Are you in the mood for a delicious cocktail but don’t want to spend hours mixing and measuring ingredients? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best easy cocktails that you can make right in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned misologist or a beginner looking to impress your guests, these drinks are sure to satisfy your taste buds without requiring a lot of time or effort. From refreshing classics like the Mojito and Margarita to trendy favourites like the Classic negroni and Tequila sunrise, we’ve got something for everyone.
So grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up these fantastic concoctions in no time. Cheers to enjoying delicious cocktails from the convenience of your home!
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The Best Easy Cocktails to Make at Home
1. Classic Negroni
Prepare this sophisticated classic negroni using just three essential ingredients. This traditional Italian beverage features the richly herbaceous sweet vermouth, the pleasantly bitter Campari, and a premium gin that deserves to be cherished. For an extra touch, you can enhance the presentation by serving it alongside sliced oranges or blood oranges when they are in season.
Ingredients:
- 25ml gin
- 25ml sweet vermouth
- 25ml Campari
- Ice
- Slice of orange (for garnish)
Method:
Step 1: In a mixing glass or jug filled with ice, combine the gin, vermouth, and Campari. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the outside of the glass feels refreshingly cold.
Step 2: Strain the concoction into a tumbler and add a large ice sphere or some fresh ice. To enhance the visual appeal, garnish the drink with a slice of orange. If available, using a blood orange during its season will add a vibrant touch to the presentation.
2. Classic Daiquiri
Achieving the perfect balance is crucial when preparing a classic daiquiri. While a daiquiri made with frozen fruit can be enjoyable, this timeless cocktail necessitates only three essential ingredients, ice, and a cocktail shaker.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of lime juice
- 2 teaspoons of superfine sugar
- 2 ounces of white rum
- Sliced lime, for garnish
Method:
Step 1: Dissolve the sugar in the lime juice by stirring them together in a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Fill the shaker with ice, add the rum, and vigorously shake until the mixture becomes chilled. Strain the contents into a coupe glass and serve it alongside a lime slice.
3. Tequila sunrise
Discover the preparation method for the Tequila Sunrise, a timeless cocktail featuring grenadine, tequila, triple sec, orange juice, a cocktail cherry, and an umbrella.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of grenadine
- Ice
- 50ml of tequila
- 1 tablespoon of triple sec
- Juice of 1 large orange or 2 small oranges
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 cocktail cherry
Method:
Step 1: Begin by pouring the grenadine into the bottom of a tall glass. Set the glass aside. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the tequila, triple sec, and the freshly squeezed fruit juices. Shake the mixture until the exterior of the shaker feels cold.
Step 2: Place a few ice cubes into the serving glass, then meticulously strain the cocktail into the glass, being careful not to disrupt the layer of grenadine excessively. Add additional ice as needed to fill the glass and garnish with a cherry on a stick or a cocktail umbrella.
4. Espresso martini
Discover the simple steps to create an Espresso Martini, a beloved coffee-based cocktail. This uncomplicated recipe calls for freshly brewed espresso, a touch of coffee liqueur, and a straightforward sugar syrup.
Ingredients:
- 100g of golden caster sugar (for the syrup)
- Ice
- 100ml of vodka
- 50ml of freshly brewed espresso coffee
- 50ml of coffee liqueur
- 4 coffee beans (optional)
Method:
Step 1: Commence by preparing the sugar syrup. Place the caster sugar in a small pan over medium heat and add 50ml of water. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil.
Step 2: Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool. Place two martini glasses in the refrigerator to chill.
Step 3: Once the sugar syrup has cooled, pour 1 tablespoon of it into a cocktail shaker along with a handful of ice, the vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur. Shake the concoction vigorously until the exterior of the cocktail shaker feels exceptionally cold.
Step 4: Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glasses. For an optional touch, adorn each glass with coffee beans.
