Top 14 Cocktails to Make With Ingredients You Already Have

Crafting cocktails at home doesn’t require a degree in mixology or special gadgets. A few basic spirits, some fresh citrus, and a touch of creativity are usually enough to assemble a remarkable drink.

Even a humble cupboard can hold the essentials needed to surprise guests or enjoy a laid-back evening with a refined beverage in hand.

Today, we will explore options that range from bracing and tart to sweet and soothing, each relying on accessible ingredients. No formal bartending classes necessary—just a willingness to experiment and appreciate a good pour.

1. Classic Daiquiri

Rum, sugar, and lime stand as one of the most revered trios in mixology. The Classic Daiquiri delivers a bracing balance that stays true to simple elegance.

Many appreciate how the sweetness from sugar syrup merges with tangy lime, creating a bright finish.

Ingredients

• 2 oz light rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup

Instructions

1. Combine rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until the exterior frosts.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel for extra flair.

A fresh twist often involves infusing the simple syrup with mint or adding a dash of bitters for extra complexity. Either way, it’s a straightforward fix for anyone craving a tropical getaway in a glass.

2. Negroni

Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth deliver an enticing trio that originated in Italy. A Negroni provides a beautifully layered experience: herbaceous notes from gin, a hint of sweetness from vermouth, and the bitter bite of Campari.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
5. Add an orange twist for a fresh citrus aroma.

Countless bartenders around the globe celebrate the Negroni’s bold flavors. It can be an ideal start to a dinner party, particularly when seeking an aperitif that piques the appetite.

3. Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour represents a dependable favorite for bourbon or rye enthusiasts.

Lemon juice, sugar syrup, and whiskey meld seamlessly, offering a tangy profile balanced by soft sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.

For those inclined toward a bit of foam, shaking an egg white alongside the other elements introduces a silky texture.

Bartenders often place this variation in the same family as a Boston Sour, though the two are nearly identical in spirit.

4. Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned remains as iconic as it gets. Whiskey, bitters, and a dab of sugar define a foundational beverage that has stood for generations. One swirl in the glass often evokes an era when bartending relied on just a few quality items.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist and cherry

Instructions

1. Place a sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass.
2. Saturate the cube with bitters.
3. Add a few drops of water, then muddle until dissolved.
4. Fill the glass with ice.
5. Pour the whiskey.
6. Stir gently to blend flavors.
7. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.

Bourbon lends a slightly sweeter vibe, while rye imparts spice. Either one helps create a well-rounded sipping experience.

A Twist With Smokin’ Steve Old Fashioned

For a contemporary variation, the Smokin’ Steve Old Fashioned incorporates dry ice to create a visually stunning effect.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon (or rye, depending on your preference)
• 2 dashes of simple syrup (or 1 muddled sugar cube)
• 3 dashes of bitters
• Garnish: orange twist and maraschino or Luxardo cherries
• Dry Ice – Use a small piece (handle with gloves or tongs)

Instructions

1. Add bourbon to a glass or shaker.
2. Add bitters and simple syrup to the bourbon, then shake or stir to combine. Let it sit while you prepare the garnish.
3. In a new glass, add the orange peel and 1-2 cherries.
4. Carefully place a small piece of dry ice in the center of the new glass using tongs or gloves.
5. Pour your bourbon mixture over the dry ice and watch the magical smoking effect.
6. Allow the dry ice to evaporate before drinking to ensure safety.

5. Paloma

Paloma pairs tequila with grapefruit and lime to yield a zesty, invigorating mix. Grapefruit soda provides a sparkling punch, making it an easy choice when warm weather calls for a cool drink.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Grapefruit soda

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add tequila and lime juice.
3. Top with grapefruit soda.
4. Stir gently.
5. Finish with a lime wedge.

Some prefer fresh grapefruit juice with a splash of club soda instead of a pre-made soft drink. Either way, the result often feels light, bright, and satisfyingly tart.

6. Moscow Mule

@lui_fern How to make a classic Moscow Mule 2 different ways! #fyp #learnontiktok ♬ ily (i love you baby) – Surf Mesa

Vodka, ginger beer, and lime form the basis for a crowd-pleasing beverage known as the Moscow Mule. Many enthusiasts love to present it in a copper mug, which adds a brisk chill to each sip.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer

Instructions

1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and lime juice.
3. Top off with ginger beer.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Feel free to experiment with flavored ginger beers—spicier varieties can accentuate the warmth and deliver an extra kick.

7. Gin and Tonic

One of the most straightforward two-ingredient wonders, the Gin and Tonic continues to impress casual sippers and connoisseurs alike. The bitterness of tonic water draws out gin’s aromatic qualities.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• Tonic water
• Lime wedge

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in gin.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Gently stir.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

A dash of fresh herbs—rosemary or basil, for instance—can offer a unique twist. Various gins bring different botanical accents, so feel free to rotate bottles until finding a personal favorite.

8. Rum and Coke (Cuba Libre)

Rum and Coke is often referred to as a Cuba Libre when lime juice joins the party. The combination suits a variety of casual gatherings, from barbecues to game nights.

