Titanic is a shot-based drinking game where a shot glass floats in a larger glass, players take turns pouring into it, and whoever sinks the shot glass drinks the whole mixture.
The most common version uses beer in the outer glass and soju, vodka, or another liquor poured into the floating shot glass. Your “ice cubes and shots” version is usually played as an iceberg variation: an ice cube goes in the larger glass and makes the floating shot glass less predictable.
There is no one official Titanic rulebook. The core mechanic is the same almost everywhere: pour carefully, do not sink the shot glass, and if you sink it, you drink.
TITANIC RULES — QUICK VERSION
- Fill a larger glass about halfway to two-thirds with beer or another base drink.
- Gently float an empty shot glass inside it.
- Optional: add an ice cube as the iceberg variation.
- Players take turns pouring a small amount into the floating shot glass.
- The shot glass slowly sinks lower as it fills.
- Whoever causes the shot glass to sink drinks the larger glass.
- Refill and start a new round if the group wants to keep playing.
To play Titanic: float an empty shot glass in a larger glass of beer, then take turns pouring small amounts of liquor into the floating shot glass. The player whose pour sinks the shot glass drinks the combined glass, then the next round resets.
What You Need to Play Titanic
- One large glass
- One shot glass that can float inside it
- Beer, cider, soda, or another base drink
- Soju, vodka, or another pour drink
- Optional ice cube for the iceberg version
- 2 or more players
How to Set Up the Titanic Drinking Game
1. Fill the Larger Glass
Fill the larger glass about halfway to two-thirds full. Too full and the shot glass sinks too easily. Too empty and the shot glass may not float right.
2. Float the Shot Glass
Place the empty shot glass gently into the larger glass. It should float upright. If it instantly sinks, use a lighter shot glass or a wider outer glass.
3. Add the Iceberg, If Using It
For the ice cube version, add one ice cube to the outer glass before or after floating the shot glass. The cube drifts around and can nudge the shot glass, which makes the game more chaotic.
BASIC TITANIC SETUP
LARGE GLASS
[ beer / base drink ]
[ floating shot glass ]
optional: ice cube = iceberg
How to Play the Titanic Drinking Game
FLOAT SHOT GLASS → POUR → DON’T SINK IT → SINKER DRINKS
1. Choose a Turn Order
Go clockwise or pick a starting player randomly. Keep the turn order fixed so nobody dodges the scary pour.
2. Pour Into the Floating Shot Glass
On your turn, pour at least a visible amount into the shot glass. A single dramatic fake drip does not count. Come on.
3. Watch the Shot Glass Sink Lower
As the shot glass fills, it sits lower in the larger glass. Every pour gets riskier.
4. Sinking the Titanic
If your pour makes the shot glass sink, you drink the larger glass. If it sinks a second after your pour and nobody else touched it, you still own that disaster.
Titanic Rules Table
| Situation | Common Rule |
|---|---|
| Player pours without sinking it | Turn passes. |
| Player sinks the shot glass | That player drinks the larger glass. |
| Shot glass sinks between turns | Last pourer drinks. |
| Someone bumps the table | Bumper drinks or takes the sinker’s penalty. |
| Ice cube knocks the shot glass | Usually counts against the last pourer. |
Titanic House Rules & Variations
Korean Soju Bomb / Somaek Version
The outer glass uses beer and the shot glass gets soju. Whoever sinks it drinks the beer-soju mix. This is one of the most common versions of Titanic.
Iceberg Version
Add an ice cube to the larger glass. The ice shifts the floating shot glass and makes delayed sinking more likely. It is more suspenseful and slightly more unfair, which is kind of the point.
Shot Roulette Titanic
Use several small pour options and let players choose what to add. This is only fun if the group agrees on reasonable ingredients. No mystery sink sludge.
Waterfall Pour Rule
Players must pour for a minimum count, like one second. This prevents fake drops but makes the game much stronger. Use with caution.
Our Recommended Titanic Rules
COLLEGEWARES TITANIC RULES
- Use beer or cider in the larger glass.
- Use soju or a low-ABV pour when possible.
- Every turn must add a visible pour.
- If the shot glass sinks between turns, the last pourer drinks.
- If someone bumps the table, they take the penalty.
- Keep the outer glass half to two-thirds full.
- No gross mixed-liquor punishment cups.
Is Titanic a Shot Drinking Game?
Yes, but it should not be played like everyone is taking full shots every turn. The shot glass is the game piece. Players usually pour small amounts into it until it sinks, then one person drinks the combined glass.
If you want other shot-focused games with cleaner portion control, check the Shot Roulette drinking game.
Titanic FAQ
How do you play Titanic?
Float a shot glass in a larger glass, then take turns pouring into the shot glass until it sinks. The player who sinks it drinks the larger glass.
What is the ice cube Titanic drinking game?
The ice cube version adds an “iceberg” to the larger glass. The ice can bump or destabilize the floating shot glass, making the game less predictable.
What do you drink in Titanic?
Beer and soju are common, but beer and vodka also appear. Use lower-ABV options if the group wants the game to last.
Who drinks if the shot glass sinks between turns?
The last person who poured usually drinks. If someone bumped the table, that person should take the penalty instead.
How many players do you need?
Titanic works with 2 or more players. It is best with 3 to 6 because turns stay tense without dragging.
Can you play Titanic without alcohol?
Yes. Float a shot glass in soda or water and pour juice, tea, or another drink into the shot glass.
Titanic in One Sentence
Titanic is the floating-shot-glass game where every tiny pour is bravery until the ship finally gives up.
