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Who says making cocktails has to be complicated? Sometimes, the most elegant drinks come from the simplest recipes.
With just three ingredients, you can shake, stir, and sip your way to cocktail perfection—no fancy syrups, exotic bitters, or obscure liqueurs required. Whether you love something strong, sweet, fruity, or bubbly, these 20 cocktails deliver serious flavor without the fuss.
So grab your shaker, some ice, and your favorite spirits—it’s time to mix up something effortlessly delicious!
1. Classic Martini
A martini is sophistication in a glass—smooth, crisp, and timeless. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, this cocktail is all about balance.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add 2 oz gin and ½ oz dry vermouth. Stir for 30 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.
2. Whiskey Sour
A little sweet, a little tart, and a whole lot of smooth, the whiskey sour is a classic for a reason. The citrus balances the richness of the whiskey perfectly.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Shake 2 oz bourbon, ¾ oz lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry or an orange slice.
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3. Negroni
Bittersweet and bold, the Negroni is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make cocktail. Its equal-parts recipe makes it foolproof.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Stir 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth in a glass with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
4. Moscow Mule
Spicy, refreshing, and effortlessly cool, the Moscow Mule is the perfect blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime. Serve it in a copper mug for the full effect.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a copper mug with ice. Pour in 2 oz vodka, ½ oz lime juice, and top with 4 oz ginger beer. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
5. Daiquiri
Forget the frozen versions—this classic daiquiri is crisp, light, and perfectly balanced. It’s a cocktail that lets good rum shine.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Shake 2 oz white rum, ¾ oz lime juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
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6. Paloma
The Paloma is bright, bubbly, and beautifully simple. The slight bitterness of grapefruit juice makes it a standout among tequila cocktails.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz tequila and 2 oz grapefruit juice. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
7. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is bold and timeless, bringing out the best in whiskey with just a touch of sweetness and bitterness.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Muddle 1 sugar cube with a few dashes of bitters in a rocks glass. Add 2 oz bourbon and stir with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
8. Black Russian
Dark, rich, and slightly sweet, the Black Russian is a no-fuss cocktail that’s as smooth as it is simple.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz vodka and 1 oz coffee liqueur. Stir gently and enjoy.
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9. French 75
Bubbly, crisp, and elegant, the French 75 is a gin-based cocktail with a Champagne twist. It’s perfect for celebrations.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Shake 1 oz gin, ½ oz lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.
10. Gimlet
Sharp and refreshing, the gimlet is a simple mix of gin and lime juice that delivers big flavor.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Shake 2 oz gin and ¾ oz lime juice with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
11. Rum Punch
Fruity and tropical, rum punch is a party in a glass. It’s sweet, boozy, and dangerously drinkable.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Mix 2 oz rum, 2 oz pineapple juice, and 1 oz orange juice in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a glass. Garnish with a cherry.
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12. Kir Royale
A simple yet stunning cocktail, the Kir Royale is a sparkling wine drink with a touch of sweet blackcurrant liqueur.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Pour ½ oz crème de cassis into a flute. Top with Champagne or sparkling wine. Stir gently and enjoy.
13. Mint Julep
This Southern classic is refreshing, icy, and packed with minty goodness. Perfect for hot days!
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Muddle 6 mint leaves with ½ oz simple syrup in a julep cup. Add 2 oz bourbon and fill with crushed ice. Stir and garnish with a mint sprig.
14. Boulevardier
A whiskey-lover’s take on the Negroni, the Boulevardier swaps gin for bourbon, giving it a rich, deep flavor.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Stir 1 oz bourbon, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
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15. Aperol Spritz
Light, refreshing, and slightly bitter, the Aperol Spritz is the ultimate summer sipper.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a glass with ice. Add 2 oz Aperol, 3 oz prosecco, and 1 oz club soda. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
16. Godfather
This simple yet bold drink pairs smooth whiskey with sweet, nutty amaretto. A classy and easy-to-make classic.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz whiskey and ½ oz amaretto. Stir gently and enjoy.
17. Sea Breeze
Tart, fruity, and ultra-refreshing, the Sea Breeze is a vodka cocktail that tastes like a tropical escape.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz vodka, 3 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz grapefruit juice. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
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18. Bellini
A peachy, bubbly delight! The Bellini is an elegant and effortless cocktail perfect for brunch.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Pour 1 oz peach purée into a champagne flute. Slowly top with 4 oz prosecco. Stir gently and serve.
19. Gin Rickey
Bright and crisp, the Gin Rickey is a bubbly, lime-infused refresher with no added sugar.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz gin and the juice of half a lime. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
20. Tequila Sunrise
A vibrant and sweet tequila drink that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Recipe:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz tequila and 4 oz orange juice. Slowly drizzle ½ oz grenadine down the side. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
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