37 Easy Cocktails to Make as Soon as It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
Most of the time, we’ll leave elaborate cocktails to the professionals. At home we usually want easy cocktails that don’t call for too many ingredients or complicated tricks. That means the best versions of standards like margaritas and spritzes, but also simple concoctions that you make right in a soda can—and low-effort batchable drinks for backyard hangs with friends. Below you’ll find all of our go-to easy cocktail recipes, including gin cocktails, the best tequila drinks, and a few easy-sippers made with sherry and vermouth. You’re sure to find your new signature drink on the list.
For more drink inspiration and expert tips, check out our new hub for all things cocktails.
Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo1/37The Most Refreshing Gin and Tonic
Easy cocktails don't get much easier than two ingredients poured right in the glass, but if you know you're making G&Ts in advance, there's one pro move. Chill your tonic—and your gin—so that everything in the glass is nice and cold before you start. That's the secret to a simple gin and tonic that stays fizzy longer.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert3/37The Classic Margarita
Three ingredients and some salt is all you need for a great rendition of this classic tequila cocktail. It's worth buying good tequila for this—and definitely using fresh lime juice. Add a lime wedge if you like. While we'd recommend getting a cocktail shaker if you make margaritas often, you can also shake these in a big mason jar.
Photo by Kristin Teig4/37Sherry and Vermouth
Some of the best cocktails are the truly simple ones. All you need for this aperitif is nutty amontillado sherry and fruity white vermouth (such as Dolin blanc.) And ice—a big cube is nice, but not strictly required.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell6/37Dry Martini
This version of the martini is pretty dry, with a half-ounce of vermouth in the mix. Be sure to stir the combination in a mixing glass or pint glass with lots of ice until the glass is cool to the touch—it's essential for making sure your drink is chilly and adequately diluted. But really, you should dial in this classic cocktail to your own taste—here are a few elements to take into consideration as you enter your martini journey.
Photo by Lizzie Munro8/37Martini-on-the-Rocks
What's even easier than a classic martini? A martini that's combined in the glass with ice. No muss, no fuss. Is it the lazy version of the drink? Maybe. But it's nice, especially on a warm evening.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Kate Schmidt11/37Spiked Ginger-Lemonade Soda Can Cocktail
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton12/37Old-Fashioned
All you're doing here is pairing a spirit with sugar, bitters, and water. Done. We like this with rye whiskey, but you can also play around with your base spirit and sweetener, as we describe in this story about riffing on classic cocktails. We also love this spiced apple variation for cooler months.
Photo by Shutterstock14/37Boulevardier
If you like Negronis but prefer whiskey over gin, meet your new favorite easy cocktail: the Boulevardier. This version, as made by Portland bar pro Jeffrey Morgenthaler, starts with a long pour of bourbon.
