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Music and alcohol go together like peanut butter and jelly — and drinking songs are where they meet. Songs about drinking are often about celebration, but they can also have a reflective tone. Many famous songs about liquor also use alcohol as a metaphor — for love, lust, or the joy of life itself. Songs about alcohol cover all moods and genres, from traditional folk and blues tunes to modern rock, pop, and rap.
Whether you’re going out for the night of your life or looking for consolation at the bottom of a glass, drinking songs can inspire and energize you. In this article, we present 25 of the best drinking songs of all time. From Adele to Beyoncé, from Chumbawamba to AC/DC — all emotions and genres are covered.
The 25 Best Drinking Songs of All Time
Let’s explore the best drinking songs from recent decades. From traditional folk tunes to fresh rap hits, these great tracks are perfect for drinking playlist ideas.
Bottoms Up — Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj
Trey Songz wrote lots of catchy R&B/pop hits in the late noughties and early teens. “Bottoms Up” features the one-and-only Nicki Minaj, with the hip-hop queen rapping directly to the singer with lines like “Yo, Trey, do you think you could buy me a bottle of rosé?” This song came out in 2010, on his fourth studio album, Passion, Pain & Pleasure.
I Drink Wine — Adele
Adele’s song “I Drink Wine” is about growing up and changing your priorities. Like many of her big pop anthems, this is a piano-driven track full of heart and soul. This track was originally 15 minutes long, with the 2021 album version cut back to 6 minutes and 16 seconds for radio play.
Champagne Problems — Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s 2020 track “Champagne Problems” has a soft and sentimental touch, which it shares with her biggest hits. This number comes from her celebrated studio album Evermore, with Champagne used as a metaphor for a young lady who turns down her lover’s marriage proposal.
Spill the Wine — Eric Burdon and War
“Spill the Wine” is the debut single by Eric Burdon and the band War. This is one of the oldest tracks on this list, released in 1970 on the album Eric Burdon Declares War. Featuring in the film Boogie Nights and the TV shows Dexter and Shameless, this song is a great example of alcohol in pop culture.
Tubthumping — Chumbawamba
The magnificent Chumbawamba formed in 1982, and they kept rocking until 2012. The band’s 1997 single “Tubthumping” was their biggest hit, celebrating the resilience of ordinary people in the face of struggle. The video for this track opens in a pub, and the song uses drinking culture to raise issues of class and community.
Moscow Mule — Bad Bunny
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny released “Moscow Mule” in 2022 as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Un Verano Sin Ti. On this track — named after the popular vodka, lime, ginger beer cocktail — Bad Bunny raps memorable lines like “Two drinks and you know I get horny.”
Bottoms Up — Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj
Trey Songz wrote lots of catchy R&B/pop hits in the late noughties and early teens. “Bottoms Up” features the one-and-only Nicki Minaj, with the hip-hop queen rapping directly to the singer with lines like “Yo, Trey, do you think you could buy me a bottle of rosé?” This song came out in 2010, on his fourth studio album, Passion, Pain & Pleasure.
Crack a Bottle — Eminem, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent
This iconic track showcases the celebratory antics of A-list stars. “Crack a Bottle” was recorded by Eminem, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent as the lead from Shady’s sixth studio album, Relapse. Released in 2009, this track was a massive success that broke digital sales records at the time.
Cheers (Drink to That) — Rihanna
“Cheers (Drink to That)” by Rihanna is about going out with friends, living your best life, and saying “cheers” to the weekend with a smile. This popular track was released in 2010 on Rhi Rhi’s fifth studio album, Loud. When it comes to good female karaoke songs, this one is right up there.
TiK ToK — Kesha
Back in 2009, when nobody knew her name, the wonderful Kesha released her debut single “TiK ToK.” This energetic track was co-written with producers Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco, and it was an absolute smash. The song’s lyrics are all about Kesha’s partying lifestyle at the time, including one night when she came home half-drunk and stumbling.
Shot for Me — Drake
Everyone’s favorite Canadian rapper Drake released “Shot for Me” in 2011, on his second studio album, Take Care. On this jam, Drake glides through the bars with his familiar flex and breathy falsetto. This song is very energetic and honest from Drake, but the lyrics are somewhat problematic.
Blame It (On the Alcohol) — Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain
This club banger is an ode to alcohol in its many flavors. As he delivers lines like “Grey Goose will get you loose” and “Patrón will get you gone,” T-Pain introduces listeners to hip alcohol brands. While this commercialization of music culture is definitely not all good, the beats and bass lines really deliver. “Blame It (On the Alcohol)” was released in 2008 on Foxx’s third studio album, Intuition.
Tennessee Whiskey — Chris Stapleton
Country music, good times, and drinking seem to go hand in hand. Numerous Southern songs have been dedicated to alcohol over the years, including 2015’s “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton. This version of the song is actually a cover, with the original recorded by David Allan Coe back in 1983.
Red Red Wine — UB40
“Red Red Wine” was a huge radio hit for UB40 in 1983, and a fantastic cover of the Neil Diamond classic. This track adds a toasted rap verse to the original, which reflects on the power of red wine to take away your woes. Being a reggae number, this track is popular with people who love songs with strong bass lines.
