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17 Easy Cocktail Recipes to Try at Home
One of life's greatest pleasures is a well-made cocktail overflowing with flavours and shared in good company. If you've wondered how to make a cocktail but never considered it because it sounded complicated, we've got news! Our list features some of the world's best and easy cocktail recipes. These are great cocktails to make at home and need just a few ingredients and equipment. Be a star host and master mixologist – choose your favourite drinks from our list of 17 easy cocktails to make at home. Also included are drinkware tips and some of the best occasions and parties to serve them. Let's get shaking!
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Easy Cocktails Recipes to Try
Sorbet Prosecco Float
You'll love this cocktail for its fruity notes, delicate flavours and refreshing taste. Add this to your repertoire, and you're all set for spring and summer dinner parties. One of the easiest cocktails to make, this will surely leave your guests asking for more.
Serves: 1
What you'll need
- 2 scoops of lemon sorbet
- 2 scoops of raspberry sorbet
- 60ml citrus vodka
- A standard bottle of prosecco
- Soda water
- Stirrer
- Ice cream scoop
- Shot glass
Method
Step 1
Add two scoops each of lemon and raspberry sorbet to the glass. Then add the citrus vodka.
Step 2
Combine prosecco and soda water, and stir the drink gently. Garnish with mint, and enjoy.
Serving tip
Enjoy this cocktail in a Spritz or large wine glass.
Best occasions to serve it
Serve at all your holiday parties and enjoy.
Negroni
If you want something full of flavour and simple to make, look no further than this Italian classic. This 1:1:1 cocktail has but four ingredients -- sweet vermouth, gin, Campari and orange peel to garnish.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 30ml gin
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- 30ml Campari
- Ice
- Stirrer
- Strainer
- Slice of orange/blood orange for garnishing
Method
Step 1
Pour the gin, vermouth and Campari into a glass/tumbler. Now add ice and stir until the outside of the glass feels cold.
Step 2
Strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Now garnish with an orange slice, or use blood orange.
Serving tip
With such a fantastic variety of Australian gin, this is one of those easy cocktails to start with. Served best in an old-fashioned glass.
Best occasions to serve it
Ideal before a meal, after a meal, or on a night out – basically, any occasion is great to serve this cocktail at home to friends and family.
Mojito
This easy-to-make-at-home cocktail is one of our absolute favourites. And with good reason. Mojitos are easy to whip up with just a few essential ingredients and refreshing to drink. Let's find out the steps involved.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 60ml white rum
- soda water, to taste
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp sugar (granulated)
- a handful of mint leaves
- mint sprig for garnishing
- ice
- small jug
- A long-handled stirring spoon
Method
Step 1
Get started by mixing the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a jug. Remember to crush the mint to infuse its flavours. Now pour this concoction into a tall cocktail glass and add ice.
Step 2
Pour the white rum over the ice, and stir with the spoon.
Step 3
Next, just pour soda water to top it up. A sprig of mint is the perfect garnish, and your Mojito is ready to serve.
Serving tip
Serve in a high ball or Collins glass
Best occasions to serve it
The combination of sweet, zesty lime and mint complements the rum, making the Mojito perfect for summer.
Whiskey Sour
One of the most popular cocktail recipes at bars, the Whiskey Sour, is easy enough to master and recreate at home if you follow these steps.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 45ml whiskey
- 30ml lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- A dash of bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Ice
- Orange peel for garnish
Method
Step 1
Emulsify by first adding the egg white and ice to the shaker and shake vigorously.
Step 2
Pour in bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup, and continue shaking until the concoction has thoroughly blended.
Step 3
Strain into a glass, add a dash of bitters to the foam and garnish with the orange and cherry.
Serving tip
An old-fashioned glass is perfect. Serve on the rocks.
Best occasions to serve it
Summer barbeques and backyard parties.
Blood Orange Chilli Margarita
This boldly sweet, spicy and refreshing drink offers a nifty spin on the classic, making it one of those great cocktails to make at home. Great for those who like a little bit of spice in their life.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- The juice of one blood orange
- 45ml tequila,
- 15ml orange liqueur
- 15ml simple syrup
- Salt
- Chilli flakes
- Ice
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail strainer
Method
Step 1
Add all ingredients to the shaker and shake vigorously; rim one-half of your glass with a mixture of salt and chilli.
Step 2
Strain and garnish with another slice of blood orange.
Serving tip
Serve this lip-smacking drink in a rocks glass or traditional margarita glass during your next cocktail dinner. Keep a pitcher handy if you're serving a big group.
Best occasions to serve it
Perfect for a date night in, a girl's night, or to serve to a crowd at your cocktail dinner party.
Dirty Martini
One of the most popular and best cocktail recipes to feature on the menu of stylish bars worldwide is the Dirty Martini, which is incredibly easy to recreate at home. A flavourful variation of the traditional drink, here's our recipe to help you make this delicious and earthy drink like a pro.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 2-3 green olives
- 1-2 tsp of olive brine
- 75ml gin
- 15ml dry vermouth
- Ice
Method
Step 1
Chill your martini glass in the fridge.
