Easy Cocktails to Try: 3-Ingredient Cocktails

Hosting a successful party or simply enjoying a refreshing mixed drink doesn't have to be complicated. You only need three simple ingredients to craft each of these cocktails. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a cocktail enthusiast looking for easy and delicious options, three-ingredient cocktails are a great choice. These concoctions are effortless to make and guarantee successful results every time.

Let's explore eight delightful and limited-ingredient cocktail recipes. Raise a glass and toast to the world of easy cocktail recipes!

Mimosa

A timeless classic, the mimosa is a perfect companion for brunches, bridal showers and special celebrations. And all you have to do is combine equal parts champagne and orange juice.

To craft this cocktail, take a champagne flute and pour in 2 ounces of champagne, followed by 2 ounces of orange juice. We recommend freshly squeezed! Opt for a dry or semidry champagne to balance the sweetness of the juice. Gently stir to mingle the effervescent champagne with the tangy sweetness of the orange juice. The result is a beautiful, light orange drink that complements any morning gathering. To add an elegant touch, garnish the cocktail with a thin slice of orange zest or a maraschino cherry, enhancing its appearance and imparting a subtle citrus aroma.

The mimosa's bright and bubbly character has become a brunch staple, making it a delightful choice to kick off any daytime festivity. It pairs exceptionally well with various brunch dishes, such as eggs Benedict, fresh fruit platters and pastries.

White Russian

For this one, we're following the famous cocktail in "The Big Lebowski." This cocktail has quite a few variations, but we'll be sticking to the basics. To create this cocktail, you will need 1.5 ounces of vodka, 0.75 ounces of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) and 0.75 ounces of cream or milk. The key to a balanced White Russian lies in the quality of its ingredients. Opt for a premium vodka that offers a smooth and clean taste, as the base spirit defines the cocktail's character.

Start by filling a tumbler with ice, ensuring it's chilled. Add vodka, followed by the coffee liqueur. Gently mix the two ingredients until well combined. Next, carefully pour the heavy cream or milk over the back of the spoon to create a layered effect on top of the vodka and coffee liqueur mixture. The cream should float atop the cocktail, giving it a stunning visual appeal reminiscent of a snowy mountain peak.

Lemon Drop Martini

For those with a propensity for sweet-tart flavors, the lemon drop martini is an ideal option. This cocktail boasts a refreshing combination of 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 0.75 ounces of syrup. Balancing sweet and sour elements is the key to mastering the lemon drop martini. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and zesty punch, while the syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tartness.

To prepare this zesty treat, fill a shaker with ice and add the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake the mixture until it's thoroughly chilled and the flavors have mixed. Strain the martini into a chilled martini glass, using a fine mesh strainer to remove any ice shards or pulp, resulting in a smooth texture. The cocktail's pale yellow hue and clean appearance are as inviting to the eyes as its flavors are to the palate.

Classic Martini

Elevate your sophistication with a timeless and iconic classic martini. Renowned for its elegance and simplicity, the classic martini requires only three components: 2.5 ounces of gin, 0.5 ounces of dry vermouth and a few olives or lemon zest. Despite its minimalistic nature, achieving the perfect classic martini demands precision and attention to detail, as the balance between gin and vermouth can drastically alter the cocktail's character.

To begin, take a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Pour the gin and dry vermouth into the glass, then gently stir to achieve the desired level of dilution and chillness. The key to a well-made martini is to stir the ingredients rather than shake them, as shaking can bruise the gin and lead to a cloudier appearance.

Once ready, strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass, using a Hawthorne strainer to remove any remaining ice fragments. The choice of garnish divides martini enthusiasts, with some preferring the subtle citrus notes of a lemon twist and others relishing the salty essence of a plump green olive.

Negroni

Embrace the art of balance with the Negroni, an Italian favorite that combines three powerful ingredients: 1 ounce of gin, 1 ounce of Campari and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth. Though simple in its components, Negroni's symphony of flavors is a testament to the Italian passion for bold and spirited concoctions.

To create this bittersweet masterpiece, pour the gin, Campari and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass that's filled with ice. Stir the mixture well, ensuring that all the flavors meld together harmoniously. Once mixed, strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. For a final touch of sophistication, garnish the Negroni with a fresh orange slice or a twist of orange peel.

The Negroni's complex and enticing flavor profile makes it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a more robust and aromatic cocktail experience. Combining gin's botanicals, Campari's bitter notes and sweet vermouth's rich flavors create a bold and balanced drink.

Sea Breeze

The Sea Breeze is the perfect choice when you want a light and fruity escape. It combines 1.5 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of cranberry juice and 1 ounce of grapefruit juice for a refreshing and balanced flavor profile. This cocktail's allure lies in its ability to transport you to the ocean's edge — each sip offers a refresher that soothes your senses.

Grab an ice-filled shaker and add the vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice. Shake the mixture well so that the ice gives the drink a frosty chill and ensures all the flavors meld perfectly. Next, strain the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice and garnish it with a slice of lime or a maraschino cherry. The Sea Breeze's tangy and tropical taste is the perfect mixed drink for parties. It's ideal for warm-weather gatherings, poolside parties or simply a leisurely afternoon in the sun.

Dark 'n' Stormy

Take your taste buds to the Caribbean with the Dark 'n' Stormy — a spicy and refreshing cocktail. You will need only two ingredients: 2 ounces of dark rum and 4 ounces of ginger beer. To prepare this delightful concoction, take a highball glass filled with ice, pour in the dark rum and top it off with the effervescent ginger beer. Gently stir the ingredients to allow the flavors to marry. Garnish the cocktail with a wedge of lime.

The Dark 'n' Stormy's bold taste makes it a fantastic choice for those seeking a thrilling drinking experience. Combining dark rum's rich and robust flavors with the zesty kick of ginger beer creates a storm of intense and rejuvenating taste.

Moscow Mule

Tantalize your taste buds with the Moscow mule, a spicy and tangy cocktail that brings together 2 ounces of vodka, 0.5 ounces of lime juice and 4 ounces of ginger beer. To create this invigorating concoction, take a copper mug filled with ice and add the vodka and lime juice. Top the cocktail with ginger beer and gently stir to blend the flavors. Garnish the cocktail with a lime wheel or wedge for an extra burst of citrus.

The Moscow mule's refreshing and zingy taste makes it a fantastic choice for hot summer days or lively get-togethers with friends. The cocktail's name pays homage to its two signature ingredients: Russian vodka and spicy ginger beer, which have a kick that awakens the senses. This cocktail is ideal for those seeking a spirited and lively drink to brighten their day.

Keep Your Cocktail Ingredients in a Premium Cabinet From HB Home

With these simple mixed drink recipes, hosting a memorable event or simply indulging in a delightful drink is easier than ever. Each cocktail brings unique character and flavor, from the bubbly and elegant mimosa to the robust and aromatic Negroni.

After enjoying your simple cocktail, store your ingredients in a premium cabinet. HB Home's wine and spirit cabinets are sure to impress your guests and keep your wine and spirits organized! Shop today for a beautiful and functional storage solution.