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22 Easy Cocktails to Make at Home

Whipping up amazing drinks at home shouldn’t be a chore. That’s why these easy cocktails are my go-to for any occasion. They bring together simplicity and fantastic flavor, proving that you don’t need to be a pro to mix drinks like one. Perfect for gatherings or solo moments, these selections promise satisfaction without the hassle. You’ll love the variety and ease of these recipes. For anyone looking to mix great drinks quickly, this roundup is a must-see.

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Cape Codder

cape codder cocktail vodka cranberry

A Cape Codder is a classic cocktail that is loved for its simplicity and refreshing taste. The simplicity of this drink is what makes it one of the easiest cocktails to prepare at home. A good drink may be made without expensive bar equipment or difficult ingredients. Voila, cranberry juice and ice are all you need. Additionally, these components are easy to locate at any grocery shop, making them a practical choice for last-minute events or leisurely afternoons at home.


Tequila Sunrise

tequila sunrise cocktail with ingredients on the background

A Tequila Sunrise is a traditional beverage that is both aesthetically pleasing and delicious. The sweetness of the orange juice is well balanced by the kick of the tequila, while the grenadine offers a delicate sense of fruitiness to round out the flavor. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just relaxing at home.


Black Russian

black russian cocktail

The Black Russian is a straightforward yet elegant drink that is ideal for anyone who likes the silky flavor of vodka. The coffee liqueur offers just the right amount of sweetness to complement the vodka’s velvety texture and robust flavor. The Black Russian is a simple yet delectable drink that can be prepared for any event and tastes great every time.


Highball

two highball cocktails

Made with just rye whiskey and ginger ale, the Highball is a light and delicious drink. The sweetness and fizz of ginger ale perfectly counterbalance the spicy flavor of rye whiskey. With minimal effort and ingredients that are easy to find, the Highball is an easy and delicious cocktail that anyone can make at home.


Cuba Libre

cuba libre rum and coke

The Cuba Libre is a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail that offers a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and boldness. The strong flavor of the white rum wonderfully offsets the cola’s sweetness, which is not overbearing. The lime wedge gives the drink a zesty, acidic flavor and a pleasant citrus touch that balances the sweetness of the cola and helps to cut through the alcohol. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it’s a great example of why easy cocktails are often the best.


Margarita

classic margarita cocktail

A traditional drink, the Margarita is admired for the zesty and refreshing flavor it imparts to your palate. This drink has an intriguing and delectable taste profile that is guaranteed to delight any palate because it is made with blanco tequila, triple sec orange liqueur, lime juice, agave nectar, and a dash of kosher salt. It is the ideal addition to any cocktail menu because of its distinctive flavor profile, which makes it a popular choice for drinkers who like acidic and somewhat sweet beverages.


Gin Rickey

gin rickey cocktail with lime

A balanced and refreshing drink, the Gin Rickey is ideal for individuals who like acidic and sharp tastes. This cocktail, which is made with gin, lime juice, and a dash of seltzer, has a crisp and fizzy flavor profile that will satisfy your thirst on a hot summer day. Its simplicity and versatility make it a top contender for the title of the best easy cocktail to make at home.


Gin and Tonic

gin and tonic drink on a bar

The traditional drink of gin and tonic has long been a fan favorite. The botanical tastes of the gin give it a rich flavor that compliments the tonic water’s bitterness. You may alter the flavor of the beverage by garnishing it with other ingredients like lime, cucumber, or mint. Because of its ease of preparation and the fact that it requires just two primary components, this drink is among the easiest cocktails to prepare at home.


Hot Toddy

hot toddy cocktail made from whiskey and tea

The traditional drink known as a Hot Toddy is an excellent choice for anyone looking to warm up on a chilly evening. It’s a simple drink to create at home because it only requires a few components, including heated water, black tea, blended whiskey, lemon juice, and honey. When you take a sip of a Hot Toddy, you’ll immediately feel the warmth of the whiskey and the soothing effects of the hot water. It’s a perfect cocktail to enjoy before bed or while curled up with a good book on a cold night.


Kir Royale

image featuring a Kir Royale cocktail, reimagined with a twist of raspberries instead of blackcurrants. The scene is elegant and sophisticated with soft lighting accentuating the deep red hue of the drink. The cocktail, effervescent with visible bubbles, is served in a classic flute glass. Beside the glass, there's a small dish filled with fresh raspberries, adding a unique touch to the traditional Kir Royale. The backdrop is a sleek bar counter with a subtle reflection of the glass, and the ambiance of a luxurious, dimly lit bar

The ingredients for the traditional French drink known as a Kir Royale are crème de cassis, champagne, and fresh raspberries. The dryness of the champagne wonderfully offsets the sweet and fruity flavor of the crème de cassis. Fresh raspberries give the beverage a lovely flash of color and a slight acidity in addition to their stunning tint. The Kir Royale is an excellent choice for those who want to make easy and tasty cocktails at home.


Cosmopolitan

A cosmopolitan cocktail in a martini glass, garnished with a lime slice, displayed elegantly on a bar. The scene is set in a sophisticated bar environment, with soft, ambient lighting enhancing the rich colors of the cocktail. The drink is the focal point, with its vibrant pink hue standing out against the darker background of the bar. The glass is clear and classic in style, filled with the cocktail, and a neatly cut lime slice rests on the rim, adding a touch of freshness. The bar surface is polished, reflecting the light and adding depth to the image.

