2-Ingredient Cocktails You’ll Want to Memorize
Updated: Apr. 29, 2024
Sipping cocktails should be a simple pleasure. With these delectable two-ingredient cocktails, simplicity is assured, as is pleasure!
Greyhound
For this classic cocktail, simply pour two ounces of gin into a cocktail glass, and top with grapefruit juice to taste. Serve it with salt on the glass’s rim to make it a Salty Dog.
Extra Dry Negroni
Here’s a classic made with gin, Campari (a dark red bitters liqueur) and red vermouth. For an extra dry negroni and an enchantingly simple two-ingredient cocktail, skip the vermouth and serve over ice with a twist of orange.
Rusty Nail
Be like Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack: Make the Rusty Nail your go-to two-ingredient cocktail. It’s simply two parts Scotch whiskey to a half part Drambuie liqueur. Served on the rocks or straight up, it’s an old-school classic that sings with simplicity.
Martini
The martini may be the iconic two-ingredient cocktail, with the basic format being three parts gin or vodka and a half part vermouth. A dry martini uses less vermouth; a wet martini, more. Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, up or on the rocks, it doesn’t get much more simple and elegant than this. Garnish with an olive or a twist of lemon.
Americano
The Americano is another old-school classic that deconstructs the Negroni by keeping the vermouth and Campari while skipping the gin. Simply pour equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth over the rocks. A splash of club soda is optional for a sparkling version.
Irish Coffee
Traditionally, Irish coffee consists of strong coffee, brown sugar, Irish whiskey and cream. But you can make it with a cup of strong coffee and an ounce of Irish cream liqueur. If you want to garnish, add a bit of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings.
Gibson
A Gibson is essentially a martini with a cocktail onion garnish. Traditionally, it starts with a bit less vermouth, but you can work the proportions to your taste.
Black Russian
The classic Black Russian is vodka plus kahlua (coffee-flavored liqueur) on a two-to-one ratio, though you can adjust the ratio to your liking. Serve over ice in an old-fashioned rocks glass. For a White Russian, top with cream.
Mimosa
The classic mimosa calls for orange juice and a splash of champagne. We love it because it’s the perfect accompaniment to brunch!
Bellini
A classic Bellini is just like a mimosa, except you use peach nectar in place of the orange juice.
Summer Collins
For a simple Summer Collins, use equal parts gin and lemonade. Serve over ice with an optional fruit garnish. For a Vodka Collins, use vodka in place of gin. In the winter, try these vodka drinks.
Rose’s Gimlet
A gimlet is kind of like a Collins, except it uses lime in place of lemon. Use two parts gin to one part sweetened lime juice (like Rose’s). Shake and pour over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Serve with a wedge of lime.
Skinny Margarita
The classic margarita uses tequila, lemon, lime, orange liqueur and a bit of sweetener. But you can make it simple by mixing tequila and a hint of Rose’s lime juice. Shake over ice and serve. Salt optional.
Take your drink to the next level with these fancy margaritas.
Screwdriver
This classic cocktail is simply vodka plus orange juice served over ice. An orange slice for garnish is completely optional.
Vodka-Cranberry
It doesn’t have a clever name, but walk into any bar, and hear lots of folks ordering a good old vodka-cranberry. Garnish it with a lime and call it a Cape Codder. You can go the extra mile by using this homemade cranberry juice.
Simple Paloma
The classic Paloma is made of tequila, grapefruit, lime, and a sweetener. You can make a shortcut version by mixing equal parts tequila and soda—either Fresca or grapefruit-flavored Jarritos works. Serve on the rocks with a wedge of lime for squeezing to taste. Don’t forget to try this tequila old-fashioned.
Juicy Julep
A classic mint julep consists of bourbon, simple syrup and muddled mint leaves. But when we asked our Southern friends about the tricks to making a mint julep, we were told it doesn’t actually have to be “mint” at all. To make our version of a Juicy Julep, simply leave out the mint, and substitute a flavored simple syrup for a plain simple syrup.
Next, take a trip to the Big Easy with this sophisticated Sazerac recipe, the official cocktail of New Orleans.
