Beginner cocktails are easy to make with 2, 3, or 4 common ingredients commonly found in home bars or are easily available at stores. They use basic techniques like shaking and stirring and don’t need special equipment beyond a shaker. The foundation of these beverages typically includes popular spirits like vodka, whiskey, gin, and tequila.
Cocktails that have a more universally appealing taste profile are considered beginner-friendly. They often taste sweet, making them a hit at parties and suitable for those new to cocktails. Extremely bitter, sour, or spicy drinks might be more of an acquired taste.
These mixed drinks are well-known and popular to order at a bar. They are often easier for beginners and aspiring bartenders because they might have already tasted them somewhere and are familiar with what the result should be like.
The recipes are clear, avoiding dangerous steps such as flaming or dry ice. While taste is the focus, they don’t emphasize fancy presentations or garnishes. And finally, as they are cheap or easy on the wallet, they won’t break the bank.
Our top 3: If you’re looking for crowd-pleasers, these are our best cocktails for beginners. First up, the Mimosa. It’s a classic everyone loves, perfect for brunches or early celebrations. Next, the Tequila Sunrise stands out with its bright colors and simple mix, making it a favorite for evening parties. And we can’t forget the Cuba Libre. It’s a timeless drink that fits any occasion. All three drinks are easy to whip up in big batches, so we often choose them for birthday parties and company events.
Best 22 Beginner Cocktail Recipes
At DrinksWorld, we’ve picked the best cocktail recipes for beginners. These recipes are an excellent starting point for learning mixology. They’re simple to make and don’t need complex ingredients.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a straightforward cocktail that’s perfect for beginners. With just three ingredients – whiskey, lemon juice, and a sweetener – it’s hard to go wrong. You don’t need fancy equipment; a simple cocktail shaker or jar will do. Mix, shake, and you’re done! It’s a minimal-fuss drink that offers a balanced taste, making it an ideal choice for those new to cocktail-making.
Rum and Coke
You can make a Rum and Coke in no time. Just grab your favorite rum and some cola. Put them in a glass with ice, stir, and enjoy! It tastes like the cola you know and love, with a warm kick from the rum.
Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is a quick and easy choice. Pour gin and tonic water over ice in a glass. The bubbly tonic makes the gin taste even better. You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients, just a simple mix for a refreshing gin cocktail.
Kalimotxo
Want a quick and easy drink? Try the Kalimotxo! Mix red wine and cola, and you have a tasty drink ready. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for parties. And the best part? It won’t empty your wallet!
Dry Martini
Do you think making a Dry Martini is hard? Think again! Mix gin (or vodka) with dry vermouth, stir it with ice, and pour. Add an olive or a lemon twist on top if you like. It’s clear and tasty; most people have these ingredients at home.
Mimosa
Love brunch? The Mimosa is for you! Pour champagne and orange juice into a glass, and you’re set. It’s sweet and bubbly, and everyone loves it. Plus, you can find the ingredients easily. Making a great drink doesn’t get simpler than this!
Tequila Sunrise
Want a colorful drink that’s easy to make? Go for the Tequila Sunrise! Pour tequila, add some orange juice, and top it with a splash of grenadine. You’ll get a beautiful sunrise effect in your glass. It’s a sweet, fruity cocktail.
Cuba Libre
Looking for a classic with a twist? Try the Cuba Libre! Mix rum with cola, squeeze in some lime, and have a refreshing drink. It’s bubbly and tangy, and your kitchen probably has the ingredients.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a bubbly treat. Aperol with prosecco, a splash of soda, and you’re done. It’s bright, bubbly, and perfect for a sunny day. And the best part? It’s super easy to make!
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that’s easy to craft. You only need whiskey, a sugar cube, and a few dashes of bitters. Muddle the sugar with the bitters, add the whiskey, and give it a good stir. Drop in an ice cube, and you’ve got a smooth drink that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Simple ingredients, simple steps, and a rich taste!
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a refreshing choice for anyone starting their cocktail journey. Grab some gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. Mix the gin, lemon juice, and sugar, then top it off with soda. It’s a bubbly delight that’s both tangy and sweet. No fancy moves are needed; just mix and enjoy!
Screwdriver
The Screwdriver is as easy as it gets, making it perfect for beginners. Just pour some vodka and add orange juice. Stir it up, and you’re set! It’s a fruity drink that’s both zesty and smooth. It’s a no-brainer for a quick, tasty cocktail with just two ingredients.
Shandy
The Shandy is a light and refreshing drink that’s super easy to make. All you need is beer and lemonade. Pour them together, give it a quick stir, and you’ve got a bubbly treat. It’s the perfect blend of tangy and sweet; you don’t need any special tools. The Shandy is a great place to start if you’re new to mixing drinks.
