Drunk UNO: The Ultimate Drinking Game Guide
Turn UNO into the ultimate drinking game. Learn how to play Drunk UNO, master the rules, and explore fun variations for your next party.
✍️ September 11, 2025
If you thought regular UNO could ruin friendships, wait until you play the drunk version. The Drunk UNO card game flips the classic color-matching chaos into a boozy showdown where strategy meets questionable life choices, one sip at a time.
It’s simple: same deck, same cards, same “don’t forget to call UNO!” energy—except now, every Draw 2, Skip, or Reverse could come with a shot (and maybe some regret tomorrow). If your party is dragging or you just need an excuse to drink with a competitive twist, Drunk UNO is your golden ticket.
How to play Drunk UNO
The Drunk UNO game follows the basics of the classic card game, but adds drinks into the mix to keep things spicy. Here’s how to set it up and get started:
1. Set the stage
Shuffle a regular UNO deck, deal 7 cards to each player, and flip one card to start the discard pile. The rest go in the middle as the draw pile.
2. Stock the drinks
Everyone should have their drink of choice ready. Beer, cocktails, soda—it’s flexible. Just make sure the group agrees on what counts as “a sip” vs. “a shot.”
3. Action cards = drinking cards
- Draw 2 → Take two sips.
- Draw 4 → Four sips (and some dramatic complaining).
- Skip → Skipped player takes a drink.
- Reverse → Whoever gets reversed drinks.
- Wild → Choose the color AND choose who drinks.
4. Number cards have a twist
Whenever someone plays a number card, everyone holding the same number has to drink.
5. UNO call penalty
Forget to shout “UNO” when you’re down to one card? Congrats, you’re drinking twice.
6. Stacking cards = stacking drinks
If Draw 2s or Draw 4s stack, the poor soul who ends up drawing must drink for each card.
7. Winning and losing
The winner of the round gets to assign three drinks to anyone they choose. The player with the most leftover cards finishes their drink.
Drunk UNO rules
Now for the real fun—house rules. These are the cheeky add-ons that make Drunk UNO unpredictable, loud, and way funnier.
1. Slap the table
Whenever a Wild card is played, everyone slaps the table. Last one to react takes a shot.
2. Whisper mode
For one full round, everyone can only whisper. Slip up and talk normally? Bottoms up.
3. Double trouble
If two Draw 2s or Draw 4s hit in a row, the final victim has to finish their drink.
4. Matching colors = sipping colors
Play a card with the same color as the discard pile? Take a sip. Simple, sneaky, and constant.
5. Skip stack punishment
Two Skips in a row means the first skipped player drinks twice.
6. UNO bluff backfire
If you challenge someone’s UNO and they weren’t bluffing, you drink instead.
🤓 Suggested read: How to Play Pitty Pat (Card Game + Drinking Version)
7. Group penalty
Whenever the color changes, everyone takes a sip to “reset.”
Drunk UNO variations
Like any drinking game, Drunk UNO has evolved around the world, with each country adding its own party flavor. Try these out if you want to mix things up:
1. UK’s Proper Pint Punishment
In British-style Drunk UNO, certain cards mean you down a whole pint. To keep it manageable, players usually stick with lighter beer, but the punishment hits hard either way.
2. Germany’s Schnapps Snap
Every Wild card = one shot of schnapps for the player. If it’s a Draw 4, the whole table joins in. It’s social, fast-paced, and very German.
3. Mexico’s Tequila Terror
Draw 2 and Draw 4 penalties mean tequila shots, and forgetting to call UNO earns you a salty tequila sip. It’s brutal, but iconic.
4. Australia’s Card Hop
When a Wild is played, everyone has to swap seats after taking a drink. This rule keeps people laughing—and stumbling—through the night.
5. Japan’s Sake Switch
Any time a Wild or Skip card shows up, you switch drinks with another player. If one person has sake, chaos ensues.
👉 Suggested read: Tipsy Land Board Game: How to Play, Rules & Variations
FAQs about Drunk UNO
1. What is Drunk UNO?
It’s a drinking game twist on the classic UNO card game, where action cards and special rules come with drinking penalties.
2. How many players can play Drunk UNO?
You can play with as few as 2 players, but it’s best with 4–8 for maximum chaos.
3. Do you need alcohol to play Drunk UNO?
Not at all. You can swap drinks for soda, juice, or even water—it still works as a fun challenge.
4. Can you make up your own rules?
Yes! In fact, house rules are what make the Drunk UNO card game so fun. Get creative.
5. Is Drunk UNO dangerous?
It can be if people go overboard. Always play responsibly, pace yourself, and know your limits.
6. Can Drunk UNO replace regular UNO?
Not really. Think of it as a party-only spin on the classic, not a family game night option.
