What happens if someone misses a timer cue?

If someone doesn't drink when the timer goes off, they take a penalty drink immediately to make up for it. The group can decide if repeated misses should result in extra penalties.

Do you have to drink the whole time?

No, you only drink when the timer goes off or when assigned drinks by someone who succeeds at a round. You can pace yourself as long as you don't miss the cues.

What happens if the timer isn’t loud enough?

If the timer isn't heard by everyone, the round is voided and no drinks are taken. It's recommended to use a loud phone alarm or a portable speaker to avoid confusion.

Can I play without a clear sunset?

Yes, though it's not as thematic. Use a set timer duration (e.g., 30 minutes) and play as usual. Alternatively, use a video of a sunset on a screen as a backup visual.

Sunset Drinking - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Sunset Drinking is a drinking game in the Outdoor Games category for 2-20 players that takes about 15-30 min with a easy difficulty level.

Timed drinking with sunset

Equipment Needed

Outdoor supplies
Drinks

Setup

Grab your drinks and head to a spot with a clear view of the sunset, like a backyard, park, or balcony. Assign one person to act as the timer, or use a phone with a visible countdown app. The timer should be set to go off every 5 minutes or at intervals you agree on, matching the duration of the sunset. Everyone stands or sits in a circle with their drinks in hand, ready to follow the rules once the game begins.

How to Play Sunset Drinking

Set up the game according to basic rules
Players take turns or play simultaneously
Penalties result in drinking
Success means assigning drinks
Continue until winner emerges
Loser faces final penalty
Winner earns bragging rights
Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Keep an eye on the timer, especially as the intervals get shorter,it's easy to miss and end up with a penalty drink. If you're assigning drinks to others, aim for someone who looks confident; their overconfidence will fade fast after a few rounds. Position yourself so you can clearly see the sunset; part of the fun is timing your actions to it, and you don't want to miss the atmosphere. If you're the timer, use a loud, distinct sound to announce each round,it avoids any arguments about whether it went off.

Variations

Instead of everyone drinking simultaneously, drinks must be passed around in a circle like a relay. The last person in the chain drinks if the timer goes off before the drink makes it all the way around.: Replace regular drinks with shots, but only drink when the sun dips below a specific landmark (like a tree, mountain, or building). This adds suspense as everyone watches the horizon closely.: Players aren't allowed to talk during the entire game, except to assign drinks. Talking results in a penalty drink, making it a quieter and more intense competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if someone misses a timer cue?: If someone doesn't drink when the timer goes off, they take a penalty drink immediately to make up for it. The group can decide if repeated misses should result in extra penalties.
Do you have to drink the whole time?: No, you only drink when the timer goes off or when assigned drinks by someone who succeeds at a round. You can pace yourself as long as you don't miss the cues.
What happens if the timer isn’t loud enough?: If the timer isn't heard by everyone, the round is voided and no drinks are taken. It's recommended to use a loud phone alarm or a portable speaker to avoid confusion.
Can I play without a clear sunset?: Yes, though it's not as thematic. Use a set timer duration (e.g., 30 minutes) and play as usual. Alternatively, use a video of a sunset on a screen as a backup visual.

Players: 2-20 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: easy

Related Drinking Games

Cornhole — Toss bags at the boards - score points or drink!
Capture the Can — Capture the flag with beer cans
Ladder Golf Drinking — Ladder golf with drinking penalties
Ring the Bottle — Ring toss with drink stakes
Drink Golf — Golf with drink penalties
Lawn Darts Drinking — Lawn darts with distance-based drinks
Ball Bounce Relay — Bouncing ball relay race
Kan Jam — Frisbee meets trash can - deflect your way to victory!

From Our Blog

Outdoor Games That Will Make Your Party Unforgettable — Look, if you're planning an outdoor party, you already know the vibe you're going for. Maybe it’s the warm summer air, the cold drinks, and laughter echoing under the stars. I've been at this party-ho...
Outdoor Games That Will Transform Your Next Party — When it comes to throwing an unforgettable outdoor party, the right mix of games can make all the difference. I've been hosting lively gatherings for years, and I can tell you from experience that you...
Outdoor Games for Unforgettable Party Nights — Ah, the magic of outdoor parties - the fresh air, open spaces, and the freedom to be as loud as you want. If you're like me, you know that any good outdoor party needs a lineup of killer games to keep...

Browse more Outdoor Games drinking games or see all drinking games.