27 Simple 3-Ingredient Cocktails to Make Now and Memorize for Later
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There are times for elaborate drinks, and then there are times for 3-ingredient cocktails, the kind of drinks you can casually whip up after work while you cook dinner. These tried-and-true recipes require only a few bottles (at maximum) from your bar cart—and they’re so simple that you may find yourself learning the measurements by heart. Below, you'll find our favorite 3-ingredient drinks—all easy cocktails that offer simple prep and clarity of flavor. (Readily available cocktail garnishes like twists don’t count against our total here—worst comes to worst, you could make these drinks without them.) Save these recipes in the Epi iOS app, because some days you feel like playing bartender, and other days you just want the shortest path to putting your feet up and sipping something tasty.
3/27Mimosa
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell4/27Dry Martini
Start with this basic martini recipe, then adjust to your preferences. Because the best martini is whatever way you like it.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton6/27Sea Breeze
This simple combo of vodka, cranberry juice, and tangy grapefruit can be stirred together right in the glass for minimal fuss.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich7/27Moscow Mule
This crowd-pleasing combo requires just a lime, some vodka, and a pour of spicy ginger beer. We recommend trying it with mezcal if you want to add a little savory/smoky flavor.
Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo8/27Gin and Tonic
There’s one secret to a really great G&T—and it involves just a bit of planning ahead. If you always have tonic in the fridge, you’ll be ready to make the version of the drink with the longest-lasting carbonation. Extra points if you stash the gin in your freezer too.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich9/27Jersey Lightning
Take a manhattan but make it with apple brandy and you’ve got this simple but delightful concoction. Technically, the twist puts this over our 3-ingredient limit, but you can skip the garnish if you don’t have an orange on hand.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton11/27Negroni
This bittersweet, herbal drink has a classic equal-parts formula. But many like to add a little extra gin to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients. Try it both ways and see which you prefer.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich12/27Dark and Stormy
Here’s another old-school summer cocktail that’s super easy to make and easy to drink.
Photo by Kristin Teig13/27Sherry and Vermouth
Nutty amontillado sherry and fruity white vermouth come together elegantly in this concoction from bartender Natasha David’s book, Drink Lightly.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich15/27Adonis
Here’s a formula that’s easy to memorize: two parts dry sherry, one part sweet vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters. Try it once and it just might become your signature house cocktail.
Photo by Andy Sewell16/27Garibaldi
Looking for new ideas for brunch cocktails? This recipe transforms regular OJ into a memorable low-ABV drink.
Photo by John Lee18/27Americano Cocktail
If your go-to is a negroni or sbagliato, change it up with this simple mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water.
Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo20/27Gold Rush
Bourbon lovers, you’ve found your year-round cocktail here. All you need is the whiskey, lemon, and honey to make this modern whiskey sour meets Bee’s Knees.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton. Glassware by Riedel.23/27Manhattan
If you don’t have cocktail cherries on hand, and you don’t want to make your own, you can still make a delicious version of this drink. Just make sure that sweet vermouth hasn’t been open for months.
Photo by Sarah Hogan.26/27White Port and Tonic
Gin and tonic are great together, but have you tried other stuff and tonic? This beloved combo can be garnished with whatever herbs you have around.
Photo by Colin Price27/27White Russian
This creamy vodka and Kahlúa drink is a fun way to cap off a dinner party. Looking for more 3-ingredient cocktails? Author Robert Simonson collected an entire book of them.
