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—alleasy cocktailsthat offer simple prep and clarity of flavor. (Readily availablecocktail garnisheslike twists don’t count against our total here—worst comes to worst, you could make these drinks without them.) Save these recipes in theEpi iOS app, because some days you feel likeplaying bartender, and other days you just want the shortest path to putting your feet up and sipping something tasty.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich1/27
Classic Daiquiri
三个-ingredient cocktails really let each element shine. So start with a fresh lime and a rum you actually like when you're making this classic drink.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Mira Evnine2/27
Caipirinha
Brazil’s national cocktail requires just a lime, some sugar, and a few ounces of cachaça. Muddle it all together right in the glass and you’re in business.
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Mimosa
The difference between a good mimosa and a so-so one is all in the juice. So be sure to squeeze fresh.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell4/27
Classic Dry Martini
Start with this basic martini recipe, thenadjust to your preferences. Because the best martini is whatever wayyoulike it.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich5/27
Gin Rickey
When the weather gets unbearably hot, this tart, unsweetened drink is the ultimate in refreshment.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton6/27
Sea Breeze
这个简单的组合vodka, cranberry juice, and tangy grapefruit can be stirred together right in the glass for minimal fuss.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich7/27
Moscow Mule
This crowd-pleasing combo requires just a lime, some vodka, and a pour of spicy ginger beer. We recommend trying it withmezcalif you want to add a little savory/smoky flavor.
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Photo & Food Styling by Joseph De Leo8/27
Gin and Tonic
There’s onesecret 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.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich9/27
Jersey Lightning
Take amanhattanbut 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.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne10/27
Our Favorite Aperol Spritz
You can totally skip the orange wheel in this one to keep it at three ingredients. But do pay attention to the ratio—our version of the recipe is a bit less sweet than standard.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton11/27
Negroni
This bittersweet, herbal drink has a classicequal-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.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich12/27
Dark and Stormy
Here’s another old-schoolsummer cocktailthat’s super easy to make and easy to drink.
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Photo by Kristin Teig13/27
Sherry and Vermouth
Nutty amontillado sherry and fruity white vermouth come together elegantly in this concoction from bartender Natasha David’s book,Drink Lightly.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich15/27
Adonis
Here’s a formula that’s easy to memorize: two parts dry sherry, one partsweet vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters. Try it once and it just might become your signature house cocktail.
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Photo by Andy Sewell16/27
Garibaldi
Looking for new ideas forbrunch cocktails? This recipe transforms regular OJ into a memorable low-ABV drink.
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Photo by John Lee18/27
Americano Cocktail
If your go-to is a negroni orsbagliato, change it up with this simple mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water.
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Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo20/27
Gold Rush
Bourbonlovers, you’ve found your year-round cocktail here. All you need is the whiskey, lemon, and honey to make this modernwhiskey sourmeetsBee’s Knees.
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Photo by Colin Price21/27
Obituary Cocktail
A splash of absinthe adds herbal character to this martini variation. Serve with olives or salty snacks.
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Alexandra Grablewski22/27
Champagne Cocktail
Dress up your bubbly with a splash of spicy bitters and a sugar cube.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton. Glassware by Riedel.23/27
Manhattan
If you don’t havecocktail cherrieson hand, and you don’t want tomake your own, you can still make a delicious version of this drink. Just make sure that sweet vermouth hasn’t been open for months.
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Photo by Sarah Hogan24/27
Bamboo
This recipe includes instructions for making a batch of drinks, which will get you to cocktail hour with even less effort.
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Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo25/27
Brown Derby
Fresh grapefruit is wonderful with honey—this cocktail builds on that by adding a touch of whiskey.
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Photo by Sarah Hogan.26/27
White Port and Tonic
Gin and tonic are great together, but have you triedother stuff and tonic? This beloved combo can be garnished with whatever herbs you have around.
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Photo by Colin Price27/27
White 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整本书of them.
ByAl Sotack
ByZoe Denenberg
ByKristi Kellogg