Mario Kart Drinking Game Rules: Don't Drink & Drive!

What is the Mario Kart Drinking Game? 🤔

Get ready to rev your engines and test your beverage management skills! This isn't just a race; it's a strategic challenge that combines the chaotic fun of Mario Kart with a legendary drinking rule. The main goal is simple: finish one full drink during a single race. The catch? You can't hold your controller while you're drinking. This, combined with classic event-based sips, creates the most thrilling and hilarious Grand Prix you've ever played.

What You'll Need 🛠️

To get on the track, you'll need:

Mario Kart (any version): From the N64 to the Switch, these rules are timeless.
A Nintendo Console.
Players: 2-4 for the best experience (up to 12 if you're brave).
Drinks: One full, unopened beer or a pre-measured cocktail/drink for each player, per race.
Controllers: One for each racer.

Getting Set Up ⚙️

Launch the Game: Get Mario Kart running and pick your mode (a 4-race Grand Prix is perfect).
Distribute Drinks: Before the first race, every player gets a new, full drink.
Explain the Golden Rule: Make sure everyone understands the "Don't Drink & Drive" challenge before you start.
Pick Your Racers: Choose your characters and karts.
Race, Sip, and Drive Responsibly: Keep the competition friendly and the drinks flowing safely!

The Drinking Rules: Navigating the Track 🏎️💧

This game has one primary challenge and several smaller rules to keep the chaos high.

The Main Challenge: "Don't Drink & Drive"

This is the core of the game.

The Goal: You must finish your entire drink before you cross the finish line on the final lap.
The Catch: You absolutely cannot have your hands on the controller while you are actively drinking. Your character must be stopped on the track while you sip, chug, or down your beverage.
The Penalty: If you cross the finish line without finishing your drink, you are disqualified from that race and come in last place.

This creates a strategic dilemma: Do you chug it all at the start and race uninterrupted? Do you pull over mid-race and risk getting hit? Or do you try to finish it right before the finish line while others speed past?

Additional Drinking Rules (Take a Sip When...)

On top of the main challenge, take small sips from your race drink when these events happen:

Drink ONCE When: 🍺

You get hit by a Green or Red Shell.
You fall off the track or into lava/water.
You get hit by a stage hazard (like a Thwomp, a train, or a Piranha Plant).
You get zapped by Lightning.

Drink TWICE When: 🍻🍻

You get hit by a Blue Shell (Spiny Shell).

The Dojo's Take 🍻

This is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to play Mario Kart with friends. The "Don't Drink & Drive" rule is genius. It's not just about racing skill; it's about strategy and risk management. It creates unforgettable moments where players are frantically chugging on the side of the road, praying a Blue Shell doesn't fly past. The additional sip rules ensure that the action is constant and that no one escapes the race completely sober. It's a perfect recipe for a legendary game night.

If you love other chaotic Nintendo party games, you should also check out our Super Smash Bros. Drinking Game and the friendship-testing Mario Party Drinking Game.

Drink Responsibly 🙏

Racing games can get competitive and exciting. Always remember to prioritize drinking responsibly. Know your limits, have water available, and ensure the main goal is to have fun and create hilarious memories with your friends.

Your Questions Answered: FAQ ❓

How do you play the Mario Kart Drinking Game? Start a race with a full drink. Your main goal is to finish it before the race ends, but you can only drink when you're not touching your controller. On top of that, you take small sips for in-game events like getting hit by items.
Does this work with all Mario Kart games? Yes! The rules are universal and work perfectly for any game in the series, from Mario Kart 64 to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
What if I don't drink alcohol? You can easily play with a can of soda, a bottle of juice, or any other non-alcoholic beverage. The strategic challenge of when to stop and drink is the fun part, regardless of what's in your cup.
What is the best mode to play? A 150cc Grand Prix is the classic choice. It's a series of four races, giving players a chance to perfect their drink-and-drive strategy and crowning an overall champion at the end.