Twenty-five of the best mixed drinks to make at home using only 2-3 simple ingredients! Plus a fool-proof basic formula for making any mixed drinks! Keep reading to learn more about mixed drinks.
Mixed drinks are great because they’re easy to make and perfect for parties. You don’t have to be a mixologist to make a delicious mixed drink – you only need a little imagination and some essential ingredients. A quick mixed drink always hits the spot if I crave a cocktail during the week.
I’m sharing 25 easy mixed drink recipes that require minimal ingredients. My favorite recipes from Sugar and Charm that are great for any season or event.
Check out my favorite cheap drinks, best brunch cocktail recipes, tequila cocktails, summer cocktails, cheap drinks, and great cocktails to make at home!
Why These Recipes Work
I selected these recipes because they are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Offer Variety – Mixed drinks are great to make because they offer a lot of variety. Mix different liquors, juices, and other ingredients to create unique and flavorful combinations.
Perfect for Parties – These drinks are accessible for a host or hostess because they require little effort. All you need to do is mix a few ingredients, and voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious cocktail that’s sure to please everyone at your party!
Versatile – These drinks are very versatile. You can make them as sweet or as fresh as you like, and they’re always a hit with guests.
Great for All Occasions – There’s a recipe here for everyone, and they’re great for all occasions.
What Are Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks are beverages that have 2-3 ingredients mixed into them. We’ve pulled together a list of mixed drinks based on these qualifications:
2-3 Simple Ingredients – It needs to be considered simple if it requires more than 3 ingredients.
Essential Ingredients – Simple and easy ingredients you can buy at all grocery stores.
Quick to Make – A mixed drink should only take a few minutes.
No Muddling – Keep it simple, with ingredients ready to be poured, stirred, or shaken.
Pro tip – It’s easy to make any of these mixed drinks into a mocktail or non-alcoholic cocktail if you prefer!
25 Mixed Drinks
1. Classic Mimosa
Make a simple mimosa at home with our easy recipe, tips, and tricks! This Champagne cocktail uses only 2 ingredients and is perfect for all occasions, especially brunch!
If you want to switch it up for the season, make a Poinsettia, which is made with cranberry juice, or try a Prosecco mimosa.
Ingredients: Orange juice, Champagne
2. Aperol Spritz
A simple, refreshing, three-ingredient Aperol spritz recipe that is perfect year-round! This classic cocktail couldn’t be more straightforward and genuinely delicious. Also, try our Lingonberry Aperol Spritz!
Ingredients: Aperol, Prosecco, Club Soda
3. Vodka Pineapple
A simple mixed drink with two ingredients! This cocktail has tropical flavors and is perfect for sipping any time of the year.
Ingredients: Pineapple Juice, Vodka
4. Tequila and Orange Juice
Tequila and orange juice is a classic combination perfect for summertime sipping. And this cocktail couldn’t be easier to make.
Mix tequila like Blanco, reposado, or añejo with freshly squeezed orange juice. Add a splash of triple sec or Cointreau for extra sweetness.
Ingredients: Orange Juice, Tequila
5. Whiskey Highball
The most leisurely cocktail to make! With only two simple ingredients, you have yourself a refreshing whiskey highball.
The type of whisky you use will vary based on your preference and budget. Since this drink only has two ingredients, get a decent whiskey for the best flavor.
Ingredients: Whiskey, Soda Water
6. Bee’s Knees
I am sharing all the details for making a bee’s knees cocktail. It’s made with three simple ingredients and is perfect for all year! Easy to make, refreshing, and delicious.
The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a prohibition-era drink that has been making a comeback in recent years. It is a sweet, tangy, gin-based cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
The name comes from the phrase “the bee’s knees,” which describes something or someone as being of excellent quality.
Ingredients: Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
7. Sea Breeze Cocktail
This is an easy, mixed summer drink made with 3 simple ingredients. It has a vibrant pink color. If you love this drink, also try our sparkling grapefruit martini!
Sea breeze cocktail is one of the most refreshing drinks to enjoy during the hot summer months. But did you know that this drink has a fascinating history?
This classic cocktail originated in America in the 1920s and was known as “the Harpoon.” It was a popular drink among sailors and became known as the “Sea Breeze” due to its association with sea travel.
