10 Easy Alcoholic Drink Recipes

You'll be amazed at how quickly you can master these 10 crowd-pleasing cocktails, even if you're new to mixing drinks. From the crisp simplicity of a classic Gin and Tonic to the fruity allure of a Tequila Sunrise, each recipe requires just 2-5 ingredients and basic barware. Whether you're hosting friends or unwinding after work, these foolproof combinations will help you craft bar-quality beverages in minutes. Let's start with the essentials you'll need for your home bar setup.

Classic Gin and Tonic

The gin and tonic is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world, originating in British colonial India where gin was used to mask the bitter taste of quinine, a malaria medication found in tonic water. This simple yet sophisticated drink has stood the test of time, becoming a staple in bars and homes worldwide.

A properly made gin and tonic is all about balance – the botanical notes of the gin should complement the bitterness of the tonic water, while the citrus adds a bright, fresh element. The key to a perfect G&T lies in using quality ingredients and the right proportions.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz London dry gin
• 4-5 oz tonic water
• 1 lime wedge
• Ice cubes
• Optional: juniper berries or cucumber slice for garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes, making sure to use fresh, clear ice for the best results. Pour the gin over the ice, then slowly add the tonic water while gently stirring to combine. The slow pour helps maintain the carbonation of the tonic water. Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink and drop it into the glass. If using additional garnishes, add them last.

For the best results, use a premium tonic water and keep it well-chilled – warm tonic water will quickly lose its carbonation and result in a flat drink. The ideal ratio is typically 1:2 or 1:3 gin to tonic, but this can be adjusted to personal taste. Avoid over-stirring the drink as this will reduce the carbonation and make the cocktail less refreshing.

Vodka Cranberry Spritzer

A Vodka Cranberry Spritzer is a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail that combines the smoothness of vodka with the tart sweetness of cranberry juice. This light and effervescent drink is perfect for warm summer evenings, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for an elegant yet simple cocktail.

The beauty of this spritzer lies in its versatility and balance. The addition of club soda transforms the traditional vodka cranberry into a more nuanced beverage with fewer calories and a pleasant fizzy texture that dances on the tongue. The result is a perfectly balanced drink that's neither too sweet nor too strong.

• 2 oz premium vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz club soda
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes until it's about three-quarters full. Pour the vodka and cranberry juice over the ice, followed by the fresh lime juice. Top the mixture with club soda, leaving about half an inch of space at the top of the glass. Using a long spoon or stirring stick, gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients without losing the carbonation.

For best results, use a high-quality vodka and 100% pure cranberry juice rather than cranberry juice cocktail, which contains added sugars. The fresh lime juice is essential as it adds brightness and helps balance the drink's sweetness. If the drink is too tart, add a small splash of simple syrup to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

Two-Ingredient Margarita

A two-ingredient margarita strips this classic cocktail down to its essential elements, offering a quick and straightforward way to enjoy this Mexican-inspired drink. While traditional margaritas often include triple sec or Cointreau, this simplified version relies on the natural sweetness of high-quality ingredients.

This recipe focuses on the perfect balance between tequila and lime juice, creating a crisp, refreshing beverage that can be served straight up or on the rocks. The key is using 100% agave tequila and fresh lime juice rather than pre-made mixes or concentrates.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60ml) 100% agave tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 1 oz (30ml) fresh lime juice
• Salt for rimming (optional)
• Ice

Pour the tequila and fresh lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. If desired, rim a margarita glass or rocks glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in a plate of salt. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice, or serve it straight up in a chilled glass.

For best results, always use freshly squeezed lime juice and avoid bottled alternatives. The lime juice should be strained to remove pulp and seeds before mixing. To adjust the sweetness level without adding more ingredients, you can select a reposado tequila, which tends to have subtle sweet notes from barrel aging.

Simple Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that gained popularity in the 1940s and has experienced a significant revival in recent years. The combination of vodka, lime juice, and spicy ginger beer creates a perfect balance of flavors that can be enjoyed year-round.

This classic cocktail is traditionally served in a copper mug, which not only adds to its distinctive appearance but also helps maintain the drink's crisp, cold temperature. The copper mug quickly takes on the temperature of the cocktail, creating a cooling sensation that enhances the overall drinking experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 4-6 oz ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig for garnish

Fill a copper mug (or regular collins glass) with ice cubes. Pour the vodka over the ice, followed by the fresh lime juice. Top with ginger beer and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

When making a Moscow Mule, always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled alternatives, as this significantly impacts the final taste. The quality of ginger beer also matters – look for a brand that offers a strong, spicy ginger flavor rather than a sweeter ginger ale. If copper mugs aren't available, any tall glass will work, though the drink may warm slightly faster.

Quick Rum and Cola

Rum and Cola is one of the most iconic and straightforward cocktails in the world of mixed drinks. This classic combination, also known as Cuba Libre when lime is added, has been a beloved beverage choice since the early 1900s when it first gained popularity in Cuba.

The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity and versatility. While the basic recipe calls for just two main ingredients, the choice of rum and the ratio of components can dramatically alter the final taste, allowing for personalization based on individual preferences.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark or white rum
• 6 oz cola
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge (optional)
• Highball glass

Combine the ingredients by filling a highball glass with ice cubes, then pour in the rum. Top with cola, leaving a small space at the top of the glass. If desired, squeeze a lime wedge into the drink and drop it in as a garnish. Gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing the carbonation from the cola.

For the best results, use chilled cola and quality rum at room temperature. The type of rum chosen will significantly impact the drink's flavor profile – dark rum provides a richer, more complex taste, while white rum offers a crisper, cleaner finish. Consider adjusting the rum-to-cola ratio based on personal preference, starting with the standard 1:3 ratio and modifying from there.

