Easy Two-Ingredient Cocktails

With these two-ingredient cocktails, you can whip up some quick and easy drinks without the hassle of complicated recipes or lengthy ingredient lists. Containing just two simple ingredients, these drinks are quick and easy to make and pack a flavorful punch that will leave you feeling like a pro mixologist.

A whiskey and coke garnished with a cherry and lime wheel on a metal skewer.

What are two-ingredient cocktails?

Two-ingredient cocktails are simple drink recipes made with — you guessed it — just two parts, usually a hard liquor and either juice or soda. However, sometimes they are two spirits, such as in the case of the Black Russian, which is a mix of vodka and coffee liqueur.

This category of drinks is broad and encompasses simple soda drinks like the Rum & Coke or Vodka Soda all the way to the ritzy brunch mimosa.

These easy cocktails are the ones you are likely to order at a dive bar or on an airplane — they’re simple pairings that reliably work together every time.

When making cocktails at home, it’s easy to get discouraged by long ingredient lists. Sometimes you just want something quick and easy!

Two-ingredient drinks fit the bill. They are easy cocktails that don’t require more than two ingredients — unless you want to add a garnish, a squeeze of citrus or an extra splash of liqueur.

a bourbon and ginger ale cocktail in a gold polka dotted glass

Cocktail mixers

It’s helpful to have a few mixers on hand when making two-ingredient drinks. Here are some common ones to stock your bar with:

  • cola
  • ginger ale
  • tonic water
  • club soda
  • ginger beer
  • lemon-lime soda
  • root beer
  • champagne
  • coffee
  • cranberry juice

Most of these mixers go well with the key players of whiskey, rum, vodka, tequila and gin. Here are some of the #1 drink recipes with two ingredients:

1
a classic mimosa with orange juice with a pitcher of orange juice and a wire bowl of oranges
Classic Mimosa
Once you know how to make a mimosa with orange juice and champagne, the door is opened for you to make tons more cocktails. This classic brunch drink is definitely one to know.
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2
The Tootsie Roll Cocktail is a black candy cocktail fit for Halloween. Made with root beer and coffee liqueur, it tastes just like the candy. Even though it’s spooky and dark, it is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! What’s in a Tootsie Roll drink and how do you make it? Let’s find out!
Tootsie Roll Cocktail
Made with root beer and coffee liqueur, this Tootsie Roll drink tastes just like the candy. Weird, we know, but trust us.
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3
Two greyhound cocktails garnished with grapefruit slices and sprigs of sage.
Greyhound
The classic Greyhound Drink comes together with just two ingredients: grapefruit juice and either vodka or gin. Use fresh juice for the best flavor.
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4
a mint julep with a heaping scoop of crushed ice
Mint Julep
This classic bourbon cocktail, which is also the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, sounds fancy, but it's actually quite simple. Combine a mint syrup with whiskey to make a delicious refresher.
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5
two black Russian cocktails on a white background with a bottle of coffee liqueur
Black Russian
A smooth and sweet classic cocktail — like a white russian without the cream. This one uses coffee liqueur and vodka for a drink that packs a serious punch.
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6
Love lemon? Sip on an ice-cold glass of Limoncello Lemonade. Pair fresh, homemade lemonade with zesty Italian limoncello for an ultra sweet-tart sipper you can serve anywhere from summer cookouts to baby showers. (via feastandwest.com)
Limoncello Lemonade
This luscious, grown-up lemonade has all the flavors of Italy. Spiked with limoncello, which is a lemon liqueur, it takes the vodka lemonade up a notch.
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7
An orange juice cocktail garnished with an orange slice and mint sprig.
Screwdriver Drink
The Screwdriver is a classic cocktail with just vodka and orange juice.
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8
A gin and tonic in a clear rocks glass on a gray stone coaster.
Gin & Tonic
A classic Gin & Tonic is a great cocktail to know. Once you know the right ratio, you can experiment with different types of gin to find your perfect G&T.
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9
a pineapple mimosa on a white background with a whole pineapple
Pineapple Mimosa
With pineapple juice and champagne, Pineapple Mimosas are full of tropical, beachy vibes and are perfect for summer parties and brunches.
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10
A gray and white dish towel wraps around a half of a lime, a gold spotted glass, a gold spoon and cocktail jigger and a Seagram's Ginger Ale
Whiskey Ginger
A cocktail for anytime, this cozy and refreshing Whiskey Ginger cocktail will warm you right up. Make it with your favorite whiskey — bourbon, rye, Scotch or Irish whiskey.
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11
A glass of orange juice with a mint sprig.
Fuzzy Navel
Peach schnapps and orange juice form the Fuzzy Navel, named for the peach and the orange.
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12
a cuba libra in a vintage cocktail glass with a rattan casing
Rum & Coke
The classic Rum & Coke is refreshing and delicious. Learn to make it with the proper ratio, and then enjoy some variations to find your favorite combinations.
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13
A closeup view of a glass with gold stars containing a sparkling yellow beverages. A peach slice, blackberry and mint sprig garnish the glass.
Peach Bellini
Now this one's just peachy! The Peach Bellini is a perfect addition to brunch and parties. It's made with peach nectar and prosecco.
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14
a grapefruit cocktail with a salt rim and a garnish of lime and grapefruit wedges.
Salty Dog
Sweet, sour and a little salty, this delicious and simple cocktail is perfect for anytime. It's similar to the Greyhound but with a salt rim. Up to you if you consider it a third ingredient!
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15
a bottle of Jack Daniel's rests next to two cola cocktails
Jack & Coke
The Jack & Coke is an easy, refreshing two-ingredient cocktail made with Jack Daniel's whiskey and your favorite cola.
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16
Gold rimmed glasses contain red liquid, ice cubes and whole cranberries with a squeezed lime wedge on a toothpick as garnish. Scattered in the foreground are whole cranberries on a white surface
Cape Codder
Serve up a round of Cape Codders, also called the Vodka Cranberry. A splash of lime juice takes this one to the next level.
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17
Two glasses filled with strawberry mimosa next to a gold bowl.
Strawberry Mimosas
Made with strawberry purée, these sparkling pink mimosas are the perfect way to toast anything.
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18
A glass of champagne sits next to a teal and gold bowl of sugar cubes and bitters.
Champagne Cocktail
A sparkling champagne cocktail is the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion. Made with brandy and champagne — and a touch of bitters — this bubbly beverage is one to love.
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19
A dark brown cocktail with ice sits surrounded by a whole lime and gold cocktail tools.
Whiskey & Coke
A refreshing Whiskey & Coke is an easy cocktail for anytime. Use your favorite cola and a quality whiskey.
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20
A glass with gold star pattern holds a bubbly mimosa garnished with green herb leaves
Guava Mimosas
When you add bubbles to the juice of the exotic guava, you end up with a new take on the classic orange juice mimosa.
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21
limes, a silver jigger and two vodka sodas on grey coasters.
Vodka Soda
A Vodka Soda is a delicious, easy and refreshing two-ingredient cocktail you can make any time of year.
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22
a jigger, spoon and glass shot glasses with baby guinness
Baby Guinness Shots
Coffee-flavored liqueur + a layer of Irish cream = a shooter that looks like a tiny pint of the famous Irish beer.
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23
Beermosa // Feast + West
2-Ingredient Beermosa
This mimosa is made with beer and is perfect for brunch or watching the game!
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decorative icon of a beer stein.

The Golden Ratio Guide:

Mix the perfect cocktail, every time

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