The countdown to America 250 is down to the hours now. Get your Red Solo Cups ready to toast… As we celebrate that we live in the greatest nation in the world! 

When thinking of American nostalgia, we’ve got fireworks, Clydesdales, apple pie, baseball… The list goes on. But for today’s throwback, we’re keeping it fun, keeping it simple: The Red Solo Cup.

Before becoming a part of American pop culture, the Red Solo Cup was invented by Solo company’s founder’s son, Robert Leo Hulseman in the 1970s. He was looking for a more durable and versatile cup, great for parties and social events. Achievement unlocked.

Whether at a college house party or a 4th of July backyard BBQ, chances are some of those memories include the Red Solo Cup. Party games involving these cups are fun for all ages. Although, mostly played by those of drinking age at house parties or bars. And with lots and lots of beer.

Beer Pong is the skill-based game of throwing a ping pong ball into a cup and clearing “your side” of the table first. The catch? The cups are full of beer. And must be consumed by the other team each time the other team scores.

Flip Cup also involves drinking as you go. Teams of four or five form a line on either side of the table, with the first in line drinking the beer and then immediately placing the cup on the edge of the table to flip it on its opposite side with the tip of your fingers.

Once accomplished, the person next in line follows the same routine. The pattern continues until the last person in line makes their cup flip over successfully.

Then there’s others like “Stack Attack,” where the goal is to be the first to stack cups into a pyramid and then take them back down (not knock over) and restack the cups. And “Blow the Cup,” which involves literally blowing air to move a cup across the table to a specified target.

In good American fashion, a song was written in honor of this party cup. The party anthem if you will. And performed by the late Toby Keith.

So now we’re even a few minutes closer to the big America 250 celebration. And probably a little thirstier too. Raise those Red Solo Cups and have a fabulous 4th of July weekend.