25 Easy Mixed Drinks Anyone Can Make at Home

Whether you’re hosting a party, unwinding after a long day or having a date night dinner at home, it’s wise to have a few good cocktail recipes memorized. 

Creating a delicious mixed drink doesn’t have to be complicated. All you need are a few simple spirits, mixers and a little creative flair. Mix, match and swap out ingredients to suit your personal tastes or whatever you have on hand, and voilà!

From reliable classics like gin and juice to fun surprises like pumpkin martinis, this list of easy mixed drinks is sure to delight your taste buds. Zero bartending experience required!

1. Blackberry mojito

This minty mixed drink will have your guests feeling refreshed and impressed. In addition to mint leaves and lime juice, tart blackberries add a twist to this classic cocktail's base of white rum and club soda. No blackberries around? No problem. Raspberries or strawberries will work just as well. 

2. Old fashioned

A classic bourbon cocktail in the early 19th century in Louisville, Kentucky, the old fashioned’s name is befitting, as it is one of the oldest cocktails around. Bourbon and a dash of bitters are all you need to make a reliable old fashioned, but you can take this beverage to the next level with maraschino cherries and an orange garnish.

3. French 75

This Parisian cocktail is named after the French 75-millimeter field gun, as its tart taste was known to “have a kick like a gun.” To try it out yourself, combine gin and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Top with a couple of ounces of Champagne. Add simple syrup for a sweeter flavor and garnish with an optional lemon twist.

4. Hennessy sidecar

This mixed drink is sure to be the sophisticated star of your festivities. To make it, combine Hennessy cognac, fresh lemon juice, ice and orange liqueur in a shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Rim each glass with sugar and garnish with lemon slices to top it all off in style. You can also add simple syrup for a sweeter taste.

5. Rye Manhattan

For an elegant evening at home, experience the robust flavor combo of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters. Make one for yourself and find out why a rye Manhattan has been a favorite cocktail since the 1870s. 

6. Painkiller

With creamy coconut, pineapple, orange, rum and just a dash of nutmeg from your spice rack, a tropical painkiller is the perfect summer cocktail. Try blending with ice and frozen pineapple chunks for a slushie version!

7. Bahama mama

Whip up this breezy rum cocktail for some sweet staycation vibes. All you need is rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine and ice. Serve on the rocks or blend together until smooth and garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry for a picture-perfect pour. Best of all, you can experiment with flavored rums like coconut and banana.

8. Aperol spritz

This mixed drink is sweet, simple and perfect for summer sipping. All you need to make an Aperol spritz is prosecco or another sparkling wine, club soda and Aperol, an Italian bitter apéritif made with rhubarb. Pour over ice, top with an orange slice and enjoy!

9. Cuba Libre

Looking for easy mixed drinks with rum? One of the easiest cocktails to make is the Cuba Libre. Simply combine Coke, rum and a splash of lime juice. To put your own spin on it, try using spiced rum or your favorite flavored cola.

10. Irish mule

This fun twist on the Moscow mule uses Irish whiskey instead of vodka. With a kick of ginger and a zing of lime, Irish mules are memorable and easy mixed drinks for parties. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a splash of bitters and a pinch of brown sugar.

11. Classic mimosa

You can’t go wrong with this beloved brunch staple. A mimosa is light and refreshing and has only two ingredients! Mix equal parts orange juice and sparkling wine, then sit back and enjoy some sweet sips.

12. Peach Bellini

Raise a glass to this sparkling cocktail! The delicious party drink delivers elegance and fruity fun with only three ingredients: peach schnapps, prosecco and canned peach slices. Blend everything together and enjoy, or add more ice and sugar for a sweet frozen treat.

13. Cranberry margarita

Tart cranberries add complexity to this classic drink. It also makes a delightful birthday cocktail! To create your own, combine cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila and triple sec. Stir it all up, rim glasses with lime and sugar and serve on the rocks. 

14. Cadillac margarita

Quality reigns supreme over quantity in this classy cocktail consisting of top-shelf tequila, Grand Marnier French liqueur and lime juice. Rim each glass with salt before serving or add simple syrup for a sweeter flavor.

15. Spicy margarita

Jalapeños lend a unique spicy kick to this cocktail made from tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Enjoy it on the rocks, or use a blender for a frozen version that’s perfect for summer parties.

16. Tangy and sweet gimlet

This super simple gin cocktail incorporates a balance of sweetness and zest. Simply mix gin, lime juice and optional simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

17. Gin fizz

The invention of the gin fizz dates back to mid-19th century New Orleans, Louisiana. Lemon, gin and soda water unite in perfect harmony to create this light and refreshing cocktail that is still enjoyed today. Feeling experimental? Add an egg white before the soda water for a frothier finish.

18. Gin and juice

When it comes to easy mixed drinks to make at home, you can't go wrong with this laid-back classic. Combine the gin of your choice with fresh orange juice and lemon juice. Common modifications to this cocktail include adding sugar or a splash of cranberry juice, pineapple juice, simple syrup or agave.

19. Dirty Shirley

A classic mocktail gets an adult makeover. A tangy, fizzy, sweet and vibrant dirty Shirley is sure to be a hit at any house party. Just combine vodka, grenadine and Sprite or a similar lemon-lime soda. Top with a maraschino cherry and lemon wedge for extra flair.

20. French martini

No need to go out to the bar to enjoy this popular vodka cocktail. The adorable pink French martini is perfect for a girls' night in. Mix vodka, pineapple juice and Chambord liqueur. If you don't have Chambord on hand, make your own substitute with vanilla extract, raspberries, blackberries, honey, cognac and citrus. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sugar rim.

21. Espresso martini

Now one of the most popular easy mixed drinks with vodka, the espresso martini was first created by a British bartender in the 1980s. Try it for yourself at home by mixing brewed espresso (wait for it to cool!) with chilled vodka and coffee liqueur. Garnish with coffee beans for the perfect pick-me-up cocktail. For a creamier version, add a splash of half-and-half or Baileys Irish cream.

22. Pumpkin martini

This creative martini recipe will be the star of your next Friendsgiving gathering or Halloween party. Pumpkin puree and vodka unite with a cornucopia of flavors like honey, vanilla extract, chocolate liqueur, pumpkin pie spice and half-and-half. To go all out, top it with whipped cream and rim the glasses with crushed graham cracker.

23. Lemon martini

This crisp, refreshing cocktail is truly a breeze to make at home. Just combine equal parts vodka and lemon juice, and you’re done! For optional added sweetness, use simple syrup, honey or agave.

24. Sparkling wine cranberry cocktail

This cranberry cocktail is great for holiday parties or cozy winter nights at home. Combine cranberry juice, orange liqueur and lime juice, then pour over ice and top with sparkling wine of your choice. To go the extra mile, garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices.

25. Sparkling apple cider cocktail

Spice up your sweet apple cider with splashes of bourbon and Champagne. Add a dash of lemon juice, and before you know it, you've created this easy concoction! Optional ingredients include cinnamon, sugar, salt and pepper for spice and complexity.

Shake things up with simple cocktails at home

Now you know how to make easy mixed drinks with a variety of flavors and ingredients.

Ready to take your at-home happy hour to the next level? Avoid a last-minute liquor store run by ordering your cocktail party food and ingredients for these easy mixed drinks through Instacart.