Making fancy cocktail recipes always puts us in the mood to have a good time – and putting together edible garnishes atop floral beverages just adds that *special something* to a classic cocktail that might've been quite boring without them.
But sometimes we don't feel like having to mix up an elaborate drink (even if it's supposedly healthier than our usual sip) just to quench our cocktail craving. Believe it or not, mixology doesn't have to be complicated. These deliciously simple cocktail recipes feature all kinds of flavors that work with every palate.
Some of these drinks look complicated, while some of them look simple, but they're *all* quick and easy options for any dinner parties, or to sip on during a Super Bowl watch party. These easy cocktail recipes will take the hard work out of bartending, so you can spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labor — not to mention, impressing your guests. Scroll for endless easy cocktail options!
What are the 6 basic cocktails?
The top 6 basic cocktails are: Old Fashioned, Daiquiri, Martini, Whiskey Highball, Flip, and Sidecar.
What are the 10 most popular cocktails?
- Old Fashioned
- Moscow Mule
- Negroni
- Mojito
- Whiskey Sour
- Daiquiri
- Margarita
- Mai Tai
- Bloody Mary
- Manhattan
Grab some mezcal, lime juice, and blood orange soda for this cocktail. You're going to need plenty of it, especially if you're making drinks for your friends. Feel free to snack on blood orange slices while you make the cocktail! (via Brit + Co.)
Rosé all day, please. What's a better cocktail to sip on than something light and fruity? We used oranges, lemons, and limes to create a drink we'll be sipping all summer long. (via Brit + Co.)
This fun cocktail is like the classic, delicious treat in drink form. It's sure to become your new fave! (via Brit + Co.)
You can never have too much chocolate in your life, so this easy cocktail recipe is a slam dunk. (via Brit + Co.)
Who knew Taylor Swift could play a part in your cocktails? These ones are inspired by her "Speak Now" album and are so fun and colorful. (via Brit + Co.)
This cocktail has notes of sweet honey, fresh tart cranberries, rosemary, and cardamom. Basically, it's fall in a drink. (via Brit + Co.)
This delicious spritz incorporates yummy pears for a drink you won't forget. We love fun cocktail recipes for fall. (via Brit + Co.)
This sweet cocktail tastes like candy in liquid form! (via Brit + Co.)
This is a classic easy cocktail recipe that you can have on hand for any party this year. The combo of whiskey, peach schnapps, and Red Bull might not sound like your go-to drink mix, but just trust us on this. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Slightly bitter and slightly sweet, this drink is full of fizzies, which convinces us that it's just as good for winter as it is for summer. The best part is that this drink is refreshingly simple to make. (via Imagelicious)
Mix 1.5 oz Absolut Elyx Vodka and 1.5 oz Lillet Rose in a highball glass, then top with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic and add a lemon. Stir this cocktail recipe gently and add a lemon wheel garnish. (via Absolut Elyx)
It's always time to sip on something familiar. Swap bourbon for Irish whiskey in this remake of the classic old fashioned. (via Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish)
Unlock some serious nostalgia with this grown-up version of a cherry limeade. What makes it an easy cocktail is the addition of only 4 ingredients – cherry-infused Tito's, limeade, and a vibrant lime and cherry garnish. (via Tito's Vodka)
Mix up this sweet and sour whiskey punch for your party crew. There's more than enough to go around, no matter how many guests ended up showing up. (via Tastefully Eclectic)
Slice off the end of a watermelon so that it stands flat. Slice off the opposite end to make a "lid" and hollow it out (saving the flesh and juices). Blend until liquified and strain.
