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Easy

3-ingredient cocktails

Here are 286 cocktails that need three ingredients or fewer, not counting ice, water or whatever you garnish with. Some are proper classics, some are the kind of thing you invent at 1 a.m. with what's left in the cupboard. We've done both. Pick a spirit below, or start with the two-ingredient drinks if even three feels ambitious tonight.

  • 286 recipes
  • 104 with 2 ingredients

Just two ingredients 104

The best-known first. The rest are in the spirit lists below.

Easy gin cocktails 41

Easy vodka cocktails 50

Easy rum cocktails 41

Easy tequila cocktails 13

Easy whiskey cocktails 36

Easy brandy cocktails 16

Liqueurs, wine, beer and the rest 89

3-ingredient cocktail questions

What are the easiest cocktails to make?

Anything with three ingredients or fewer. We have 286, and the best-known are the Americano (Campari and sweet vermouth); the Angel Face (Apricot brandy, apple brandy and gin); the Aviation (gin, lemon juice and maraschino liqueur); the Bellini (champagne and Peach schnapps).

What cocktails need only 2 ingredients?

104 of our recipes need just two, not counting ice or garnish. Start with the Americano (Campari and sweet vermouth); the Bellini (champagne and Peach schnapps); the Black Russian (Coffee liqueur and vodka); the Dark and Stormy (dark rum and ginger beer); the French Connection (cognac and Amaretto).

What are the classic 3-ingredient cocktails?

39 are on the International Bartenders Association's official list, including the Martini, Margarita, Negroni, Caipirinha and Spritz.

What are the lightest 3-ingredient cocktails?

The Black & Tan (about 4% ABV), the Jamaican Coffee (about 4% ABV), the Snakebite and Black (about 4% ABV).