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Writer's pictureRei Ishikawa

Sake Games: How to Play Drinking Games With Sake

You’ve probably played beer pong or flip cup at some point, but have you tried playing drinking games with sake? That’s right, the rice wine popular in Japanese culture can add an exciting new twist to classic party games. In this article, we'll walk through the sake games you need to try at your next get-together with friends. From sake pong to sake Jenga, we've got you covered with easy instructions for sake variations of drinking games you already know and love. Plus, we'll introduce some new sake drinking games that are sure to liven up the party. So grab a tokkuri and get ready to level up your next drinking game night with these sake game ideas. With a little creativity, sake can make any drinking game more interesting. Let's get started!


Popular Sake Drinking Games




Sake Bomb

The sake bomb is a popular drinking game where a shot of sake is dropped into a glass of beer. The trick is to drop the sake shot into the beer and chug the entire drink before the sake shot sinks to the bottom. This game is fun but can get you drunk pretty quickly, so pace yourself!


Dice Games

There are a few dice games you can play with sake. For example, roll a die and the number it lands on is the number of sake shots each player takes. You can also label each side of the die with different body parts, and wherever the die lands, that's where you have to take a sake shot from (nose, ear, etc.). Use your imagination!


Sake Pong

Like beer pong, sake pong involves trying to get a sake shot into grouped cups at the other end of a table. Each time a shot goes in, the other team drinks. The first team to clear all their cups wins. You'll need a lot of sake for this one!


21 Questions

This is a simple question game you can play while drinking sake. Players take turns asking each other questions and whoever fails to answer in time has to take a sake shot. The trick is to come up with thoughtful questions that aren't too easy to answer after a few drinks. The game continues until someone reaches 21 questions.


With so many sake drinking games to choose from, your next get-together is sure to be a blast. Just remember to drink responsibly and have a plan to get home safely. Kampai!


Other Fun Sake Party Games


Never Have I Ever

This classic party game works great with sake too. Go around the circle and have each player say "never have I ever..." followed by something they have not done. Anyone who has done that thing takes a drink. Keep going until players start getting tipsy and the secrets start spilling! This game is a fun way to get to know your friends better while drinking sake.


Sake Categories

Come up with categories like "types of fruit", "movies", or "songs" and go around the circle naming things in that category. The first person to fail to name something or repeat an answer has to take a drink. Keep switching up the categories to keep it challenging. The player who has taken the least drinks at the end wins! This game works best with a variety of people who can come up with diverse categories and answers.


With some sake on hand and good friends around, these party games are sure to liven up your night. Just remember to drink responsibly and have fun! The point of sake games is to enhance an already enjoyable experience, not get completely inebriated. Know your limits and stay safe.


Tips for Hosting a Sake Game Night

So you want to host an exciting sake game night? Great idea! Here are some tips to make sure your guests have a memorable experience.


Choose Crowd-Pleasing Games

Pick games that allow lots of participation and laughter. Some favorites are:

  • Sake pong: Like beer pong, but with sake cups. Bounce ping pong balls into cups across a table.

  • Sake dice: Roll dice to determine which sake someone drinks. The higher the roll, the higher the quality of sake.

  • Sake relay race: Teams race to fill a pitcher with sake, one cup at a time. First team done wins!


Provide Plenty of Sake

Make sure you have enough sake on hand for your guests to enjoy the games. Buy several bottles of different grades of sake so people can sample various kinds. And don’t forget sake cups for everyone!


Have Snacks on the Side

Sake can go straight to your head without food to balance it out. Serve snacks like edamame, shrimp chips, rice crackers and sushi throughout the evening.


Consider Prizes

If you want to make things more competitive, offer prizes for the game winners. Things like sake sets, a nice bottle of premium sake or a gift card to a sushi restaurant are perfect.


Most Importantly, Have Fun!

Keep things lighthearted, laugh at mistakes, and embrace the silliness. Stay engaged with your guests and join in the games yourself. A fun host will make for an unforgettable night!


With these tips, you’ll be hosting a sake game night in no time. Get the sake flowing, start some games, serve up snacks and enjoy an evening of laughs with friends. Kampai!


Sake Games FAQ


How much sake should I drink?

It depends on your tolerance, but in general:

  • For casual drinking, stick to 1-3 ounces (30-90 ml) per round. This will give you a pleasant buzz without getting drunk.

  • For sake games, limit yourself to 3-6 ounces (90-180 ml) total to avoid overdoing it, especially if you’re mixing in other drinks.

  • Know your limits and don't drive if you've had more than 1-2 drinks per hour. Sake may seem light but can pack an alcoholic punch, with most containing 15-20% ABV.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking water between rounds of sake. This will prevent hangovers and allow you to enjoy more sake without ill effects.

  • Eat salty snacks like edamame, seaweed or cured meats which can balance the sweetness of sake and fill you up.


What should I look for in a sake for games?

For sake games, look for:

  • A lower ABV (around 15%) so you can enjoy more drinks without getting drunk too quickly.

  • A light, crisp style like a Junmai Ginjo which is refreshing and easy to drink in quantity. Avoid heavy, rich sakes.

  • An inexpensive bottle. No need to break the bank on a premium sake when playing drinking games! Look for bottles under $20.

  • A screw-top bottle or can. This makes pouring and passing drinks around much easier since you won't have to deal with a cork.

  • A sake with straightforward flavors like melon, citrus or berry. More complex sakes can be wasted when gulping during games.

  • A chilled sake. Sake games go down more smoothly when the sake is ice cold!


Conclusion

So there you have it - a whole bunch of sake drinking games to liven up your next party or night out. Just remember to drink responsibly and hydrate in between rounds. Sake bombs, flip cup, quarters - with the right group, these games can lead to a legendary night. The great thing about sake is that it goes down smooth, so it's easy to overdo it. Pace yourself and know your limits. Most importantly, choose your drinking buddies wisely. You want people who will take care of each other. Stay safe and enjoy discovering new sake drinking games - just try not to make too much of a mess!

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