A garden bar is every host's dream: a small counter out in the open where you mix cocktails, clink glasses and enjoy the summer. And if you bring the right garden bar drinking games to your setup, the fun basically takes care of itself. At the bar, it's all about mixing, tasting and serving — with a touch of bartender flair. Here you'll find the best garden bar drinking games with full instructions, plus tips on turning your bar into the heart of the garden party.
What makes a good garden bar drinking game? A game that puts the bar and the drinks themselves centre stage — built around mixing, guessing and tasting. Cocktail, tasting and bartender games are ideal: the loser takes a sip, and along the way they produce genuinely creative drinks.
💡 By the way: that's exactly why we built the Party Bundle — everything for the party in one matched set. More on that further down ↓
Garden Bar Drinking Games: Cocktail & Tasting Games
Blind Tasting (Guess the Drink)
A blind tasting game for the curious crowd: one person mixes or pours a drink, the others taste it blindfolded and guess what's in it — the spirit, the juice, the cocktail's name. Whoever gets it right hands out a sip; whoever gets it wrong drinks themselves. Sharpens the palate and guarantees a few surprised faces.
The Bartender Challenge
Two "bartenders" go head to head: both get the same ingredients and have one minute to mix the same cocktail (or the tastiest one they can manage). The group tastes and crowns a winner — the loser takes a sip. A game that livens up the home bar and produces real drinks along the way.
Cocktail Roulette
For the daring crowd: slips of paper list various (harmless) ingredients. Whoever's turn it is draws two or three slips — and that's exactly what their drink gets mixed from, however odd the combination. Anyone who refuses to try it takes a regular sip instead. A game full of surprises and laughs.
Explaining the shot-ski game rules at a party – @apresallstars
If you'd rather not put it together piece by piece: the Party Bundle comes with glasses, bindings and a mini-ski matched to each other, scaled to your group size.
Classic Bar Games
Name That Drink
A guessing game for cocktail fans: one person names the ingredients of a well-known cocktail, the others guess the name (e.g. rum, lime, sugar, mint → Mojito). Whoever gets it right first hands out a sip; whoever hasn't figured it out by the end of the round drinks. A great way to brush up your cocktail knowledge along the way.
The Ingredient Chain
Going round the group, everyone names a cocktail ingredient without repeating one already said — from spirits to juices to garnishes. Whoever runs out of ideas or takes too long takes a sip. A simple word game that fits the bar vibe perfectly.
The Shotski Moment
The sociable highlight of any garden bar: once the group is in the mood, the Shotski comes out onto the counter, every glass gets filled, and the whole row tips back together. Perfect for clear shots and as a reward after a successful bartender challenge.
Turn Your Garden Bar into the Heart of the Party
A garden bar doesn't need to be big or expensive — with a bit of creativity, a pallet, an old sideboard or a built brick counter turns into the sociable heart of any garden party. What matters is having everything within reach: a basic stock of spirits and mixers, fresh ingredients like limes and mint, a simple bar kit of shaker, jigger and muddler, and of course nice glasses. A few recipes on a small chalkboard give the bar some pub flair and invite people to try something new. Fairy lights above the counter and the sociable drinking gadgets set out in plain sight create the right mood — they're the best conversation starters, and a great fit for cocktail party games for adults too. Remember to always offer non-alcoholic options as well, so everyone can mix and play along at the bar, and keep water on hand. For solid recipes to get you started, check out our guide to the best party cocktails. With this setup, your garden bar becomes the spot everyone keeps coming back to — just like a real pub.
Tips for the Garden Bar Party
- Everything within reach: arrange spirits, mixers, fresh ingredients, bar kit and glasses so they're easy to find.
- Recipes on display: a chalkboard with signature drinks invites people to mix.
- Show off the gadgets: set out the Shotski and ski-boot glasses in plain sight — they're great conversation starters.
- Think non-alcoholic too: always keep non-alcoholic options and water on hand.
- Break-resistant materials: outside, stick to robust glasses and wooden gadgets — ideal for outdoor bar games.
As the group grows, the Shotski simply grows with it via the extension set — four modules are the base, and every extra pair adds two more spots.
More Drinking Game Inspiration
For more game rules, check out the best drinking games and the drinking games without equipment. For a beer party, the beer drinking games are a great fit, and for a long night out there are the BBQ hut drinking games.
FAQ
Which drinking games work at a garden bar?
Cocktail and tasting games like Blind Tasting, the Bartender Challenge and Cocktail Roulette, plus classic bar games like "Name That Drink", the Ingredient Chain and the Shotski Moment. They put the drinks themselves centre stage.
What is the Bartender Challenge?
Two "bartenders" mix a cocktail from the same ingredients in one minute, the group tastes and crowns a winner. The loser drinks — and real drinks get made along the way.
How do I set up a simple garden bar?
From a pallet, a sideboard or a built brick counter, with spirits, mixers, fresh ingredients, a bar kit and nice glasses all within reach. Fairy lights and visible gadgets create the mood.
Which glasses work best at a garden bar?
Alongside sturdy highball and cocktail glasses, original eye-catchers like ski-boot glasses are ideal — they turn every tasting and every shot into a small event.
Do the bar games work without alcohol?
Yes, all the garden bar drinking games work just as well with non-alcoholic cocktails, spritzers or juice. That way everyone can mix and play along at the bar.
Which drinking gadget belongs at a garden bar?
A Shotski for a shared group shot and a set of ski-boot glasses as an eye-catcher. Placed in plain sight on the counter, they're the best conversation starters.
Related articles:
The Best Party Cocktails ·
Beer Drinking Games ·
BBQ Hut Drinking Games