Ingredients: Grapefruit, Cranberry Juice, Vodka
8. Moscow Mule
Learn how to make a classic Moscow Mule with our three-ingredient recipe. I will share tips on making different versions and ways to spruce it up! Check out all of our best Moscow mule recipes, too! I especially love our Kentucky Mule.
If you love vodka, check out the best mixers and our favorite vodka cocktails.
Ingredients: Ginger beer, Vodka, Lime juice
9. French Spritz
It is an easy cocktail to make that is perfect for a celebration! This simple mixed drink has a hint of floral flavor from the Elderflower liqueur. It can be made with either Champagne or sparkling white wine.
Ingredients: Champagne, St. Germain, Sparkling Water
10. Lemon Drop Martini
The lemon drop martini has been a popular drink since its creation in the 1970s. The bright, refreshing flavor of the lemon drop martini is a classic favorite for many cocktail enthusiasts.
The combination of tart lemon juice, sweet, simple syrup, and smooth vodka creates a balanced and delicious drink that is perfect for any occasion.
You can also use gin if you prefer when making this cocktail.
Ingredients: Lemon juice, Vodka, Simple syrup
11. Classic Daiquiri
It doesn’t get easier than a classic daiquiri recipe. No more sweet slushies; this recipe is made the way a daiquiri should be with simple ingredients. It is an easy and delicious cocktail to sip at home.
Ingredients: Lime juice, gold rum, simple syrup
12. Gin and Tonic
A gin and tonic is a classic cocktail recipe with gin and tonic water poured over ice. I like to add a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice.
Use good quality gin and tonic water as they work together to create a well-balanced drink.
If you love gin and tonics as much as I do, check out these 5 fantastic gin and tonic recipes!
Ingredients: Gin, Tonic water, Lime juice
13. Ranch Water
Although this mixed drink has existed for some time, it’s become trendy recently.
This Ranch water is a low-calorie cocktail created in West Texas. It’s easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day. I love this easy cocktail recipe.
Ingredients: Sparkling mineral water (like Topo Chico), Tequila, Lime juice
14. Whiskey and Ginger Ale
This is another easy whiskey mixed drink for anyone who loves whiskey! This cocktail has three simple ingredients and can be made within minutes.
If you are a fan of whiskey but want to avoid going through the hassle of making complicated cocktails, this is the perfect recipe.
Ingredients: Whiskey, Ginger Ale, Lime
15. Vodka Orange Juice
It doesn’t get any easier than a classic screwdriver! This drink is excellent for the morning and quick to make.
Screwdriver is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by many for decades. It is a simple yet delicious drink made with orange juice and vodka.
Combining these two ingredients creates a refreshing and tangy flavor, making it the perfect drink for any time of the day.
Ingredients: Vodka, Orange Juice
16. Spiked Lemonade Mixed Cocktail
One of the most effortless and refreshing mixed drinks is mixed with lemonade! Use store-bought light lemonade and then add in a spirit of your choice, like vodka or, in this recipe, tequila. The key is adding in fresh thyme and a good quality tequila!
Ingredients: Lemonade, Tequila, Thyme (optional)
17. Negroni
A classic Negroni cocktail is a simple drink that can quickly be whipped up for an evening cocktail. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, bitter, and intense flavors, making it a popular choice for many cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients: Gin, Campari, Sweet vermouth
18. Dirty Martini
The dirty martini is a classic cocktail that has been around for decades. I like to make mine extra dirty with more olive brine, and I also like to garnish it with a few extra olives. It’s so yummy!
You can also try this drink with tequila. A dirty tequila martini is a favorite.
Ingredients: Vodka, Vermouth, Olive Brine
19. Apple Martini
If you’re looking for an easy mixed drink for fall, try our simple three-ingredient apple martini. It has a crisp, juicy apple flavor, and it’s made with apple vodka!
Ingredients: Apple Vodka, Apple Cider, Lemon Juice
20. Jagermeister & Grapefruit
This is a simple cocktail made with grapefruit and Jagermeister. It has botanical, fruity flavors and is super easy to make.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day and can be enjoyed at home. The grapefruit adds a tangy and citrusy taste to the drink. At the same time, the Jagermeister brings in its unique blend of herbs and spices.
