How to Play BoozeBattle
Everything you need to host an epic cocktail competition
Getting Started
1 Create an Account
Sign up with your email and verify it. You'll need a verified account to create or join battles.
2 Create a Battle
Give your battle a name and theme. Choose In-Person or Online mode, and pick your scoring style.
3 Invite Your Friends
Share the invite code with your group. They sign up and enter the code on the "Join Battle" page.
4 Battle!
Mix drinks, score each other, and see who takes the crown on the leaderboard.
In-Person Mode
Best for house parties, dinner parties, and game nights — everyone in the same room.
1 Gather & Join
Everyone joins the battle using the invite code on their phone. The host opens submissions, then hits "Start Game" when everyone is in.
2 Random Presentation Order
The app shuffles the order. Nobody knows who goes first until the game starts!
3 Take Turns
When it's your turn, enter your cocktail name and an optional photo on your phone, then go make and serve it to the group.
4 Taste & Score
After each drink is served, everyone tastes it and scores it right on their phone. The host taps "Next Drink" to move on.
🏆 Results!
After the last drink, the host publishes results and the leaderboard reveals the winner.
Online Mode
Best for remote friends, virtual happy hours, or whenever you can't be in the same room.
1 Submit Your Cocktail
Each participant creates their drink at home and submits the recipe, description, and a photo before the submission deadline.
2 Voting Opens
The host opens voting. Everyone can see all entries and score them at their own pace before the voting deadline.
🏆 Results Published
The host closes voting and publishes the leaderboard. Bragging rights ensue.
Scoring Styles
Points (1–5)
Rate each drink from 1 to 5 in every category. Scores are totaled up. Simple, fast, and intuitive.
Best for: Casual games, larger groupsRanked
Rank all drinks from best to worst in each category. Rankings are converted to points — best rank gets the most.
Best for: Competitive groups, nuanced resultsDefault Categories
Every battle starts with these five categories. You can't vote on your own drink!
Tips for a Great Battle
For the Host
- Pick a theme that's specific enough to be interesting but broad enough that everyone can find an angle.
- 3–6 players is the sweet spot — enough variety without endless rounds.
- For in-person games, have bar supplies ready: ice, shakers, glassware, garnishes.
- Set up a "bar station" for some showmanship.
For Participants
- Lean into the theme! A creative theme connection goes a long way.
- Presentation matters — garnish, glassware, and a good name make a difference.
- Keep drinks reasonable in size (2–3 oz spirit) so everyone can taste all of them.
- "Sunset Smash" beats "Rum Drink #3" every time.
For Scoring
- Be honest! The fun is in the competition, not the compliments.
- Use the full range — if everything gets a 5, the leaderboard is boring.
- For ranked scoring, taste everything before finalizing your order.
- Don't undervalue creativity and presentation.
Making It Special
- Get a small trophy or prize for the winner — even a silly one.
- Have non-alcoholic options available. Mocktail entries are welcome!
- Take photos of each drink for memories.
- Play music and make it an event, not just a competition.
Theme Ideas
Need inspiration? Here are some fun themes to get you started.
Starter Drink Ideas
New to mixing? Here are some crowd-pleasers to build on and make your own.
Classic Margarita
2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz triple sec. Shake with ice, salt the rim. Try mango, jalapeño, or mezcal swaps.
Whiskey Sour
2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup. Shake and strain. Add egg white for silky foam.
Espresso Martini
2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz fresh espresso. Shake hard with ice. Garnish with coffee beans.
Mojito
2 oz white rum, 1 oz lime, 3/4 oz simple, mint, soda water. Try strawberry, watermelon, or coconut twists.
Aperol Spritz
3 oz prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda water. Build over ice in a wine glass. Refreshing and photogenic.
Dark & Stormy
2 oz dark rum, 4 oz ginger beer, 1/2 oz lime. Build over ice. Try adding bitters or allspice dram.
Pro tip: The best competition drink is one you put your own spin on. Take a classic and make it yours.