Craft cocktails are delicious, but we’ll leave them to the pros. When we’re entertaining at home, there’s no way we’re doing all that muddling, pureeing, pickling, steeping, slicing--it’s a drink, not an episode of Iron Chef. Here are our seven go-to cocktails that use three ingredients or less.
7 Drinks with 3 Ingredients or Less
Introducing the Lazy Gal's Guide to Cocktails
Published Apr 17, 2015
Aperol Spritz
What it is: A mild pink drink that Italians sip whenever, wherever.
How to make it: 2 shots Prosecco + 1 shot Aperol + splash of sparkling water. Pour into an ice-filled glass. Stir.
Ambitious garnish: Drop in an orange wedge if you’re feeling festive.
Dirty Martini
What it is: The strong, salty drink enjoyed by women and Bond enthusiasts everywhere.
How to make it: 2 ½ shots gin or vodka + ½ shot olive juice (from a jar of olives) + splash of vermouth. Shake with ice, strain into chilled glass.
Ambitious garnish: Olives on a toothpick.
Negroni
What it is: A boozy classic that’s perfect for making in big batches for a party. Or better yet, frozen and served slushy-style.
How to make it: 1 shot gin + 1 shot sweet red vermouth + 1 shot Campari. Pour into an ice-filled glass. Stir.
Ambitious garnish: Orange twist.
Cuba Libre
What it is: Otherwise known as our favorite college drink: rum and Coke.
How to make it: 2 shots white rum + lime juice + Coca-Cola (not diet). Squeeze some lime juice into a glass, add ice cubes, add rum, add Coke. Stir.
Ambitious garnish: Lime wedge.
Great Gatsby
What it is: A sip of sweet sophistication made popular by this fine Southern spot.
How to make it: 1 shot vodka + 1 shot Lillet Blanc + 1½ ounces fresh grapefruit juice. Pour into an ice-filled glass. Stir.
Ambitious garnish: Orange twist.
Southern
What it is: The only acceptable way to mix bourbon with soda.
How to make it: 1 shot bourbon + good ginger ale + lime wedge. Pour bourbon and ginger ale over ice, stir. Finish with a light squeeze of lime juice.
Ambitious garnish: Lime wedge.
Moscow Mule
What it is: Height of 1950s sophistication.
How to make it: 2 shots vodka + 4 ounces good ginger beer + ½ lime. Squeeze lime into glass, drop wedge in bottom, add ice cubes, vodka and ginger beer. Stir.
Ambitious garnish: Mint leaves.
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