Because you don’t need elaborate ingredients to make a good drink! Some cocktails are so darn complicated, I just don’t have the energy to make them. And many call for obscure bottles that you’ll use once and then put away to collect dust for a year. Plus, booze is expensive, and I hate seeing things go to waste. So, if you’re anything like me, you’ll adore these quick and easy 3-ingredient cocktails. They’re no fuss, no muss, but oh-so-tasty!
15+ 3-Ingredient Cocktails Anyone Can Make
1. 3-Ingredient Limeade Margarita
Limeade, orange liqueur, and tequila. That’s all you’ll need to make these phenomenal limeade margaritas. They’re tart and tangy, with a slightly sweet, citrusy kick. And you can whip one up in five minutes or less. Perfect for summer, they’re light, zesty, and totally refreshing. Plus, you won’t feel heavy and weighed down after drinking one (or two).
2. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule (and all its variations) is one of my favorite drinks. Not only is it light and zesty, but it’s a breeze to make. The OG recipe calls for vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. So yeah, it’s a 3-ingredient cocktail with zero modifications! You can have it ready in minutes, and it’s best served over ice. Feel free to muddle in some fruit, veggies, or herbs to adjust the taste. But really, it’s perfect as is.
3. Sea Breeze
This charming pink drink combines grapefruit and cranberry juices with a bit of vodka mixed in. It’s a bright, tart drink with a slight hint of bitterness. It’s definitely the kind of drink that’ll make your mouth pucker. Fortunately, you’ll enjoy every second.
4. 3-Ingredient Tequila Sunrise
Just about everyone I know loves this drink. Not only is it tasty, it’s super colorful to boot. It starts out red at the bottom, then lightens to orange and yellow at the top. It’s gorgeous, and believe it or not, it’s not hard to make. Like all the drinks on this list, it uses just three ingredients. And there’s no crazy mixing or kitchen alchemy required. It’s just a matter of pouring the grenadine slowly and purposefully. If you can do that, you can prepare this picturesque drink any day of the week.
5. Strawberry Martini
If you like the idea of a martini but hate (and I mean HATE) that overpowering taste of pure alcohol, this is the drink for you. Strawberry martinis are fun, fruity, and fantastic. They have a light, sweet flavor with a pleasant vodka kick. They may look – and even taste – delicate, but they pack a nice punch. If you’re looking for the perfect summer drink, this strawberry martini fits the bill.
6. The Black Lily Cocktail
Full disclosure: you might need to run to the liquor store to make this one. I’m sure you have Cointreau, but I doubt many of you have Fernet Branca sitting in your cupboards. It features the robust flavors of mint and menthol, along with subtle spices. In addition, it has an aged, woodsy flavor, unlike most modern cocktails. Adding lime brightens the drink without overpowering the other flavors. Give it a try! Especially if you’re in the mood for something less sweet and sugary, more dark and bracing.
7. Madras
This two-minute drink is refreshing, citrusy, and chock-full of flavor. It has a lovely pink color that’s perfect for summer. And the combination of orange and cranberry juice is out of this world. You’ll barely taste the vodka in his drink. Especially if you add that little extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Instead, you’ll taste bright, fruity flavors that are both sweet and sour. Yum!
8. 3-Ingredient Vodka Sour With Fresh Lemon
A three-ingredient vodka sour is just what it sounds like: a terrifically tart drink with just enough simple syrup to make it palatable. Think of it as boozy lemonade, only ultra-heavy on the ‘lemon’ and light on the ‘ade.’
9. Negroni
There’s nothing quite like the Negroni. Sweet, bitter, and bracing, this cocktail is perfect for any occasion. The Negroni is always a good choice, whether you’re hosting a party or relaxing at home. And when you can make it with just three ingredients, that’s even better. Plus, you’ll make it right in the glass – no shaker needed. That’ll save you some time on clean-up later.
10. Amaretto Sour
I love a good Amaretto sour. It’s a bubbly, sweet-n-sour cocktail that will tickle your nose. It has an interesting flavor that’s similar to sour hard candies. It’s citrusy and smells as good as it tastes. Despite the almonds in the Amaretto, the drink isn’t nutty at all. Instead, it’s bright, fruity, and delightfully tart.
11. Classic Martini
The vodka martini – shaken, not stirred – is an elegant cocktail that’s one of the more grown-up drinks on the list. To make it, you’ll need vodka, dry vermouth, and olives, of course! Add some olive brine to the drink for a dirty martini. Or just add the olives as garnish. Either way, give it a try the next time you want to connect with your inner James Bond.
12. Lemon Drop Martini
If you love lemons, you’ll appreciate this lemon drop martini. It’s lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup. So basically, it tastes like a Lemon Drop (the candy) but in liquid form. It’s sourer than traditional lemonade but has many of the same notes. It has a rich, candy-like sweetness that’s borderline addictive.
13. Mimosa
Whether you’re sitting by the pool, opening presents on Christmas day, or enjoying brunch with friends, nothing beats a mimosa. Fortunately, they’re effortless to make. They taste great by themselves or served with a syrup-smothered pile of pancakes. And they’re so easy to modify with different flavors. That said, if you’re an “orange juice in the morning” person, you’ll love mimosas.
14. White Russian
In the mood for something sweet and decadent? Check out this recipe for the three-ingredient White Russian. It’s thick, creamy, and delightfully sweet. And thanks to the Kahlua and vodka, it’s a strong drink, too. You can have it ready in two minutes flat, and it’s impossible not to love it. Just be sure to keep it away from the kiddos. It looks too much like hot chocolate or a milkshake for most of them to turn down.
15. Easy 3-Ingredient Sangria
This sangria might be the easiest – and most inexpensive – recipe you’ll ever make. Start with a cheap (ish) bottle of red wine. Then, add Sprite or any other lemon-lime soda. Add whatever fruits you have on hand, and voila! That’s all it takes to have this delicious drink ready to go. And don’t worry; no one will ever realize how little you spent.
16. Peach Bellinis
Peach bellinis are frosty, fruity, and just plain fun. They’re such beautiful drinks and always make me think of sweet Southern Belles in big dresses. Luckily, Southern Belles aren’t the only ones who can enjoy these tasty cocktails. As long as you like Prosecco and peaches, you’ll love them.
17. Classic Aperol Spritz
Though slightly bitter, the Aperol spritz is an excellent palate-cleansing cocktail. It’s crisp, biting, and the perfect after-dinner drink. If you go anywhere in Europe during the summer, you’ll see it in every bar and cafe, in every city you visit. And it’s cheap too! You can substitute another Italian aperitif if you don’t have any Aperol. However, I think Aperol is the best. Click on a star to rate it!
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