5. Long island tea
Prepare a pitcher of the timeless Long Island Iced Tea cocktail to enhance your summer gathering. This delightful beverage requires equal proportions of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec, along with lime, cola, and an abundance of ice.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vanilla vodka
- 50ml dry gin
- 50ml tequila
- 50ml rum
- 50ml triple sec
- 50-100ml fresh lime juice
- Ice
- 500ml cola
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
Method:
Step 1: In a large jug (1.5l), combine the vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec. Adjust the lime juice to your preference. Fill the jug halfway with ice and stir until the outer surface becomes chilled.
Step 2: Introduce the cola to the mixture and stir gently to combine. Place the lime wedges into the jug.
Step 3: Fill four tall glasses with additional ice cubes and pour the Long Island Iced Tea over the ice.
6. Sex on the beach
With an abundance of peach, orange, and cranberry flavors, this luscious beverage is perfect for those who have a fondness for all things sweet. Create this exquisitely balanced cocktail known as “Sex on the Beach” in just two simple steps. Merely blend together the ingredients, give it a gentle stir, and add the finishing touches with cocktail cherries and a slice of orange.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml peach schnapps
- 2 oranges, juiced, plus 2 slices for garnish
- 50ml cranberry juice
- Ice
- Glacé cherries for garnish (optional)
Method:
Step 1: Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes. Combine vodka, peach schnapps, and fruit juices in a large jug, stirring well.
Step 2: Pour the mixture evenly into the two glasses, gently stirring to blend. Enhance the presentation with garnishes of cocktail cherries and orange slices.
7. Cosmopolitan
Most people are familiar with the fruity and refreshing Cosmopolitan cocktail, and you’ll be delighted to know that it’s surprisingly simple to create at home. To make this vibrant and colorful drink, combine the distinctively sweet and tangy flavors of cranberry juice and orange liqueur with citrus vodka. For an extra burst of citrus aroma, you can use our garnish trick to release the fragrant orange oils from the zest.
Ingredients:
- 45ml lemon vodka
- 15ml triple sec
- 30ml cranberry juice
- 10ml lime juice
- Ice
- Orange zest or a lime wedge for garnish
Method:
Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ice. Shake the mixture well, then strain it into a cocktail glass.
Step 2: Now, let’s create the garnish. Take a 3cm round piece of orange zest and hold it about 10cm above your Cosmopolitan. With caution, carefully wave the zest over a lit match or lighter flame. Bend the outer edge of the zest towards the flame, which will release the aromatic orange oils. Finally, drop the zest into your drink.
8. Martini
To create the ultimate classic cocktail, the Martini, it is best to stir rather than shake. Enhance its flavor by garnishing with a twist of lemon or an olive.
Ingredients:
- 60ml of vodka or gin
- 1 tablespoon of dry vermouth
- Olive or lemon peel for garnish
Method:
Step 1: Combine the gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and a small amount of ice by stirring them together or using a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass after straining it. Serve the Martini with an olive on a cocktail stick or a twist of lemon peel.
9. Piña colada
The delightful fusion of coconut and pineapple flavors is beloved by all. Whip up a nostalgic piña colada in a jiffy with this simple recipe and a whimsical cocktail umbrella. With each sip, you’ll be transported to a sunny, warm destination while belting out “If you like Piña Coladas.”
Ingredients
- 120ml of pineapple juice
- 60ml of white rum
- 60ml of coconut cream
- Pineapple wedge for optional garnish
Method :
Step 1: In a blender, combine all the ingredients with a handful of ice and blend until velvety smooth. Pour the mixture into a tall glass and garnish to your liking.
10. Mojito
Prepare a refreshing and simple classic mojito cocktail by combining white rum, lime juice, mint, and soda water. This crowd-pleasing drink can be made quickly and easily.
Ingredients:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Small handful of mint leaves
- 60ml white rum
- Soda water
Method:
Step 1: In a small jug, muddle the lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves together, gently crushing the mint. You can use the end of a rolling pin for this. Transfer the mixture to a tall glass and add a generous amount of ice.
Step 2: Pour the rum over the mixture and stir it using a long-handled spoon. Then, top up the glass with soda water. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.