Mix 25 oz. Patrón Silver, 4 cups Watermelon juice, 1 cup Fresh lime juice, 1 cup Simple syrup, .5 teaspoons salt, and add to the hollowed out watermelon. You can also add a watermelon tap if you have one, or use the watermelon as a punch bowl. (via Patrón)
With five ingredients and 10 minutes, you can churn out this easy cocktail recipe for any last-minute plans. Aside from the fact that it tastes good, we're also obsessed with pomegranates, so we give this one two thumbs up. (via Baker by Nature)
You’ll want to drink this classic cocktail made from apple cider and pumpkin beer all year long. With both of these iconic flavors in one drink, you can have the best of both fall worlds. (via Jennifer Meyering)
This mixed drink packs the perfect amount of tartness, balanced out with some good old sugary sweetness. This is one of those cocktail recipes that reminds us of summer, so we'll keep sipping it to manifest the warmer season. (via Barley & Sage)
Just 5 ingredients allow you to work your way to a refreshing cocktail! This grapefruit-clad drink is perfect for end-of-summer gatherings. (via Mixop)
Frosting Shots
These two-ingredient shots taste just like a celebration. Anyone with a serious sweet tooth will want to get their hands on these sugary shots. (via Crazy for Crust)
There's nothing like a delicious mango flavor to put you in a sunny mood! The best cocktail recipes are ones that channel summer.
Shake 1.5 oz infused Canción Tequila, .5 oz triple sec, 2 oz lime juice, and .25 oz Finest Call Mango Puree together, then serve the mix over ice with a Tajin rim and an Orange wheel garnish. (via Canción)
Here’s a cocktail you’ll want to sip all year: sparkling lemonade spiked with bourbon. We're big fans of all things bubbly, so this drink is getting added to our list, STAT. (via The Chunky Chef)
For a drink that lives up to its name, try this take on the rusty nail, made with mezcal, Drambuie, and bitters. Don't wory, there's no rust involved. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Combine, 1.5 oz. Patrón Silver, 2 oz. Fresh watermelon juice, .15 oz. Fresh lime juice, 4 Fresh basil leaves, fresh black pepper drops, and simple syrup to taste. Shake the mix with ice, then strain onto fresh ice in a a double old fashioned glass and garnish with a watermelon slice. (via Patrón)
Sangria is *so* simple to make since it's prepped in a large batch. If you're serving a party, this classic fruity drink is a must-make. (via Culinary Hill)
Vodka, champagne, figs and sprinkle of sugar come together to make this fancy-lookin' cocktail that really isn't all that involved. If you have a few minutes to spare, try this delicious sip out for yourself! Figs go *amazing* in cocktail recipes. (via Barley & Sage)
We love a fruity cocktail, and this Champagne, grapefruit, and pomegranate sparkler is no exception. Say hello to your new pink drink sip. (via The Cookie Rookie)
Okay, but have you ever tried bourbon slushified? This recipe is reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer, too, which gives it some amazing flavor, not to mention the pleasing texture. (via Live Eat Learn)
A mixture of whipped-cream vodka, orange juice, and ginger ale, this cocktail tastes just like a popsicle. Don't forget to add a maraschino cherry before serving! (via The Blond Cook)
With its sugar-cookie rim, this Irish cream pie cocktail is perfect for dessert. It's also a great excuse to make sugar cookiesto pair. Coffee and vodka are def a power duo for cocktails. (via Crazy for Crust)
This is a great cocktail for anyone who loves blackberries because it's definitely the star of the recipe. Mint adds a wonderful flavor contrast, while the Prosecco adds a bubbly experience that you can't miss! (via Olive You Whole)
Whether you're in need of a drink to go with your dinner or with your favorite holiday movie, this is a simple and classy choice that you can sip on all night long. Just don't forget the iconic orange zest in your cocktail recipes. (via Most Hungry)
There's a good chance that if a cocktail is in a fun color, we're more likely to drink it. So you'll understand why we immediately bookmarked this gorgeous drink. The fact that it has a combo of champagne and lemon juice doesn't hurt either. (via Barley & Sage)
Dissolve some brown sugar in whiskey, then add boiling coffee and a layer of frothy cream right on top for the best Irish Coffee around. Another trick you can do is pouring your cream over a cold spoon so that it floats on the rest of the drink. Coffee lovers, unite! (via Culinary Hill)
