10 Easy Cocktail Recipes

Whether you're hosting a small gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, having a list of easy and tasty cocktail recipes can make all the difference. From classics to trendy concoctions, these 10 cocktail recipes are not only simple to make but are sure to impress your guests or provide a delightful treat for yourself. 

1. Classic Margarita

Margaritas are the ultimate happy hour batch drink. To make a 4-serving pitcher:

• Combine ½ cup tequila, ½ cup Triple Sec, ¼ cup lime juice, and ¼ cup lemon juice.
• Add 2 tbsp superfine sugar and stir until dissolved.
• Use lime wedges to moisten the rims of margarita or cocktail glasses. Dip in salt.
• Pour servings into prepared glasses over crushed ice.

2. Manhattan

Manhattans are a classic drink that never goes out of style. To mix one:

• Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Add 2 oz of bourbon (or rye whiskey), 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of aromatic bitters.
• Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

3. Mimosa

The perfect drink for brunch, mimosas can be made individually or in a batch to enjoy with friends.

• Pour 2 oz champagne or sparkling wine into a flute or wine glass.
• Add ½ oz Triple Sec and 2 oz orange juice.
• Add a dash of orange liqueur or a few of orange bitters, if desired.

4. Screwdriver

For an alternative drink with orange juice, try making Screwdrivers instead.

• Put ice in a medium glass.

• Pour in 2 oz vodka and 3 oz orange juice.
• Garnish with an orange slice.

5. Gimlet

With its history dating back to the 19th century, the classic gimlet uses only 3 ingredients, 4 if you need a garnish!

• Fill a shaker three-quarters of the way with ice.
• Add 2 oz gin (or vodka), 1 oz lime juice, and 1 tsp confectioner’s sugar.
• Shake until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker.
• Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
• Garnish with a lime wheel.

6. Gin & Tonic

Once you know a G&T, you’ve got three cocktails under your belt because you can swap gin for vodka or whiskey. For whiskey & tonics, use lemon instead of lime.

• Fill a chilled highball glass with crushed ice.
• Add 2 oz gin, 4-6 oz tonic water, and 1 tbsp lime juice.
• Stir well (but gently, to avoid losing carbonation) and garnish with lime.

7. Moscow Mule

Moscow mules have become seriously popular in recent years. Making one is as simple as:

• Place 2 mint leaves in a copper mug or Collins glass.
• Add 1 ounce of fresh lime juice.
• Muddle until mint leaves start to bruise and break down.
• Fill mugs with ice and add ginger beer and vodka in a 4:1 ratio.
• Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves.

You can speed the process during happy hour with a pitcher of ginger beer and vodka already mixed in the correct ratio.

8. Daiquiri

Although not as in-vogue as it once was, the daiquiri is a versatile and refreshing drink.

• In a shaker, combine ice with 2 oz light rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and ¾ oz demerara sugar syrup.
• Shake until well-chilled and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with a lime twist.

9. Sangria

Red sangria is a great batch drink. You can prep 10 servings with this recipe.

• In a pitcher, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of orange liqueur, and a bottle of merlot.
• Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
• Add 3 cups of cold lemon-lime soda OR sparking water.
• Add sliced fruit of your choice.
• Pour servings over ice.

10. Hard Lemonade

Hard lemonade can also be made in batches. The recipe below is 8 servings.

• Combine 2 quarts of lemonade with 1 cup of either light rum or vodka.
• Pour servings over ice.
• Garnish with lemon slices.

Drinks Are Easy, Responsible Service is Fundamental

A bartender needs to learn cocktail recipes, but they also need to understand the nuts and bolts of responsible alcohol service to protect themselves and their employers from trouble and liability. That’s why TIPS training covers practical strategies for preventing illegal sales to minors and intoxicated persons.

Enroll today!