Use 'carouse' to describe festive gatherings where drinking is a main activity. The pirates decided to carouse after finding the buried treasure.
Pro Tip 2/3
Informal Events
'Carouse' is often used for impromptu or informal parties, not formal events. They began to carouse in the backyard after the barbecue.
Pro Tip 3/3
Volume and Energy
Associated with noise and high energy; 'carouse' implies exuberance and possibly rowdiness. The neighbors were carousing until the early morning, keeping everyone awake.