This booze-less fancy drink makes for a great evening treat or breakfast addition. It's got avocado, strawberries, almonds, and honey that all mix together for something sweet and creamy. (via Forks & Foliage)
Picture yourself sippin' something sweet outside on the porch, and this iced tea cocktail comes into view. It's the perfect summer drink, but we'll take any excuse to make it any season. (via Amanda Wilens)
If you're a regular margarita drinker, try this twist on the classic. It features Tamarind syrup, tequila, lime juice, and Tajin for an unexpected, complex, and flavorful addition to your happy hour. Creative cocktail recipes FTW! (via Cilantro Parsley)
Citrusy and sweet, these raspberry lemonade margaritas are just the thing to drink when you're dreaming about warmer days *and* when it starts getting hot again. (via Crazy for Crust)
Made with just three ingredients, these peachy martinis are too good to pass up. Have these mixed drinks at a bridal shower or at brunch. They go great with any occasion. (via Growing Up Gabel)
Trade in your frozé for this citrusy frozecco. Even though it's frozen, the orange flavor gives it a wintertime twist. (via Foodness Gracious)
Shake some Tito's, hibiscus liqueur, and lime juice together to craft a balanced easy cocktail! (via Tito's Vodka)
Raspberry lemonade, tequila and club soda?! We'll take two please! For a batch of this drink, mix 1 bottle of Canción Blanco Tequila, 1 can of frozen lemonade, 32 oz water, 32 oz seltzer or club soda, 12 oz Raspberry Lemonade juice Fresh Mint. (via Canción)
Honey lovers, take note — you'll want to memorize this simple cocktail. It features a honey syrup that you'll want to add to everything from here on out. (via Hungry by Nature)
This easy cocktail will pair superbly well with your summer BBQ plans. (via Mixop)
Mix up a batch of these mason jar margaritas, then let guests help themselves at your next get-together. Everyone will be happy when you make cocktail recipes like this! If you're a salt rim kind of person, go for it! (via Stetted)
Four ingredients (including your favorite coffee liqueur), and you've got yourself a delicious sip that you might've just paid a nonsense $15 for if you had gone out. Just keeping it real! (via Culinary Hill)
Bourbon, red wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup are all you need to make this bold cocktail. You probably already have a lot of that at home! (via Dishes Delish)
A good margarita can never be passed up, especially this uniquely-flavored guava one. You'll need four ingredients and a hearty shake to make the easiest drink ever. (via Cozy Cravings)
Shake, 1.5oz Dos Hombres mezcal, 1/2oz Blackberry Purée, 1/2oz Lime Juice, 1/4oz Velvet Falernum and 3/4oz Pineapple Juice and serve on the rocks for a delicious and refreshing cocktail! (via Dos Hombres)
With just a few fresh raspberries and a splash of soda, a bottle of rosé gets transformed into a sangria reminiscent of summer. We'll be counting down the months until it warms up outside! (via Stress Baking)
This piña colada punch makes a long weekend at home feel like a mini vacation no matter what time of year it is. Add some mini umbrellas for the full experience. (via Yes to Yolks)
Cut a watermelon into chunks that are the size of ice cubes, and freeze for two hours on a tray lined with parchment paper. Make a mint lime syrup with 1 cup Sugar, 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice, 1 bunch of Fresh Mint, 3/4 cup Water by heating them in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Blend frozen watermelon chunks and 1/2 cup of the syrup until it's a slushy consistency. Add NOLET's Silver Gin, pour, and garnish with watermelon, mint, and black sesame seeds. (Recipe used with permission, via NOLET's)
Like a cross between beer and a Bloody Mary, micheladas are the savory brunch cocktail recipes you’ve been missing out on. And yes, that is shrimp in the cocktail. (via Imagelicious)
Colorful blood orange juice makes these margaritas immediately seem more dramatic, though the recipe itself stays simple so that it's easy for you to make yourself. (via Simmer and Sauce)
What are the most popular cocktails in 2023?
Mezcal drinks, Espresso Martinis, Pornstar Martinis, Lemon Drop Martinis, Picklebacks, and New York Sours are the top trending drinks of the year.
