Making cocktails at home might seem complicated, but it actually takes very little to turn an ordinary evening into something special. Whether you want to impress your friends, whip up a quick aperitif, or simply unwind with a tasty drink, there are countless easy cocktails to make at home using common ingredients and quick steps.
In this article, you’ll find recipes for budget-friendly cocktails, drinks with just a few ingredients, timeless classics with vodka, and even some alcohol-free variations that are perfect for everyone.
Budget-Friendly Cocktails to Make at Home
You don’t need an elaborate bar setup or expensive liquors to enjoy a great cocktail. Some of the most famous drinks can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen or at your local grocery store.
Spritz
The origins of the Spritz are deeply rooted in Italian tradition, which may be part of the reason why it remains one of the most popular homemade cocktails. It embodies local culture, and this mix of simplicity and identity is exactly what makes it such a beloved and easy drink to prepare at home.
Ingredients:
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol (or Campari for a more bitter version)
- 1 part soda or sparkling water
- Ice and an orange slice
Instructions:
Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the prosecco first, then Aperol, and finally soda. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Gin Lemon
If you have a bottle of gin at home, you’re already halfway there. Gin Lemon is fresh, light, and ideal for summer.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl gin
- Fresh lemon juice or lemon soda
- Ice
Instructions:
Pour the gin into an ice-filled tumbler and top with lemon juice or soda. Stir well.
Cuba Libre
A low-cost classic: the Cuba Libre is a simple but always effective mix.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl dark rum
- Cola
- Lime juice
- Ice
Instructions:
Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the rum, add cola and a splash of lime. Stir and serve.
Simple Cocktails with Few Ingredients
Some iconic cocktails owe their fame to simplicity. Just two or three ingredients can strike the perfect balance between flavor and freshness. Here are some must-haves in any cocktail list.
Negroni
A symbol of the Italian aperitivo, the Negroni recipe uses only three ingredients but packs a punch.
Ingredients:
- 3 cl gin
- 3 cl sweet vermouth
- 3 cl bitter (like Campari)
- Ice and an orange peel
Instructions:
Pour the ingredients over ice in a lowball glass and stir. Garnish with the orange peel.
Americano
Similar to the Negroni, but without gin: the Americano recipe is a lighter choice.
Ingredients:
- 3 cl Campari
- 3 cl sweet vermouth
- Soda
- Ice and orange slice
Instructions:
Mix the Campari and vermouth over ice, top with soda, and decorate with an orange slice.
Moscow Mule
Refreshing, spicy, and trending in recent years: the Moscow Mule is simple yet striking.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- Ginger beer
- Lime juice
- Ice
Instructions:
Serve in a copper mug filled with ice. Add vodka, lime juice, and top with ginger beer.
Two-Ingredient Cocktails
If you’re looking for cocktails with just two ingredients, here are some ultra-quick options, ideal when your liquor shelf is nearly empty.
Gin Tonic
A timeless classic.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl gin
- Tonic water
Instructions:
In a glass filled with ice, pour the gin and top with tonic. Garnish with a slice of lime or cucumber.
Rum and Cola
Possibly the simplest of them all—always appreciated.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl rum
- Cola
Instructions:
Serve with ice and, if you like, a wedge of lime.
Campari Orange
Colorful and fruity, great for those who prefer lighter cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl Campari
- Fresh orange juice
Instructions:
Pour the ingredients over ice and stir gently.
Easy Vodka Cocktails
Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits. It pairs well with juices, spices, and soft drinks, making it perfect for easy cocktails to make at home.
Vodka Tonic
Similar to a gin tonic, but with a more neutral flavor.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- Tonic water
Instructions:
Pour vodka into a glass filled with ice and top with tonic. Add a slice of lemon or lime.
Screwdriver
One of the simplest and most popular vodka cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- Orange juice
Instructions:
Pour vodka over ice in a glass, add orange juice, and stir.
Vodka Lemon
For fans of citrusy flavors.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- Lemon juice or lemon soda
Instructions:
Mix vodka and lemon juice in a tumbler with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Black Russian
A stronger drink, perfect for those who enjoy intense flavors.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- 2 cl coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
Instructions:
Pour the ingredients over ice in a lowball glass and stir.
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails to Make at Home
Mocktails are perfect for those who want to enjoy a flavorful drink without alcohol. Great for kids, non-drinkers, or designated drivers.
Virgin Mojito
Refreshing and thirst-quenching, just like the original—but without rum.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mint
- Brown sugar
- Lime juice
- Soda
- Ice
Instructions:
Muddle mint and sugar with lime juice in a glass, add ice, and top with soda.
Shirley Temple
One of the most iconic alcohol-free cocktails, born in the USA.
Ingredients:
- Ginger ale
- Grenadine syrup
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Pour ginger ale into a glass with ice, add grenadine, and stir.
ACE Juice and Soda
A simple, vitamin-rich mix.
Ingredients:
- ACE juice (orange, carrot, lemon)
- Soda
Instructions:
Combine both in a glass with ice and stir. Refreshing and light.
Red Fruit Mocktail
For those who prefer something bolder in color and taste.
Ingredients:
- Cranberry or red fruit juice
- Lemon juice
- Soda or sparkling water
Instructions:
Pour juices into a glass with ice, top with soda, and garnish with a mint leaf.
Where to Drink a Great Cocktail in Naples?
If after trying your hand at homemade drinks you’re craving a cocktail crafted by professionals, come visit us at Karmacore, our bar, bistrot, and lounge in the heart of Naples. You can book your table online in just a few clicks. And if you’d like a preview, browse our menu: from creative mixology to brunch and aperitifs, you’ll surely discover your new favorite cocktail.
