

Beer batter gives an amazing crunch to fried foods. Try beer-battered fish and chips, or get creative with beer-battered cheese curds, crab beignets, or even buttermilk fried chicken.

Soups

Beer is a great addition to soups, adding a robust flavour. Try a creamy beer and cheddar soup, or a potato beer cheese soup. You can also use beer in place of wine in recipes like risotto.

Marinades and Barbecues

Marinating meat in beer adds flavour and tenderness. Try a beer-marinated chicken dish, or barbecue some beer-can chicken. Beer can also be used as a steaming liquid, such as for shrimp or lobster tails.

Breads and Bakes

Beer can be used in place of water or milk in bread recipes, adding a unique twist. Try a Swiss beer bread or honey beer bread. For dessert, bake a chocolate stout layer cake, or a rich porter Bundt cake with whiskey-caramel sauce.

Sweet Treats

For a unique dessert, try making ice cream with a strong, malty beer like Guinness, and serve it with chocolate-covered pretzels. Or, for a fun twist on a classic, make a Guinness float with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Play casino games

Drinking beer and playing games often go hand in hand, and casinos can be a fun place to spend time with friends and family. While drinking and gambling have been pastimes for centuries, it's important to remember to drink responsibly and not gamble at real casinos while drunk, as you could end up losing more money than intended.

Shot Roulette

Spin the roulette wheel and let the ball decide your fate in this classic casino game. Each number on the board is associated with a shot, which can be any alcoholic drink, but traditionally, tequila. As the game progresses, players will get tipsy and the risk of landing on an undesirable shot, like raw tequila or chilli vodka, increases. This game is easy to set up and can be played by beginners and those experienced with casino games.

Chase the Ace

Although you won't find this game in most casinos, it's a fun card game that will keep players on the edge of their seats. Each player is dealt a single card, and the aim is to avoid having the card with the lowest value at the end of the trading round. If a player ends up with the lowest value card, they can choose to stick and take a shot of alcohol. After a few rounds, things are bound to get messy! The game can continue until everyone is too drunk to play or a player receives three consecutive lower-value cards, at which point they are eliminated.

Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune is a popular game often found in casinos, bars, and pubs. It is based purely on luck and is easy to create your own wheel. You can divide the wheel into different segments, each associated with a specific shot of alcohol or a fun activity. To avoid players getting too tipsy too quickly, you can vary the segments to include a mix of activities and drinks. This game is carefree and can be enjoyed even if players are already slightly inebriated.

Dice Game

This game is similar to Craps and is based on the rolls of two dice. Each unique dice combination is connected to a specific drink. Most players will have to roll a few times before receiving a drink, so it's a game of luck. You can customise the game to make it more intense by associating certain dice combinations with devilish drinks like raw vodka or Scotch Bonnet. On the other hand, reward players with desirable drinks for other combinations, like a Vanilla Ice Cream Smoothie or a Long Island Iced Tea.

Taboo

Taboo is a simple drinking game that can be played throughout an entire party, even when players are engaged in other activities. At the beginning of the game, each player receives an index card with common phrases, words, or actions written on it. These should be things that are likely to be said or done by someone during the game but not too frequently. When a player notices someone doing their assigned action or speaking their phrase, they shout 'Taboo', and the other player has to drink. This game helps people connect and mingle, and the rules can be found online.

So, the next time you're hosting a casino-themed party or just looking for some drinking games to play with friends, give these casino-style games a try! Just remember to drink responsibly and have fun!

Be creative, e.g. play an instrument

Playing an instrument is a great way to boost your creativity. Here are some ideas for activities you can do while drinking beer and playing an instrument:

• Playing an instrument can help improve your memory. For example, when playing the guitar, you must remember the chords, the order of the chord progression, and the melodies, activating multiple areas of your brain at once.
• Playing an instrument can also help develop your sense of timing and rhythm, which can be useful in many aspects of life beyond music, such as sports, dancing, and public speaking. Learning to play the drums is an excellent way to improve your sense of rhythm and coordination.
• Recognizing patterns is essential to playing an instrument well, and this skill can be applied to various areas, such as solving puzzles or investing in stocks. The piano is a great instrument to start with as it visually represents the notes and their relationships, helping you see patterns and think creatively.
• Playing an instrument requires abstract thinking about the sound of the notes and how they relate to one another. This skill can be applied to problem-solving and thinking outside the box. The violin, for instance, requires abstract thinking due to its versatility and wide range of sounds.
• Playing an instrument is simply fun, and when you're having fun, you're more likely to be creative. The ukulele is a great option for people of all ages as it is small, portable, relatively easy to learn, and has a happy sound.

So, grab your favourite beer and your chosen instrument, and get creative! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, drinking beer and playing an instrument can be a fun and rewarding activity.

Watch TV or movies

Watching TV or movies is a great activity to do while drinking beer. It can be a fun way to relax and unwind after a long day or a way to socialise with friends. Here are some tips and suggestions for how to make the most of this activity:

Choose the right show or movie:

Opt for something light-hearted and entertaining that will make you laugh. Sitcoms or comedy movies are always a good choice. If you're watching with a group, consider choosing a show or movie that everyone will enjoy and that will spark interesting conversations. Some popular options include "The Simpsons", "Game of Thrones", "Sex and the City", "Mad Men", and "Cheers".

Create the perfect atmosphere:

Make sure you have a comfortable setup with a big screen and good sound system. Dim the lights, get some cosy blankets and pillows, and create a relaxing ambiance. If you're watching with friends, you can also set up a mini-bar with snacks and drinks to keep the atmosphere fun and festive.

Pair your beer with the right show:

For an immersive experience, pair your beer with a show that matches the theme. For example, if you're watching "Game of Thrones", go for a strong beer like an old-school barley wine or mead. If you're tuning into "Cheers", opt for a shot of bourbon and a beer. And when watching "The Simpsons", channel your inner Duff with a can of Schlitz or Natty Boh.

Get interactive:

Make your movie or TV show night more engaging by incorporating drinking games. This can be as simple as taking a sip every time a certain character says their catchphrase or taking a shot when something dramatic happens. Just be sure to drink responsibly and have non-alcoholic options available as well.

Keep snacks on hand:

Beer and salty snacks are a classic combination. Have a variety of snacks available, such as crisps, nuts, or pretzels, to enhance your viewing experience. You can also prepare some heartier options like pizza, wings, or burgers if you're watching with a group.

Remember to drink responsibly:

While enjoying a beer while watching TV or movies can be fun, it's important to drink in moderation and ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and always have water available to stay hydrated.

Frequently asked questions