Ingredients: Jagermeister, Grapefruit, Simple Syrup
21. Classic Paloma Cocktail
A classic Paloma cocktail is a refreshing and slightly sweet drink. It’s made with tequila, grapefruit juice, and soda water.
The grapefruit juice makes this cocktail a refreshing, slightly sweet drink that’s perfect for summer.
Ingredients: Tequila, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice
22. Rum and Orange Juice
Rum and orange juice is a classic combination that creates a refreshing tropical drink perfect for any occasion. This two-ingredient cocktail is easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
You only need your favorite freshly squeezed orange juice to make the perfect rum and orange juice.
You can use any rum for this cocktail, but white or gold rum works best with the sweet and tangy flavors of orange juice.
This drink is perfect for brunch.
Ingredients: Rum, Orange Juice
23. Jagermeister and Root Beer
Another great Jagermeister cocktail is the root beer Jagermeister float. This blended drink combines the flavors of root beer and Jagermeister for a sweet, refreshing, and slightly spicy taste.
Ingredients: Jagermeister, Root Beer
24. Easy Chelada Recipe
This is a fun twist on a classic Michelada recipe called chelada! This is an easily mixed beer cocktail made with Modelo beer, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce!
Ingredients: Beer, Lime Juice, Worcestershire sauce
25. Margarita Mocktail
For those who don’t drink alcohol or are looking for a refreshing and tasty mocktail option, this margarita mocktail recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients: Lemon and Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Club Soda
More Mixed Drinks Recipes
Here are a few more of my favorite mixed drinks:
Create Mixed Drinks with Three Ingredients
There is a basic formula for creating your mixed drinks. I even created a stunning, mix-and-match cocktail bar based on this concept. Here is the formula:
- 1-ounce citrus – Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Lemon
- 1-ounce simple syrup – Straightforward to make
- 2-ounce spirit – Gin, Vodka, Tequila
There are two ways of making these drinks: shaken or stirred. I love a shaken cocktail, but a good stir with ice is good, too.
It’s so simple: add the ingredients into a shaker and shake, then strain over ice OR add them into a glass filled with ice and stir for 20 seconds.
Popular Juices for Mixed Drinks
Now that I’ve covered garnishes, let’s move on to juices! You can use fresh juice or store-bought juice to make mixed drinks. Here are some of the most popular juices for mixed drinks:
Cranberry Juice – Cranberry juice is famous for mixed drinks because it’s tart and slightly sweet. It’s also a beautiful red color, which makes it perfect for festive cocktails. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak extra vitamins into your diet!
Grapefruit Juice is a common ingredient in mixed drinks, as it adds sweetness and tartness. It’s also a popular choice for garnishing.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Commonly used to add tartness and acidity.
Fresh Lime Juice – Lime juice is a tart and acidic fruit juice perfect for refreshing mixed drinks. It’s also a popular choice for garnishing.
Orange Juice – Orange juice is popular for mixed drinks because it’s sweet and refreshing. It’s also a great source of Vitamin C!
Pineapple Juice – Pineapple juice is popular for mixed drinks because it gives them a tropical flavor. It’s also relatively sweet, so it can help balance out other ingredients’ flavors.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is used to sweeten cocktails and is easy to make. It’s simply 1/2 cup water and 1/2 sugar melted in a saucepan.
You can also buy it already made at the store. If you make it, you can keep it for up to a month in the refrigerator for your cocktail recipes.
Cocktail Garnishes for Mixed Drinks
Before I get to the recipes, let’s discuss how to garnish a mixed drink. This is important because, as any experienced bartender will tell you, presentation is everything.
The right garnish can take a mixed drink from ordinary to extraordinary. There are endless possibilities when it comes to garnishes, but here are a few of my favorites:
Fresh Sliced Fruit – Add vibrance and fragrance with citrus slices, cherries, pineapple, and apples.
Fresh Berries – They’re often small and brightly colored, which makes them perfect for adding a touch of decoration to your cocktail.
Edible Flowers – A type of garnish that can add a touch of elegance to your mixed drink. They’re also delicious! Some common edible flowers include roses, violets, and daisies.
