Simple Cocktails You Can Make Right Now

Want a tasty drink without hunting for weird ingredients? Simple cocktails are the answer. All you need is a handful of basics – a spirit, a mixer, maybe a splash of citrus – and you’re set. No fancy bar tools, no long ingredient list. Just good flavor and a quick pour.

What Makes a Cocktail Simple?

A simple cocktail usually follows a 2‑1‑1 rule: two parts spirit, one part sour, one part sweet. Think of a classic margarita or a whiskey sour. This ratio balances the drink so you don’t have to guess. If you have a bottle of gin, some lemon juice, and a dash of simple syrup, you already have a gin fizz that tastes great.

Another tip is to keep your pantry stocked with a few versatile mixers. Club soda, tonic, ginger ale, and orange juice cover most recipes. When you’re ready to experiment, add a fresh herb or a flavored syrup – but keep it optional. The goal is to be able to throw a drink together after work or for a weekend brunch.

Three Go‑To Simple Cocktails

1. Whiskey Sour – 2 oz whiskey, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a cherry if you like. It’s tangy, sweet, and showcases the whiskey without overpowering it.

2. Classic Mojito – 2 oz white rum, ½ oz lime juice, 2 tsp sugar, a handful of mint leaves, club soda. Muddle mint and sugar, add rum and lime, fill with ice, top with soda. Refreshing and perfect for hot days.

3. Easy Margarita – 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, ½ oz triple sec (or orange juice), a pinch of salt. Shake, strain over ice, rim the glass with salt if you feel fancy. It’s the party starter every backyard needs.

These three drinks cover whiskey, rum, and tequila, giving you a starter kit for any spirit you prefer. All the ingredients are easy to find at a local grocery store or liquor shop.

When you’re ready to expand, try swapping the citrus: orange for lemon, or add a splash of fruit puree. The basic structure stays the same, so the flavor changes without adding complexity.

Remember, the best simple cocktail is the one you’ll actually drink. Don’t over‑think it – pour, sip, and enjoy. With a few core ingredients and a bit of practice, you’ll be serving up tasty drinks in no time.