Easy White Wine Sangria

White wine sangria is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that originated in Spain but has become popular worldwide. This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for summer parties, brunches, or any festive gathering where you want to serve something special yet uncomplicated.

The beauty of white wine sangria lies in its versatility – you can adjust the fruit combinations and sweetness levels to your taste. While traditional sangria uses red wine, this white wine version offers a lighter, crisper alternative that pairs wonderfully with citrus fruits and crisp apples.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
• 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 green apple, cored and chopped
• 1 cup club soda
• Ice cubes

In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, triple sec, and honey or simple syrup, stirring until the sweetener is completely dissolved. Add the sliced citrus fruits and chopped apple to the mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Just before serving, add the club soda and ice to the pitcher. This addition provides a pleasant effervescence and ensures the drink stays perfectly chilled. Pour into glasses filled with ice, making sure to include some of the fruit in each serving.

For best results, use a crisp, dry white wine rather than an oaked variety like Chardonnay. You can prepare the fruit mixture up to 24 hours in advance, but add the club soda only when ready to serve to maintain carbonation. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, adjust the honey or simple syrup quantity accordingly, and feel free to experiment with different seasonal fruits like peaches, pears, or berries.

Three-Ingredient Paloma

The Paloma is Mexico's most beloved cocktail, surpassing even the Margarita in popularity among locals. This refreshing drink combines the bright, citrusy notes of grapefruit with the smooth, earthy qualities of tequila, creating a perfect balance that's both sophisticated and easy to prepare.

While traditional Palomas often incorporate fresh grapefruit juice, this three-ingredient version uses grapefruit soda for convenience and consistent results. The simplified recipe maintains the authentic taste while making it accessible for home bartenders of any skill level.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 4-5 oz grapefruit soda
• 1 lime wedge
• Salt for rimming (optional)
• Ice cubes

If using a salt rim, begin by running a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip it in salt. Fill the glass with ice cubes, pour in the tequila, and top with grapefruit soda. Gently stir to combine the ingredients, and squeeze the lime wedge into the drink before dropping it in as a garnish.

For best results, use 100% agave tequila and a quality grapefruit soda such as Jarritos or Squirt. The glass can be prechilled for an extra-cold drink, and the proportions can be adjusted to taste. While many prefer their Paloma with a salt rim, it's entirely optional and can be skipped without compromising the drink's essential character.

Basic Whiskey Sour

A whiskey sour is one of the most iconic classic cocktails that has stood the test of time since its creation in the 1860s. This perfectly balanced drink combines the warmth of whiskey with the bright, fresh flavors of lemon juice and a touch of sweetness.

The beauty of a whiskey sour lies in its simplicity and versatility. While traditionally made with bourbon whiskey, it can be crafted with various types of whiskey to suit different palates. The key to a perfect whiskey sour is using fresh ingredients and maintaining the right proportions.

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. If using egg white, add it now and perform a "dry shake" (shaking without ice) first to create a silky foam. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, or serve straight up in a coupe glass.

For best results, use room temperature egg whites if including them, as they create better foam. Simple syrup can be made by combining equal parts sugar and hot water, stirring until dissolved, and letting it cool. Store any unused simple syrup in the refrigerator for future use. If you prefer a sweeter drink, adjust the simple syrup amount to taste, but be careful not to overwhelm the balance of flavors.

Tequila Sunrise Shortcut

The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that gained popularity in the 1970s, known for its striking gradient appearance that mimics a sunrise. This simplified version maintains the drink's iconic look while making it easier to prepare at home with readily available ingredients.

Traditional recipes often call for fresh-squeezed orange juice and grenadine made from scratch, but this shortcut version uses store-bought ingredients without compromising the cocktail's signature taste and visual appeal. The key is in the careful layering technique that creates the distinct color separation.

• 2 oz tequila (silver or blanco)
• 4 oz orange juice
• ½ oz grenadine syrup
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour the tequila and orange juice directly into the glass and stir briefly to combine. Slowly pour the grenadine syrup down the inside of the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom naturally. This creates the signature sunrise effect as the red grenadine gradually rises through the orange juice.

For best results, avoid stirring after adding the grenadine, as this will disrupt the color gradient. The garnish should be added last, traditionally with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. The drink can be served immediately while the sunrise effect is most prominent.

Temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect layered effect – all ingredients should be well-chilled before mixing. Using a spoon to slowly pour the grenadine against the inside of the glass can help control the flow and prevent unwanted mixing. If the first attempt doesn't create the desired gradient, try adjusting the pour speed of the grenadine or the amount of ice used.

Five-Minute Mojito

The mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that perfectly balances the sweetness of sugar with the bright flavors of mint and lime. This classic drink has been enjoyed for generations and remains one of the most popular rum-based cocktails worldwide.

This five-minute version maintains all the authentic flavors while simplifying the preparation process. Instead of the traditional method of muddling mint leaves extensively, this recipe uses a quick technique that still releases the essential oils without over-crushing the leaves, which can lead to bitterness.

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp sugar
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Place mint leaves and sugar in a highball glass. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press the mint leaves against the sugar to release the oils. Add fresh lime juice and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Fill the glass with ice cubes, pour in the rum, and top with club soda. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, being careful not to bruise the mint leaves too much.

For best results, use fresh mint leaves and avoid using bottled lime juice as it can affect the authentic taste of the mojito. The mint leaves should be bright green and aromatic for optimal flavor. While traditional recipes sometimes call for simple syrup, using granulated sugar allows for better control over sweetness and maintains the classic preparation method. When serving, garnish with a lime wedge and additional mint sprig for visual appeal.