Picture a corporate aperitivo where the bottles, snacks and glasses are right in front of you — locked inside a mysterious box. The only way to open it is to think, collaborate and solve. That is the essence of Unlock and Drink, one of the most original formats in our catalogue: an experience that merges the tension of an escape room with the convivial pleasure of a shared drink, turning a social company moment into a genuine team challenge.
How it works: from the box to the toast
Participants are divided into teams, and each group receives a mystery box containing a series of puzzles, combination padlocks and interconnected clues. To unlock each element of the aperitivo — a bottle, a set of glasses or a tray of snacks — the team must solve a progressive sequence of logic and intuition challenges. Every correct answer opens a padlock, and every open padlock brings the team closer to the reward: an aperitivo that has been truly earned, and therefore tastes even better.
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, is available both indoors and outdoors, and adapts easily to a wide range of settings — from a meeting room to a hotel terrace, from a company courtyard to a dedicated event space. No special equipment is needed: everything is contained within the box itself.
Why it works for team building
The secret behind Unlock and Drink lies in the shared reward mechanism. This is not an individual competition: either the team solves the puzzles together, or nobody drinks. This dynamic pushes participants to deploy genuine collaborative behaviours — lateral thinkers, methodical planners, natural coordinators all find their role. In a short time, natural leadership styles, communication patterns and problem-solving approaches emerge that often remain invisible in daily work routines.
The format is particularly effective as an ice-breaker: it lowers defences, creates a light yet stimulating context, and sparks authentic conversations. After an hour spent deciphering codes together, hierarchical barriers soften and relationships form organically. The final toast becomes a moment of genuine celebration — not just a drink, but the reward for a shared achievement.
Who should choose it
Unlock and Drink is designed for companies that want to break the ice in a creative way — new teams, corporate onboarding sessions, or groups from different offices meeting for the first time. It is also a perfect alternative to the classic end-of-project or year-end aperitivo: a way to close a chapter with energy, lightness and a touch of healthy competition.
With 22 years of experience and 130+ original formats, TeamBuilding.it knows that the most impactful moments are often the most enjoyable ones. Unlock and Drink is proof of that: fun and purpose, packed into the same box.
How to organise it with TeamBuilding.it
Organising an Unlock and Drink experience is straightforward: our team takes care of everything, from customising the puzzles to setting up the venue and managing the aperitivo logistics. We operate from our bases in Rome and Milan and can reach any location across Italy.
The format is fully scalable based on the number of participants and the goals of the event. It can be integrated into a broader training day, used as the closing moment of a workshop, or proposed as a standalone activity for an informal team day.
Ready to organise an Unlock and Drink for your team? Get in touch and we will help you build the right experience for your group.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can take part in Unlock and Drink? The format is scalable and works for groups of various sizes, from small teams to larger corporate events. Participants are divided into sub-teams to ensure everyone is actively involved throughout the activity.
Is it suitable for people who have never done an escape room? Absolutely. The puzzles are designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of prior experience with logic games. The goal is to have fun and collaborate — not to compete on individual skill level.
Can the theme or aperitivo content be customised? Yes, the format is fully customisable: from the puzzle theme to the contents of the box, including the selection of drinks and snacks. Our team works with you to tailor the experience to your company’s context and brand identity.
How long does the activity last? The standard duration is approximately 2 hours, including the final convivial moment. Timings can be adjusted to suit the needs of your event.
To protect participants’ privacy, the images were recreated with AI based on real events.
