33 Easy Cocktails That Only Need 3 Ingredients

If you want to enjoy a delicious, homemade cocktail but feel intimidated by long recipes and specialty ingredients, these 3-ingredient cocktails are here to save your happy hour. From timeless classics to modern favorites, there’s something for everyone—no advanced bartending skills required.

Why 3-Ingredient Cocktails?

Simple recipes mean you can put together a refreshing drink in minutes, even with a limited bar cart. The minimal approach lets high-quality ingredients shine while ensuring quick preparation for any gathering.

• Minimal ingredients make these perfect for impromptu parties or relaxing nights in.
• Many require only simple techniques—stirring, shaking, or pouring over ice.
• No obscure liqueurs or complicated infusions needed.

Effortless Classics

Get acquainted with these legendary drinks that bartenders and cocktail lovers come back to time and again. Each recipe is stripped down to only its core three components, making them as accessible as they are irresistible.

Moscow Mule

This iconic cocktail balances spicy, sweet, and tart flavors.

• Vodka
• Fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer

Serve over ice in a traditional copper mug for that extra chill and style.

Classic Paloma

Beloved in Mexico, the Paloma combines grapefruit soda, tequila, and lime juice for a crisp, bittersweet fizz that rivals even the margarita.

• Tequila
• Grapefruit soda
• Fresh lime juice

Bay Breeze

Perfect for summer, this cocktail brings beach house vibes with each sip.

• Vodka
• Cranberry juice
• Pineapple juice

Kir Royale

Elegant yet incredibly simple, this French favorite is a chic way to elevate any gathering.

• Crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
• Dry sparkling wine (such as Champagne)
• Raspberry or lemon twist (optional garnish)

White Russian

Rich, creamy, and endlessly satisfying, the White Russian is as easy as it is indulgent.

• Vodka
• Coffee liqueur
• Heavy cream

Gimlet

Bracingly tart and refreshing, the gimlet unites botanical gin with sharp citrus and a touch of sweetness.

• Gin
• Fresh lime juice
• Simple syrup

Fresh and Fruity Favorites

Whether you like your drinks sweet, tart, or somewhere in between, these fruit-forward cocktails are sure to please. They’re quick to mix and perfect for brunches or backyard gatherings.

Sea Breeze

• Vodka
• Cranberry juice
• Grapefruit juice

Fuzzy Navel

• Peach schnapps
• Orange juice
• Ice

Tequila Sunrise

• Tequila
• Orange juice
• Grenadine

Screwdriver

• Vodka
• Orange juice
• Ice

Bay Breeze

• Vodka
• Pineapple juice
• Cranberry juice

Bubbly & Spritz Cocktails

Add some celebratory sparkle to your drinks menu with these easy-to-love spritz and sparkling wine cocktails.

Aperol Spritz

• Aperol
• Prosecco
• Soda water

Mimosa

• Orange juice
• Champagne or sparkling wine
• Ice (optional)

Bellini

• Peach purée
• Prosecco
• Peach slice (garnish, optional)

Bittersweet or Bold Sippers

Love a drink with depth? If you appreciate bitters or a sharply defined flavor profile, give these a try:

Negroni

• Gin
• Campari
• Sweet vermouth

Boulevardier

• Bourbon
• Campari
• Sweet vermouth

Black Russian

• Vodka
• Coffee liqueur
• Ice

Modern Twists & Crowd-Pleasers

Try these inventive drinks that keep things fun, festive, and incredibly easy.

Rum & Coke

• Rum
• Coca-Cola or cola of choice
• Fresh lime wedge (optional)

Cuba Libre

• Rum
• Cola
• Lime juice

Vodka Tonic

• Vodka
• Tonic water
• Lime wedge

Campari & Soda

• Campari
• Soda water
• Orange wedge

Timeless Nightcaps

Cap off your evening with a classic nightcap. These drinks are as comforting as they are reliable.

Rusty Nail

• Scotch
• Drambuie
• Ice

Godfather

• Scotch
• Amaretto
• Ice

Brandy Alexander

• Brandy
• Cream
• Crème de cacao

Simple Sours & Fizzes

For tart, tangy, and effervescent refreshment, you can’t go wrong with these:

Whiskey Sour

• Whiskey
• Lemon juice
• Simple syrup

Gin Fizz

• Gin
• Lemon juice
• Soda water

Pro Tips: Making the Perfect 3-Ingredient Cocktail

• Use fresh juices wherever possible for the brightest flavor.
• Chill glasses in advance for icy-cold service.
• Top-quality base spirits elevate simple combinations.
• Adjust ratios to match your taste—more sweet, sour, or strong.
• Add garnishes for extra aroma and presentation, even though they’re technically extras!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need special bar tools for these recipes?

A: Most 3-ingredient cocktails can be mixed with a shaker or just stirred over ice. While a shaker, muddler, or citrus squeezer can help, they aren’t always required for these simple recipes.

Q: Can I substitute ingredients if I’m missing something?

A: Absolutely! Many cocktails are highly adaptable; for example, swap gin for vodka in a gimlet for a slightly different but still delicious drink. Use what you have and experiment.

Q: Are these drinks strong?

A: Strength varies by cocktail. Drinks like the Negroni and White Russian are stronger; spritzes and mimosas are lighter. Adjust spirit proportions to suit your preference.

Q: Can I make these cocktails in batches?

A: Most 3-ingredient cocktails can be made in pitchers for parties—just scale up the ingredients evenly, stir, and serve over ice or in chilled glasses.

Ready to Shake Things Up?

With these 33 easy 3-ingredient cocktails, you’ll always have the perfect drink for your mood and occasion, using simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Cheers to stress-free mixing and crowd-pleasing flavor!

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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