Shots — LMFAO feat. Lil Jon
The title of this track speaks for itself, with Lil Jon adding his rap talents to the dance floor magic of LMFAO. This song originally came out on the electronic duo’s first album, Party Rock from 2009. Lil Jon also released it on his debut, Crunk Rock. The video was filmed at the Tao Beach pool in Las Vegas, showcasing the good times that come from drinking and celebration.
Drunk in Love — Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
This iconic track by Bey and Jay uses alcohol as the perfect metaphor for intoxicating love. “Drunk in Love” is a hip-hop/R&B track with strong trap influences, and it’s a successful celebration of sexuality. This track was released in 2013 on Beyoncé’s self-titled studio album, inspired by situations that can arise under the influence of alcohol.
Beer Never Broke My Heart — Luke Combs
“Beer Never Broke My Heart” by Luke Combs is a light-hearted country song about the benefits of alcohol. Released in 2019, it was the first single from his second studio album, What You See Is What You Get. Combs lists all the hurtful things in life on this track, concluding that beer is the only safe bet.
Swimming Pools (Drank) — Kendrick Lamar
The incredible lyrics and vocal talents of Kendrick Lamar come to life on this number. It’s the lead single from his 2012 studio debut, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. This party song is the perfect introduction to Kendrick’s flow and lyrics, which consider the many highs and lows of alcohol consumption.
Whiskey in the Jar — Metallica
Heavy rock music and alcohol consumption have always been close friends. As one of the undisputed leaders of heavy metal, Metallica has released many songs about intoxication over the decades. “Whiskey in the Jar” comes from their 1998 album Garage Inc., with this traditional Irish drinking song also released by Thin Lizzy and The Pogues.
Gin and Juice — Snoop Dogg
Gin and Juice is a famous party song by Snoop Doggy Dogg. Released in 1994 on Death Row and Interscope, it remains one of his biggest hits. “Gin and Juice” comes from Snoop’s debut album, Doggystyle, and it features a famous sample from “I Get Lifted” by George McCrae. This wobbly funk rap jam is about sipping happy juice in the sunshine.
One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer — George Thorogood and The Destroyers
This track by George Thorogood and The Destroyers may be the most famous drinking song of them all. It was originally recorded by Amos Milburn in 1953, before being covered by John Lee Hooker in 1966 and George Thorogood and the Destroyers in 1977. The latter version came from the group’s self-titled debut, and the subject of the song speaks for itself.
Have a Drink on Me — AC/DC
The mighty AC/DC recorded one of rock’s most iconic songs about alcohol. Their track “Have a Drink on Me” comes from the band’s 1980 album Back in Black, which many fans consider their best. While this song wasn’t one of the album’s singles, it’s a massive favorite for lovers of guitar solos.
Honky Tonk Woman — The Rolling Stones
“Honky Tonk Woman” by the Rolling Stones is a classic drinking song released as a non-album single in 1969. It was inspired by Brazilian caipiras — inhabitants of rural Brazil originally from the state of São Paulo. However, the term “honky tonk woman” actually refers to a dancing girl in a western bar, with the narrative of the song set in Memphis, Tennessee.
Streams of Whiskey — The Pogues
The Pogues are the quintessential Irish drinking band. Sung by charismatic frontman and infamous alcoholic Shane MacGowan, “Streams of Whiskey” is folk rock delivered with swagger and authenticity. If you’re looking for songs to play at a pub or backyard BBQ, you’ll find this song on their 1984 album Red Roses for Me.
Have Another Drink — The Kinks
The Kinks recorded some of the best rock-pop tunes of all time. “Have Another Drink” from 1975 isn’t their best-known song, but it’s a joyful sonic adventure. Frontman Ray Davies starts singing about everyday problems, before delivering the obvious solution: “Have another drink and you’ll feel alright.”
Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) — The Doors
The “Alabama Song” is known by many names, including “Moon of Alabama,” “Moon Over Alabama,” and “Whisky Bar.” American rock band The Doors did a fantastic rendition of this traditional tune in 1966, combining avant-garde elements with carnival music influences and psychedelic elements.
Why We Love Songs About Drinking
Alcohol is enjoyed by many cultures around the world, and music can be found absolutely everywhere. When people gather to celebrate life with friends and family, it’s only natural for both these things to combine. Drinking songs are often designed to bring people together when deep feelings are shared and special moments are cherished together. It’s not all about good times, however, with some drinking songs about reflection and consequences. These tracks highlight the complexities of life and the risks that come from enjoying the good things too often.
From happiness and sadness to joy and regret, drinking songs do have a shared personality. It doesn’t matter if you’re mourning a lost friend, enjoying a big win, or celebrating new life with family — the best drinking songs saturate your feelings and make you feel less alone.
Final Reflection
As you can see, drinking songs come in many different flavors. From energetic party-starters to songs full of sadness, the 25 tracks listed above all bring something unique to the table. These drinking songs are suitable for celebrations with friends, vulnerable moments alone, and pretty much everything in between. The emotion of these tracks is what makes them special, as words and music come together to ignite a spark and make an impression on your soul.