Step 2
In a mixing glass, add ice. Next, pour the gin, vermouth and olive brine. Stir until the outside of the glass/jug feels chilled.
Step 3
Next, strain this mixture into a martini glass and garnish with olives on a cocktail stick.
Serving tip
Serve on the rocks or straight in a martini glass. Pair with appetisers like devilled eggs, cheddar olives, and shrimp cocktails.
Best occasions to serve it
This season-agnostic cocktail is perfect for any type of house party.
White Lady Cocktail
With the strength of a martini, this classic cocktail is a delightful party favourite. Composed of gin, triple sec or Cointreau, and fresh lemon and egg whites – this easy cocktail recipe is both light and refreshing with a sour finishing.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 50ml gin
- 25ml triple sec
- 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 10ml sugar syrup
- ½ egg white (optional)
- Lemon zest twists for serving
- Ice
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail strainer
Method
Step 1
Add the triple sec, gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white (if using) into the cocktail shaker. Shake it for about 15 seconds.
Step 2
Next, add ice into the cocktail shaker and shake the mixture for about 30 seconds.
Step 3
Strain into a glass, and foam rises to the top. Your drink is now ready to serve.
Serving tip
Presentation is key. Serve in a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon zest twist.
Best occasions to serve it
This is one of the most versatile and easy drinks to make at home. Serve it easily for a cocktail dinner, late-night drinks or a ladies' night.
Frozen Orange Prosecco
Summer alert! Enjoy the refreshing flavours of orange juice with prosecco with this lip-smacking cocktail, typically blended into a slushy-like consistency. This one's a keeper for hot Summer days. Thank us later!
Serves 4
What you'll need
- 235 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed is better)
- 1 sparkling prosecco bottle
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
- Zest of one orange
- A few mint leaves for garnishing
Method
Step 1
Pour the Prosecco into a baking tray and freeze overnight.
Step 2
When you're ready to make the drink, remove the frozen prosecco from the freezer. Then break into chunks and add into a blender. Next, add the orange juice, sugar, ice cubes, and zest.
Step 3
Now blend the mixture on the highest setting until you get smooth and slushy-like consistency. Stir with a spoon to soften it a little.
Serving tip
Serve the frozen orange prosecco in small glasses. You'll be surprised how energising it feels. Take the drink up a notch with a sprig of mint and a straw to sip.
Best parties to serve it
Perfect for a warm summer evening house party.
Cosmopolitan
Cosmopolitan or Cosmo is a fruity cocktail that's incredibly easy to make at home. Both sweet and sour, this red alcoholic drink will always remind you of a good time. Plus, it's a gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian recipe.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 60ml vodka
- 15ml triple sec
- 30ml Cointreau
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 125ml cranberry juice
- Crushed ice
- Cocktail shaker
For the garnish
Lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
Method
Step 1
Add crushed ice to the cocktail glass. Set aside.
Step 2
Tip all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and give it a quick shake.
Step 3
Strain into the cocktail glass and serve immediately.
Serving Tip
Always serve a cosmo in a martini glass for a stunning visual experience. Also, remember to garnish with a lime slice for added effect.
Best occasion to serve it
Tasty cosmopolitans are crowd pleasers and perfect as pre-dinner drinks!
White Russian
One of the best vodka cocktail recipes, White Russian is a must-have in your drink-making repertoire. Devilishly delicious, it's one of the easiest cocktails to start your evening in style. The drink is a twist on the Black Russian. Let's dive into the recipe.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 60ml vodka
- 60 ml Kahlua liqueur
- 1tbsp cream
- Ice cubes
Method
Step 1
Tip ice cubes into your drinks glass. Set aside.
Step 2
In a small jug or glass, mix all the ingredients. Now pour the cocktail concoction over ice in your drinks glass.
Serving Tip
Serve the White Russian on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass or short tumbler.
Best parties to serve it
While this drink falls beautifully in the dessert cocktail category, the combination of coffee and alcohol makes it great for a weekend brunch at home.
Gimlet
The classic gimlet combines dry gin and zesty lime syrup with heaps of ice. Just two of the simplest ingredients in the right proportions will yield a deliciously divine cocktail at home.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 50ml lime cordial
- 50ml gin
- Ice cubes
- Slice of lime to garnish (optional)
- Cocktail strainer
Method
Step 1
Keep a martini or coupe glass in the refrigerator to chill. Meanwhile, pour the lime syrup or cordial into a tall glass. Tip in a few ice cubes, followed by the gin.
Step 2
Stir this mixture until the glass feels chilled on the outside. Next, strain this concoction into your chilled martini/coupe glass, garnishing the drink with a slice of lime.
Serving tip
Serve it straight or on the rocks in a coupe or martini glass.
Best parties to serve it
The gimlet is perfect for a dinner party or a casual night at home.
