If sommeliers are the kings and queens of the beverage industry, then mixologists are the rockstars. You can hardly enter a restaurant these days without seeing a craft this or small-batch that. It’s starting to feel like some drinks get the same love and attention most people pay to their firstborns.
And while we love a speakeasy as much as the next person, getting dressed to go out can just be so effortful — especially when excellent cocktails are as easily enjoyed at home while wearing athleisure and actually being able to hear your friends. The best news? Staying in no longer means another round of simple rum and Cokes. From a Chambord -infused bellini that’s as good at brunch as it is at happy hour to a caffeine-fueled take on the white Russian, these nine, three-ingredient cocktails are as easy to make as they are kind to your weekly booze budget. Victory!
The Orchardist
Served in a Champagne flute, this crisp cocktail works with either alcoholic or non-alcoholic cider. Pomegranate seeds add a tinge of tang and texture, making it the perfect not-quite-summer, not-quite-fall drink. Pour 2 parts sparkling wine into a Champagne flute. Add 1 part cider as a floater on top, then drop in a pinch of pomegranate seeds. Stir as desired.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Greenie In A Bottle
Come on — it was only a matter of time before people started mixing up their green juice. Give your veggies an adult twist by shaking 2 parts gin with ice cubes and 1 part green juice (a light one that isn’t too murky; ginger works great). Top with a splash of club soda to taste.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Practice What You Peach
For a spin on the time-honored, effervescent bellini, thoroughly mix 5 parts vodka and 2 parts Chambord in a cocktail shaker (with ice, if preferred) and pour into a glass. On a cutting board, muddle 1-2 peach slices. Add fruit to the cocktail and serve.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Tokyo Debutante
This unique cocktail is the perfect blend of Japanese flavor and Southern-inspired tea. Pour 4 parts lemon tea into a Collins glass and cool with ice. Add 2 parts sake, then stir. Run a lemon wedge along the rim for added flavor, and, if you like, squeeze a little juice into the cocktail.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Gone With The Gin
A clear, sparkling drink, this looks great in a martini glass but — be forewarned — is stronger than it first appears. In a cocktail shaker, mix 4 parts gin with 1 part lemon juice (and ice, if desired). Stir in 10 parts sweet Champagne. Pour into a glass and serve.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Rum-Bucha
The taste of kombucha — otherwise known as fermented tea — can be difficult for some people to stomach. The addition of spiced rum and lime juice, however, pares back the elixir’s unusual taste. Shake 8 parts spiced rum with 3 parts lime juice and pour into a tumbler glass. Top with a splash of kombucha to taste. The color should resemble that of a rum and Coke.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
(Almost) South Of The Border
Craving a margarita but don’t have the time, patience, or ingredients? In a cocktail shaker, mix 1 part grapefruit soda with 1 part tequila. If your tastebuds lean on the sweeter side, wet the rim of a marg glass and dip in sugar before pouring.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Rose-Marry Me
Too often in cocktails, herbs are overlooked for more ubiquitous fruit. Not in this drink, which is as sweet as it is herbaceous. In a tall glass, mix 2 parts vodka with 10 parts grapefruit juice. Either finish with a sprig of rosemary, or add 1 part homemade rosemary syrup (made by boiling a half-cup of water and half-cup of sugar with a large rosemary sprig).
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
The Dudette
Made famous by a late-1990s comedy — yep, you all know which one we’re talking about — the white Russian gets an extra boost here with cold-brew coffee (instead of traditional coffee liqueur) and cream soda in lieu of traditional cream. Add 2 parts vodka, 1 part cream soda, and 1 part cold-brew coffee to a shaker with ice. Mix and serve.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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