Bellini
The Bellini is a fruity delight perfect for those just starting. With just two main ingredients – peach puree and sparkling wine – it’s a breeze to prepare. Pour the peach puree into a glass, top it with sparkling wine, and give it a gentle stir. It’s a sweet and bubbly drink that will impress without complicated steps.
Mojito
The Mojito is a minty, fresh cocktail that’s always a hit. Grab rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water. Gently muddle the mint and sugar, add the rum and lime juice, and top it off with soda. It’s a zesty drink with a hint of sweetness. There is no need for fancy techniques; just mix it up and enjoy the refreshing taste!
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea offers a mix of flavors that many love. You mix several spirits like vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec with lemon juice and cola in a tall glass with ice. Add a lemon slice on top, and you get a strong, tasty drink. This drink impresses and is easy to make.
Negroni
People know the Negroni as a simple and classic cocktail. Mix equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a glass with ice and stir. Add an orange slice or twist for garnish, and you have a bold, bittersweet drink. It’s an easy and elegant choice for anyone, even if you’re new to cocktails.
Gimlet
The Gimlet stands out as a refreshing choice for beginners. You only need gin, sugar and lime juice. Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake it, and pour it into a glass. Top it with a lime wheel or twist, and you have a zesty, light drink.
Margarita
Everyone loves a good Margarita. You just need tequila, lime juice, and a little triple sec. Shake them together, and you’re set. Its tangy taste is perfect for those starting with basic cocktails.
White Russian
For a creamy drink, try the White Russian. Mix vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. Stir it, and your glass has a rich treat. First-timers often love its smooth taste.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is all about style. Take vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and a bit of triple sec. A quick shake, and it’s ready. This bright and zesty drink is great for those new to mixing.
Vodka Soda
The Vodka Soda is easy and refreshing. Mix vodka with soda water, and you’ve got a drink. Two ingredients make it simple. Just pour into a glass and enjoy! It’s a clear choice and one of the best cocktails for beginners.
Which liquors and brands to buy?
It’s best to start with versatile staple liquors that can be used in various drinks. Here are some common liquors and popular brands suited for beginner cocktails:
- Vodka is like a blank canvas, blending seamlessly with almost anything. That’s why many newbies start with brands like Smirnoff and Absolut, making easy drinks like the classic Screwdriver.
- Rum, with its natural sweetness, is another favorite. It’s the star in simple cocktails like the Cuba Libre. Bacardi and Captain Morgan are our top picks because they mix smoothly and taste great.
- Whiskey lovers often begin with the Whiskey Sour. Brands like Jack Daniel’s and Jameson offer that warm and rich flavor, making this cocktail a classic favorite.
- For a bit of zest, tequila is the answer. With brands like Jose Cuervo and Patrón, beginners can quickly create a vibrant Tequila Sunrise.
- Gin brings freshness to the table. Beginners often opt for the Tom Collins, and with brands like Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray, the drink is crisp and refreshing.
- Brandy‘s luxurious touch is perfect for beginners wanting to try the Sidecar. Brands like Hennessy and Courvoisier make the experience rich and flavorful.
- Of course, mixers like tonic water, soda water, cola, and fruit juices are essential. They balance out the flavors and make mixing a breeze.
More Easy Cocktails To Make At Home
- 2 ingredient drinks
- 3 ingredients drinks
- Check out our full collection of Easy Cocktail Recipes and Mixed Drinks Recipes.
Top Beginner Cocktails: Screwdriver Recipe (and 14 more!)
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Vodka
- 4 oz orange juice
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice or twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Vodka: Pour 1½ oz Vodka over the ice.
- Add Orange Juice: Measure and pour 4 oz orange juice into the glass.
- Garnish: Place an orange slice or twist into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Vodka: If you don't have vodka, you can use gin for a more botanical flavor. I've tried it, and it gives the Screwdriver a unique twist.
- Orange Juice: Grapefruit or pineapple juice can work if you're out of orange juice. The flavor profile changes, but you still get a refreshing drink.
Making a Pitcher of Screwdriver:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of vodka and 32 oz of orange juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the vodka and orange juice. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with an orange slice or twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute; these are available and mimic the neutral flavor of vodka.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular vodka, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic Screwdriver.
Making it Vegan:
- Orange Juice: Ensure that your orange juice doesn't contain animal-derived additives like omega-3s from fish oil or vitamin D from lanolin (sheep's wool).
- Proceed As Usual: After confirming your orange juice is vegan-friendly, follow the original steps to enjoy a vegan Screwdriver.