The Cosmopolitan is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts and is known for its elegant and sophisticated taste. The sweet cranberry juice contrasts nicely with the tart citrus flavors of Cointreau and lime juice in this vodka cocktail. Its pretty pink color and delicious sweet-and-sour flavor guarantee its popularity at any social event.


Gimlet

Alcoholic Lime and Gin Gimlet with a Garnish

The gimlet is a classic cocktail that is simple to make but full of flavor. When lime juice, gin, and simple syrup are mixed together, the result is a taste profile that strikes the ideal balance between sweet and acidic notes, making it suitable for use in any situation. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a less sweet cocktail but still want a touch of sweetness.


Aperol Spritz

aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is a bitter cocktail with a fruity aftertaste. The cocktail’s distinctive and exquisite flavor comes from the combination of Aperol, Prosecco, and Club Soda. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a drink that is sure to impress your guests or simply enjoy it by yourself.


French 75 

french 75

You can’t go wrong with the classic combination of gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup that makes up a French 75. The lemon juice makes the drink sour, while the simple syrup makes it slightly sweet. Gin’s light botanical taste complements the other drinks’ bolder flavors. The French 75 is an excellent option for a simple yet stunning cocktail to create at home due to its simple ingredient list and straightforward preparation.


Paloma 

refreshing paloma cocktail with ingredients

The Paloma cocktail is a perfect choice for those who prefer a sweet and citrusy taste with a bit of an alcohol kick. Grapefruit soda adds a touch of sweetness and fizz, while the tequila and lime juice provide a somewhat sour and zesty flavor. With only three ingredients, this cocktail is incredibly easy to make at home and is sure to impress your guests.


Piña Colada

Pina Colada Cocktail

Pia colada is a tropical cocktail that is perfect for a summer evening or a day spent lounging in the sun. It is made with a blend of rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and lime juice, creating a smooth and sweet flavor that will transport you to a beach vacation. For individuals who enjoy fruity and tropical flavors, this beverage is the perfect choice.


Salty Dog

salty dog cocktail with vodka or gin and grapefruit juice

The Salty Dog is a straightforward yet delightful drink that mixes gin’s smoothness with the citrusy flavor of grapefruit juice. You may serve it neat or over ice, and if you want to give it an extra kick, salt can be sprinkled on the rim of the glass. The Salty Dog is an easy cocktail to make at home, and its minimal ingredients make it a popular choice for those who want a tasty drink without a lot of fuss.


Manhattan

manhattan cocktail

The Manhattan is a timeless drink with a bold and pleasing flavor. When sipping a Manhattan, you’ll first notice the rich aroma of the bourbon and vermouth, followed by a smooth and slightly sweet taste with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. This dish is perfect for any gathering, from a quiet night in to a formal dinner party, thanks to its few, easily accessible ingredients and simple preparation.


Ranch Water

a ranch water cocktail made using the best recipe

Ranch Water is perfect for those who want a drink that is not too sweet and has a nice balance of flavors. The lime wheel not only improves the drink’s aesthetics but also adds a refreshing citrus kick. The combination of tequila and sparkling water makes for a refreshing drink with just the right amount of punch. The cocktail is a popular choice among tequila lovers, and its popularity has grown in recent years due to its simplicity and versatility.


Mimosa

mimosa cocktail on a bar

A beverage that is basic yet elegant and has a flavor that is crisp and invigorating is called a Mimosa.  The Champagne gives the beverage a light, effervescent texture that is ideal for sipping, while the orange juice gives it a sweet, tangy flavor. Mimosa is a perfect choice that’s sure to impress your guests or simply help you unwind and relax.


Moscow Mule

A chilled copper mug on a rustic wooden bar top, filled with a fizzy, ginger-lime cocktail. Ice cubes float on the surface, and the drink is garnished with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint. The scene is warmly lit, with a cozy, inviting atmosphere, reflecting the refreshing and lively essence of a Moscow Mule cocktail. The background suggests a lively bar environment, with subtle hints of other bar essentials and a soft focus to keep the attention on the Moscow Mule.

A Moscow Mule is a simple drink that combines quality vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. The combination of these flavors yields a light, crisp flavor with a hint of ginger beer zing. This cocktail is best served in a copper mug to keep it cold and enhance the flavor. The recipe’s ease of use makes it a great option for beginners who want to create a nice drink at home.


Sidecar

Sidecar cocktail

The Sidecar is an old-school drink that has a combination of sweet and sour flavors. The wood and vanilla notes in the cognac serve as a basis for the sweetness and delicate orange taste in the Triple Sec. The fresh lemon juice’s astringency balances the sweetness, leaving a satisfyingly crisp aftertaste. Traditionally, the drink is served in a cold glass with a sugared rim, which gives each sip an extra satisfying crunch and sweetness.


A Mimosa cocktail, served in a classic champagne flute. The drink has a light, golden orange hue, characteristic of the blend of sparkling wine and fresh orange juice. It's garnished with a thin orange slice, adding an elegant and refreshing touch. The glass is set on a luxurious brunch table, under the soft, natural lighting of a sunny morning, highlighting the cocktail's vibrant and inviting appearance. In the background, there's a tasteful arrangement of brunch items like pastries, fresh fruits, and a bottle of sparkling wine, creating a scene of relaxed and indulgent morning dining. The image captures the essence of a delightful and sophisticated cocktail experience, emphasizing the crisp and bubbly nature of the Mimosa.

22 Easy Cocktail Recipes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.8 from 4 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy cocktails
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Discover easy-to-make cocktails that impress without the stress. Perfect for any occasion. Check out these recipes now.

Instructions

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22 Easy Cocktails to Make at Home
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4.75 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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