Are you sick of drinking from red solo cups? You're not alone! For your next ABC Party aka 'Anything But A Cup' party, the goal is to switch things up and drink from something OTHER than a cup.
In this blog post, we will share 33 items that you can drink from that aren't cups! From a pineapple to a boot, I'm confident you will find something fun or absurd to drink out of whether a dorm party or your own digs.
Grab your longest straws and get ready to start sipping from some unconventional items that are anything BUT a cup!
An Anything But A Cup party is an inexpensive theme party that creates fun memories and photos to last a lifetime.
Whether you're planning on drinking mocktails or cocktails, all of these items below can be found in most stores if not purchased off of Amazon. I added links to those below.
Don't forget to check out my shopping list below of the must haves to make your drinks as unique as possible!
📝Do You Know The 'Anything But A Cup' Party Rules?
Rules make entertaining more fun!
Luckily for an ABC party, the rules are VERY simple.
The only rule at an 'Anything But A Cup' party, is that you are required to bring something OTHER THAN A CUP to drink out of.
From wacky to obscure, the more creative the better!
Choosing Your "Cup" Wisely
Not any drinking vessel will work.
The best way to choose your "cup" is to think about WHAT you'll be drinking.
Are you planning on sipping on a mocktail? Then maybe a larger vessel that requires a long straw is best.
Or perhaps you want to sip slowly on a stronger cocktail? Then I suggest a smaller vessel so you can control the booze.
Or maybe your just planning on drinking some cold beer. In this case, a straw wont be necessary so think about how you're going to SIP your beer? Is it easy to sip? Chug?
The vessel matters so think about that when selecting your "cup" of choice!
Anything But A Cup Party Ideas
1. Fruit
Fruit is always a great option when you are looking for something to drink out of that's a bit more appetizing. There are so many different fruits that you can use!
For example, did you know that you can drink out of a pineapple? Just cut off the top, hollow it out, and voila! You have yourself a unique cup.
Watch how to make your pineapple a cup!
Or how about using a watermelon?
Cut off one end and scoop out the insides until you have a watermelon bowl. OR you can cut it into a keg! Then fill it up with your favorite beverage and enjoy!
Watch how to make your own watermelon keg!
A vodka sunrise, a Virgin Blue Lagoon or any of these peach cocktails would go perfectly inside either of these fruits!
2. Vegetables
Yes, vegetables can be used as cups too at your ABC party! If you are looking for something a bit more savory, then veggies are the way to go.
One vegetable that makes for a great cup is a cucumber. Just cut off the ends and hollow out the inside. Then fill it up with your drink of choice and enjoy!
You could also use a carrot. Cut off the top and bottom and then use a spoon to scoop out the insides. Once you have done that, simply fill it up with your beverage and enjoy!
3. Bucket
A bucket may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a cup, but it can actually be quite handy and can fit a LOT of ounces!
You can find a bunch in the dollar store in all kinds of colors! Make sure to use a super long straw for this one!
My margarita pitchers would be delicious in a bucket!
4. Soap Dispenser
Dispensers are a popular anything but a cup idea! Soap dispensers are a great option for those who want something a bit more unique without spending too much money.
Simply take an empty soap dispenser and clean it out thoroughly. Then, fill it up with your favorite beverage and screw on the pump. That's it! You now have your very own soap dispenser cup. Pump away!
Check out these FUN adult themed party ideas your friends will love!
5. Condiment Bottle
This one is definitely not classy but it's cheap and super fun! Your container can be a ketchup, mustard, mayo or BBQ sauce bottle. All you need to do is clean it out WELL and add your drinks! Bottles with a small hole for squirting are the most fun!
6. Blood Bag
What a FUN anything but a cup idea! This is perfect for those who want to add a bit of horror to their cup!
You can find blood bags on Amazon or at your local Halloween store. Simply fill them up with your beverage of choice, add a straw and enjoy!
May I suggest a red beverage like fruit punch or a bloody mary?
7. Spray Bottles
This is a great option for those who want to add a bit of fun to their cup while making sharing drinks super easy!
All you need to do is clean out the bottle and add your favorite beverage. Then, screw on the pump and voila! You have your very own spray drink bottle.
8. Cleaning Product Containers
This is a great option for those who want to recycle and upcycle!