Ingredients

• 2 oz light or dark rum
• Cola
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add rum and lime juice.
3. Top with cola.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Light rum yields a crisp finish, while dark rum can produce richer notes of molasses and spice. Both variations remain staples in many home bars.

9. Greyhound

@georgieeats GREYHOUND COCKTAIL 🐶🥂 recipe ⬇️ As I’m obviously completely obsessed with my dog, here is a drink in honour of her. I like my drinks bitter, but if you would prefer to sweeten it up, add 1-2 tbsp of sugar syrup into the shaker too. ENJOY & remember to SAVE ❤️ INGREDIENTS (makes 1): ⭐️ 50ml good-quality vodka ⭐️ 200ml freshly-squeezed pink grapefruit juice ⭐️ 1 sprig rosemary ⭐️ to serve: ice, slice of grapefruit, rosemary METHOD: 1️⃣ Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, a sprig of rosemary and a handful of ice into a cocktail shaker and shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty. 2️⃣ Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with a few fresh ice cubes. Serve garnished with a slice of grapefruit and a fresh sprig of rosemary. #cocktail #greyhound #dogadoption #easycocktails ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

Grapefruit juice cuts through spirits with a bright tang that appeals to those who enjoy citrus-forward refreshments. The Greyhound supplies a welcome pick-me-up in a simple format.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka or gin
• 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour vodka or gin over the ice.
3. Top with grapefruit juice.
4. Stir gently.
5. Add a grapefruit wedge, if desired.

Some people add salt to the rim of the glass, creating a Salty Dog. It’s a minor tweak that changes the flavor profile significantly.

10. Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise delivers a striking presentation. Orange juice and grenadine form a gradient that looks like early morning rays. Though it gained widespread fame in the 1970s, many still appreciate its nostalgic flair.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz orange juice
• 0.5 oz grenadine
• Ice
• Orange slice and maraschino cherry

Instructions

1. Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
2. Pour tequila and orange juice, then stir gently.
3. Slowly drizzle grenadine so it sinks to the bottom.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

When are served at parties, the layered look sparks conversation. Variations might include pineapple juice or a splash of lime for extra dimension.

11. Screwdriver

Few cocktails are as straightforward as the Screwdriver. Mixing vodka with orange juice yields a no-fuss solution for brunch, casual afternoons, or anytime a simple refreshment is in order.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz orange juice
• Ice
• Orange slice for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka.
3. Top with orange juice.
4. Stir gently.
5. Add an orange slice, if you like.

Selecting high-quality orange juice transforms an ordinary beverage into something memorable. Fresh-squeezed juice will often bring out brighter flavors.

12. Black Russian

Robust and direct, the Black Russian relies on vodka and coffee liqueur for a dark, slightly sweet flavor. Though it lacks the milk of its cousin, the White Russian, it satisfies those who appreciate a denser texture.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 0.75 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or similar)
• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour the vodka.
3. Add the coffee liqueur.
4. Stir gently to combine.

Additional garnishes—like espresso beans—are optional. Some switch out coffee liqueur for chocolate liqueur to create a smoother, dessert-like treat.

13. Mimosa

Often spotted at celebratory gatherings, Mimosas feature equal parts sparkling wine and orange juice. That bubbly contrast with citrus highlights a sense of festivity and makes an excellent companion for various brunch dishes.

Ingredients

• 2.5 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
• 2.5 oz chilled orange juice
• Orange twist or berries (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill half a champagne flute with orange juice.
2. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
3. Give it a gentle stir.
4. Add an orange twist or berries, if desired.

Experiment with different fruit juices—mango or peach, for instance—to create variations like the Bellini. The key is keeping it light and effervescent.

14. Tom Collins

Tom Collins remains a favorite among gin enthusiasts who appreciate a fizzy, citrusy punch. Lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water complement the herbal qualities of gin in a tall, airy cooler.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Club soda
• Ice
• Lemon slice and maraschino cherry

Instructions

1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Stir well.
4. Top off with club soda.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.

Gin options vary greatly. London Dry tends to fit best, though a more floral variant might open the door to surprising flavor elements.

Tips for Successful Home Bartending

• Measure Accurately: Using a jigger or small measuring cup ensures consistent results.
• Use Fresh Citrus: Bottled juices often lose brightness. Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice boosts flavor considerably.
• Keep Simple Syrup Handy: Stirring sugar into a cold drink can be tricky. Pre-made simple syrup dissolves seamlessly.
• Adjust to Taste: One person’s perfect sour might be too tart for another. Tweak ratios of sweet or sour until satisfied.
• Mind Your Ice: Large, clear cubes melt slowly and help maintain a crisp taste in spirit-forward cocktails.

Summary

No need for a fully stocked bar or rare, exotic ingredients. Many of the most beloved cocktails rely on staples found in the average pantry or fridge.

Each recipe mentioned here can serve as a foundation to build upon, whether you prefer swapping spirits, adding seasonal fruits, or experimenting with garnishes. Enjoy the process of refining flavors and sharing the results with friends.

There are many other cocktails that can be made with simple and common ingredients, but may require a more complex preparation process, just like the Grateful Dead.