Fresh Mint Leaves – Mint is a type of herb that’s often used for garnishing mixed drinks. It has a refreshing, cooling flavor that can help balance the sweetness of other ingredients. Plus, it looks pretty!
Black and Green Olives – An olive is often used as a garnish for mixed drinks. They come in various colors, but the most common are black and green. Olives can add a touch of sophistication to your cocktail and are also delicious!
Maraschino Cherry – A maraschino cherry is a fruit often used as a garnish for mixed drinks. They’re bright red and have a sweet, syrupy flavor.
Lemon Zest or Lime Zest – Zest is the outermost layer of citrus fruit. It’s often used as a garnish because it adds flavor and aroma to a drink.
Dehydrated Oranges – Dehydrated oranges are a garnish that can add flavor and decoration to your mixed drink. They’re also a great source of Vitamin C!
Stocking The Bar
There are no hard and fast rules for stocking the bar in your house to make mixed drinks. However, having a few basic liquors on hand will ensure you have the necessary ingredients to create any drink.
Consider stocking up on these five spirits, which are essential for making various mixed drinks.
- Vodka
- Whiskey
- Gin
- Rum
- Tequila
You can also keep some liqueurs and mixers on hand for added flavor:
- Orange Liqueur
- Bitters
- Elderflower Liqueur
With the proper selection, you’ll have everything you need for delicious cocktails in no time!
When to Serve Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or having friends over for a game night. But if you’re looking for a specific occasion to serve mixed drinks, here are a few ideas:
- Picnics
- Girls’ night in
- Anniversaries
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you know what the most popular cocktails are in the United States?
According to Nielson, one of the best cocktails across the nation is the Margarita. Even though a Margarita usually costs a little extra, it’s still one of the most popular drinks on the market.
Learning to mix your own homemade cocktails is a great idea for parties. When you make your own mixed drinks at home, it saves time and money.
A gin and tonic is a great mixed drink to enjoy. It’s easy to make with gin, tonic water, and lime juice and you can alter it to your liking.
What Are the 6 Basic Cocktails?
When you think of the most basic cocktails, everyone’s answer is different. If this were a test there wouldn’t be one right answer.
In our opinion, the top 6 basic cocktails everyone should know how to make are:
- Old Fashioned
- Martini
- Daiquiri
- Sidecar
- Manhatten
- Gin and Tonic
The Top Five Most Popular Mixed Drinks:
This doesn’t account for all companies in the US. Liquor.com ranked their top 10 picks for the most popular cocktails, and their choices are a little different.
- Bourbon Old Fashion
- Negroni
- Manhattan
- Long Island Iced Tea
- White Russian
- Margarita
- Bloody Mary
- Dirty Martini
- Painkiller
- Aperol Spritz
Classic Mixed Drinks
Learning to make a classic cocktail is a great idea when you don’t feel like making something fancy. However, there are a lot of classic cocktails you can make! We’ve pulled together the best classic cocktails to make at home.
Our top three classic mixed drinks are these:
- Margarita
- Gin and Tonic
- Dirty Martini
These three drinks are easy to make and inexpensive, especially if you make them at home. Practice your at-home bartender skills with these easy drinks and recipes.
Learning to mix homemade cocktails is a great idea for parties. Making your mixed drinks at home saves time and money.
Let me know if you make any of these drinks by leaving a comment and review below.
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
Basic Formula for Mixed Drinks
Ingredients
- 1 ounce citrus juice , orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit
- 1 ounce simple syrup , very easy to make using water and sugar
- 2 ounces spirit, vodka, gin, tequila, rum
Instructions
- Add the ingreidnets into a cocktail shaker and shake, then strain over ice.
- OR add the ingredients into a glass filled with ice and give it a good stir for 20 seconds.
- Garnish with an herb or a slice of citrus.
I just sent this to my husband who is in charge of making me drinks! I love this!
Thanks for this classic recipe. I printed it and have it taped onto the inside of our butler pantry cabinet door. I’m ready in a pinch for cocktail hour! Easy and SO easy to customize.
I feel like I can make a million mixed drinks now! Thanks for the run down and formula. I love playing around with flavors.