Simply clean out the container and add your favorite beverage. You could even decorate the outside if you want to get creative.
Then, screw on the lid and enjoy! Windex is always a winner!
Warning* Never drink from a container that has held bleach or any other toxic cleaning product.
🍸Looking to cocktails while playing? Check out this list of the top 15 most popular cocktails!
9. Milk Carton
This is a great option for those who want something eco-friendly, easy to hold and obnoxiously large!
All you need to do is clean out the milk carton and add your favorite beverage. You could even decorate the outside if you want to get creative.
May I suggest something white or brown to resemble milk or chocolate milk?
10. Coffee Pot
Everyone has access to a coffee pot! Its a great option for those who want something extra large and in charge!
Simply clean out the coffee pot and add your favorite beverage. I love that it has a handle and mini spout. Just be careful since it is glass!
Also try using a darker beverage like coca cola to resemble coffee?
11. Kitty Litter Box
This is a great option for those who want something unique and slightly gross!
I highly HIGHLY recommend using a NEW box as opposed to a use one. Add in some poprocks candy or anything else that resembles kitty litter. Use a large straw and you're set!
12. Rainboot
This is a great anything but a cup option for those who want something fun and easy!
Rain boots are not only great for keeping OUT liquids but they're also great for keeping them IN too! Remember, the larger the boot, the more beverage it can hold! Raincoat is optional.
🍸Looking to cocktails while playing? Check out this list of the top 15 most popular cocktails!
13. Water Gun
This is a great option for outdoor parties.
You can use anything from a mini water gun to an all in super soaker! It's a fun way to share sips and possibly get a little messy at the same time!
14. Fish Bowl
If you choose this option, you need to go all out! Get a clear fish bowl from your local pet store and fill it up with a beverage of choice. I recommend a clear beverage. Then add in Swedish fish candy and some other fun edible ocean items to resemble an actual fish tank.
I recommend using a plastic bowl as opposed to glass! It's slightly more challenging than your average cup but totally worth it!
🍹Love fruity cocktails? Check out this awesome drink list!
15. Baby Bottle
Baby bottles are a fun way to enjoy your drink all night look. They're easy to hold and so easy to find in any store. Plus they will slow you down a bit.
Just fill it up and start sucking away.
16. Plastic Gloves
What a goofy way to drink something! But this is genius! Clean them out even if they are new. You never know what's inside.
Then hold it upright and fill her up! These are definitely a unique idea but may be difficult to set down on the table without spilling!
Have you thought about throwing a Tiktok themed party? It might just go viral!
17. Conch Shell
This is a great option for those who want to feel like they're at the beach!
Find a conch shell big enough to fit your mouth over and drink away. If you can find one with a natural spout, even better! Just be careful not to cut yourself.
Planning an 18th Birthday Party? Check out these fun ideas!
18. Coconut Cup
This is a great anything but a cup option for those who want to feel like they're on a tropical vacation!
All you need is a coconut and a straw. You could even decorate the outside with some fun island flair!
Or, if you want to get really creative, you could drill a hole in the top and add a little umbrella!
19. Flower Pot
This is a great anything but a cup option that can really hold a LARGE drink for more than one person!
Simply clean out the flower pot, or purchase a new one. and add your favorite beverage. Look for a flower pot without a hole in the bottom so your drink doesn't spill out.
You could even decorate the outside with some fun flowers or garden items! Or grab a flower straw to drink out of!
Final Tips For Your Anything But A Cup Party
- Stay away from glass. It's not worth it.
- When decided between a used item or new, choose NEW! It can be tough to wash items out completely.
- Don't use bleach or anything toxic to clean items out!! Use dish soap, vinegar and baking soda. Let it sit inside and rinse well with warm water.
- Use these straws if you are drinking out of a something very TALL.
- Choose something that can stand up on a table.
- Purchase mini funnels to pour drinks inside without a mess.
💡 Do you have any other ideas?? Leave them in the comments below! I'm always looking for new and unique cups to drink from. Thanks for reading!
What appetizers are you serving? Try one of these!
Funeral Sandwiches (Hot Ham n' Cheese Sliders)
Throw an anything but a cup PAJAMA party!
Love Make Ahead Appetizers?
I have an Ebook I created with my top make ahead appetizers you'll LOVE! Get it here!
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!