Muddle four basil leaves with 0.5 cups of watermelon in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice, 1.5 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin, 0.5 oz. Elderflower Liqueur, and 0.5 oz. Lemon Juice, and shake until chilled. Strain into a balloon glass and garnish with a basil leaf. Recipe used with permission, via NOLET’s)
Get ready to shake the most refreshing sip of the summer, using Tito's, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar. (via Tito's Vodka)
Robust ginger beer mixes with fresh lemon juice and vodka perfectly. The result? These bracingly bold drinks that you can serve in a mule mug. (via Whitney Bond)
Spiced Pear and Bourbon Sparkler
Combine 1 cup pear juice, a 2-inch nub of ginger peeled and sliced, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 5 cloves in a pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and add 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar. Stir until fully mixed, cool, and strain. This is your Spiced Pear Simple Syrup, and it can last in the fridge for up to one week.
Pour 1.5 ounces of Bourbon, the syrup, 0.5 ounces of lemon juice, and ice into a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds or until the surface of the cocktail shaker is cool to the touch. Strain over a chilled coupe glass and top with Prosecco. (Recipe used with permission, via Lisa and Erika of Boozy Kooties, Swerve, and FitVine)
Made with white wine, this sangria is a little lighter than its crimson counterpart, which is great for anyone who doesn't like heavy drinks but still wants to take part in the fun. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)
On the rocks or sipped with soda, it’s hard to go wrong with the fresh taste of this homemade watermelon vodka. Watermelon cocktail recipes always taste super refreshing! (via Dishes Delish)
These tropical margaritas are made just a little spicy thanks to a sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper rim. It'll give you just enough of a kick! (via The Endless Meal)
If you're a fan of lavender recipes, then you have to make this easy cocktail recipe. Lavender sparkling soda is the secret to making these easy, floral mojitos. (via West of the Loops)
Grapefruit vodka and seltzer water put a healthier twist on the Salty Dog, a cocktail recipe usually made with grapefruit juice and plain vodka. (via The Every Kitchen)
This easy cocktail recipe only requires three ingredients (tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer) for a flavor combo that is classic for a reason! Serve in a classic mule mug with extra limes. (via Cozy Cravings)
Aside from its bright green hue, this stunning cocktail is the ultimate refresher. (via Crowded Kitchen)
This is a healthy take on the classic marg – with a fruity twist. It still has the mezcal and tequila that you usually add to your drinks, but features a healthy soda alternative. Plus, it only takes five minutes to put together. (via Rachel Mansfield)
We love how maple makes anything taste more autumnal, and this five minute, easy cocktail recipe has fall written all over it. If you can't resist fall flavors, even in spring, this drink is the one for you. (via The Endless Meal)
Shake 1.5 oz. Patrón Reposado, 1 oz. Fresh watermelon juice or puree, 1 oz. Fresh lime juice, 1 oz. Agave nectar, and 3 Basil leaves in a shaker with ice. Strain onto fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass and garnish with a basil leaf and watermelon wedge. (via Patrón)
love the foam on this drink — it's almost like the cappuccino of cocktails. Dry shake 2 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.75 simple syrup, 8 drops lavender bitters, 1 egg white, then add ice and shake again once foamy. Double strain into a Collins glass with no ice and top with soda until the foam reaches the top. Sprinkle with lavender. (via Mythology)
We can't wait to sip this Garden Gnome in the garden because, well, where else would we drink it? Shake 1.5 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.25 oz dolin genepy, 0.5 simple syrup, 0.75 lime juice, and 1 oz cucumber basil puree, then strain into a Collins glass over ice. Top with soda, black pepper, and garnish with a cucumber wheel. (Recipe used with permission, via Mythology)
Let's be real — you never need a real excuse to pour out a little champagne in your cocktail recipes. These easy cocktails elevate your go-to drink just a little more! (via Culinary Hill)
Combine 2oz sparkling wine and 1oz Sorel in a champagne flute and garnish with an edible hibiscus flower for an easy wintertime sip! (via Sorel Liqueur)
most commitment you'll need to make to prep this refreshing drink 10 minutes to make a homemade simple syrup. Trust us, the effort will be worth it for all that amazing lavender flavor. (via Amanda Wilens)
Which easy cocktail recipes are you mixing up for your next get together? Tag us @BritandCo or join our newsletter for more inspiration or check out our new cooking and baking classes!
Lead image via Tito's Vodka.
This post has been updated.
