Cocktails don’t have to be complicated. Some of the most popular and satisfying cocktails are based on only three ingredients. You don’t need to be a skilled bartender to make these easy three-ingredient cocktails at home.
15. Vesper Martini
For lovers of a classic Martini who want a little more oomph, the Vesper is the ticket. This elevation of the martini is made with a combination of gin and vodka. What sets it apart is the addition of Lillet Blanc, a fortified wine, which adds a mellowing and slight sweetening. The Vesper is the perfect summer martini.
14. Sea Breeze Cocktail
A Sea Breeze Cocktail is simple to make with vodka, cranberry juice, and just a splash of grapefruit juice. The grapefruit juice gives this drink an extra little special something. However, if you want a lighter, more bubbly beverage, you can substitute a splash of sparkling water for grapefruit juice instead.
13. Mule
This drink has several variations depending on your alcohol of choice. The two constant ingredients are ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Vodka is a Moscow mule. Gin = London mule. Whiskey = Irish mule. Bourbon = Kentucky mule. Tequila or mezcal = Mexican mule. Rum = Cuba mule. Canadian whiskey = Canadian mule. Jack Daniels = Tennessee mule.
12. Kalimotxo
This classic Spanish cocktail can be made with only two simple ingredients: Coca-Cola and red wine. However, adding a third ingredient will take it to another level and add a touch of magic to the flavor. Either use some orange bitters or include a wedge or two of orange or lemon peel.
11. Caipirinha
As far as cocktails go, a Caipirinha is as simple as it gets. All you need is a bottle of cachaça, a popular alcohol in Brazil made from fermented sugar cane juice. Add fresh limes and sugar and you’re all set. A few cubes of ice and you have the perfect, refreshing summer drink.
10. Dark ‘n Stormy
A Dark ‘n Stormy is not all that different from a mule, as the principal ingredient is ginger beer. The spicier, the better. Check out Reed’s ginger beer. The “dark” portion of this cocktail comes from dark rum. Finish it off with some fresh lime juice. This is one storm you’ll look forward to.
9. Aperol Spritz
The three ingredients in this Italian cocktail recipe are Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of club soda. Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif, recognized by its vibrant orange hue. This is a very popular summer drink and after you taste one, you’ll know why. It’s often served with thin orange slices, as a fourth ingredient.
8. Daiquiri
One of the world’s most popular cocktails, Daiquiris comes in seemingly endless varieties. However, for the simplest three-ingredient version, all you’ll need is light rum, lime juice, and a tad of simple syrup (no high-fructose corn syrup). That’s actually the original daiquiri recipe. No blender, just nothing but fresh flavor and ingredients.
7. Margarita
Many bartenders and restaurants try to inject their own twist on this classic cocktail originating from the US/Mexico border region in the 1930s. However, the best version comes from going back to its roots and using three simple ingredients: Tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, and orange liqueur. Salting the rim is optional.
6. Sidecar
If you enjoy cocktails like the Negroni, a sidecar is a delicious and lower-proof option. For alcohol, all you need is a mid-level cognac. Then, add simple syrup (sugar + water; no high-fructose corn syrup) and fresh lemon juice. The result is a well-balanced and elegant cocktail. Some substitute triple sec or Cointreau for the syrup.
5. Espresso Martini
This variation of a martini starts with vodka, naturally, (although some prefer to use gin or blanco tequila). The other two ingredients are strong espresso and a coffee liqueur. Many bartenders advise not to complicate your espresso martini. Don’t treat it like your coffee, meaning, don’t add any cream liqueurs.
4. Rob Roy
A Rob Roy is essentially a Scotch Manhattan. You’re using Scotch whiskey instead of bourbon or rye. Scotch whiskey lends a smoky and more complex flavor. An affordable Scotch is fine. You’ll be using sweet vermouth (instead of sugar syrup like a Manhattan). The third ingredient, and the one a Manhattan and Rob Roy share in common, is bitters.
3. Manhattan
This might be one of the greatest drinks to end the night with. The classic version of a Manhattan is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters. Rye whiskey is the most popular choice of whiskey, as it adds a spicy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the vermouth. Angostura bitters go best.
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2. Boulevardier
Essentially, a Boulevardier is a whiskey negroni. Its three simple ingredients are Campari, sweet vermouth, and bourbon. Campari is an Italian alcoholic liqueur that’s considered an apéritif. It’s worth noting that some bartenders may substitute rye whiskey for bourbon, so be sure to specify which alcohol you want. As a fourth ingredient, an orange twist is a popular garnish.
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1. Negroni
The Negroni is extremely popular. This classic cocktail is composed of gin, sweet vermouth, and the bright, orange-colored Italian liqueur Campari, considered an apéritif. Variations include substituting tequila or Mezcal for Gin. This drink is commonly served on the rocks with either an orange slice or orange peel as a garnish.
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