Bramble
The classic bramble hails from the 1980s and is a party favourite. With blackberry liqueur drizzled over gin, lemon and sugar, this one makes for a stunning addition to your cocktail-making repertoire.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 45ml gin
- 15ml sugar syrup
- 30ml lemon juice
- 15ml crème de mure / blackberry liqueur
- Berries to garnish (or use lemon)
- Cocktail shaker
Method
Step 1
Pour the sugar syrup, gin and lemon juice into a shaker and give it a quick shake.
Step 2
Pour the mixture over crushed ice and drizzle the blackberry liqueur on top.
Serving tip
Serve this stunning cocktail at home in an old-fashioned glass. Late bartender Dick Bradsell, who is said to have invented this drink, suggested garnishing it with fresh red fruits, berries or a slice of lemon.
Best parties to serve it
This easy-to-drink flavourful drink is best known as a spring cocktail.
Long Island iced tea
Boozy, sticky-sweet, the long island iced tea is one of the most fun cocktails to make at home. With a mix of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, trip sec, and cola – this deliciously refreshing drink gives the appearance of iced tea with a similar amber hue.
Serves 4
What you’ll need
- 50ml vodka
- 50ml white rum
- 50ml tequila
- 50ml gin
- 50ml triple sec
- 50-100ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Cola
- Ice
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Method
Step 1
Add equal parts of vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, and lemon juice in a large jug. Next, tip in lemon juice to taste. Fill half the jug with ice.
Step 2
Pour in the cola and stir briefly. Add a lemon wedge to garnish. Pop in a straw to make drinking a breeze.
Serving tip
Serve in a high ball/Collins glass filled with plenty of ice.
Best parties to serve it
We love the classic long island ice tea for a balmy summer house party!
Skinny Margarita
A low-calorie alternative to the traditional margarita, this light and refreshing drink is perfect for the calorie-conscious.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 45ml of silver tequila
- 3tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 ½ tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1tsp of agave nectar (adjust based on how sweet you prefer)
- Salt to rim the glass
- Lime wedge
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
Method
Step 1
Moisten the glass' edges by rubbing a lime wedge. Then tip the glass into a plate of salt so it sticks to the surface. Then fill the glass with ice.
Step 2
Tip ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour the tequila, lime juice, orange juice and agave nectar. Shake for about 30 seconds.
Step 3
Strain the mixture into your salt-rimmed cocktail glass. Enjoy!
Espresso Martini
Another invention by late bartender Bradsell, this classic Kahlua cocktail is both delicious and decadent, making its way to our top 17 list of easy cocktail recipes to make at home. We love this caffeinated alcoholic drink, and your guests will love it too! Just make your espresso coffee in advance and let it chill nicely. This reduces dilution, making your drink feel colder and tastier.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 40ml vodka (of your choice)
- 20ml Kahlúa
- 20ml espresso
- 2-3 whole coffee beans
- Ice cubes
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail strainer
Method
Step 1
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Tip all the ingredients in next.
Step 2
Shake vigorously and strain swiftly into a cocktail glass. A nice frothy foam is the hallmark of a well-made espresso martini. Garnish with coffee beans.
Serving Tip
The drink is best enjoyed chilled and without ice. Choose a martini glass to serve.
Best parties to serve it
This drink is terrific for some post-dinner fun!
Bloody Mary
For those wondering what a Bloody Mary tastes like, it's a spicy, salty and savoury cocktail bursting with the flavours of tomatoes, hot sauce and other ingredients.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 45ml vodka (your choice)
- 150ml tomato Juice
- 4 dashes of hot sauce
- 10ml Worcestershire sauce
- 10ml lemon juice
- Ground black pepper (1 pinch)
- Garlic Salt ( 1 pinch)
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1 celery stick
Method
Step 1
In a mixing glass, add ice cubes.
Step 2
Next, pour in vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and all the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle a little black pepper and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir and serve.
Step 3
Garnish the drink with a celery stick or lemon wedge
Serving tip
Serve on the rocks in a high ball / Collins glass
Best parties to serve it
Bloody Mary is undoubtedly the queen of brunch. But it also makes for an excellent party drink.
Moscow Mule
Delightfully fizzy, make Moscow Mule your go-to when entertaining at home. Striking the perfect balance between spicy and robust, this fiery ginger-flavoured drink is one of our top recommendations for great cocktails to make at home.
Serves 1
What you'll need
- 45ml vodka
- 15ml lime juice
- Ginger beer
- 1 lime wedge
- Ice cubes
Method
Start by filling your mugs with ice cubes. Then tip in the vodka and lime juice. Lastly, top up with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
Serving tip
Enjoy this delicious cocktail in a copper mug. Alternatively, a highball glass is also perfect. Also, remember to use a lot of ice, as this will keep your drink colder and fizzier for a long time.
Best parties to serve it
A refreshing drink for hot and balmy summer days, they're also trendy for any holiday party.
The best cocktail recipes for entertaining
It's easy to play mixologist at house parties when you have some easy cocktail recipes up your sleeve. Our top 17 list features some of the most iconic yet easy drinks to make at home. Pair these drinks with our recommended list of glassware options for the best experience. For more inspiration around entertaining like a pro, don't forget to check out the Hub.
