Mixed drinks are great to know how to make at home as well as order in establishments where a cocktail menu is not available (such as dive bars). In this post, we’ll teach you favorites like Cuba Libre, Ranch Water and Dirty Shirley.
What is the difference between a cocktail and mixed drink?
The technical distinction between a mixed drink and a cocktail is that a mixed drink is just two ingredients (such as vodka and cranberry juice) while a cocktail is made of three or more ingredients. I would add to this that a mixed drink can be mixed right in the glass, while a cocktail usually requires a cocktail shaker or other tools. Simply put, mixed drinks are easy to make with few ingredients. You can think of them as VERY easy cocktails.
In this post we will share mixed drinks with two ingredients as well as easy to make drinks with a base of juice or soda.
Dirty Shirley Cocktail Recipe
Put an alcoholic twist on the classic Shirley Temple drink with just a few ingredients!
Harvey Wallbanger Cocktail
Learn to mix a Harvey Wallbanger using vodka, orange juice and Galliano L'Autentico.
Sea Breeze Cocktail
Create a classic Sea Breeze cocktail using vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juices.
Vodka Tonic
A Vodka Tonic: Made with vodka, tonic water and lime juice, this three-ingredient recipe is easy to mix up at home.
Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel is a classic ’80s cocktail that uses equal parts orange juice and peach schnapps.
Bay Breeze Cocktail
Learn to make a Bay Breeze cocktail at home.
Alabama Slammer
Learn to make an Alabama Slammer using Southern Comfort, sloe gin, amaretto liqueur and orange juice. Perfect summer drink!
Greyhound Drink
Learn to make a two-ingredient Greyhound Cocktail at home!
Dark and Stormy Cocktail
A recipe for the classic Dark and Stormy Cocktail using rum, ginger beer and lime.
Ranch Water Recipe
Think of this one as a sugarless Margarita. It’s refreshing and light.
Tom Collins
7 and 7 Recipe
Learn to make a 7 and 7 drink using Seagram's Seven Crown (a blended whiskey beverage) and 7 Up (a lemon-lime soda).
Cuba Libre
Learn to make a classic Cube Libre at home.
Classic Bloody Mary
Create a classic Bloody Mary cocktail at home.
Amaretto Sour
Learn how to make an amaretto sour at home.
Whiskey Sour
A Whiskey Sour recipe made with sour mix and no egg whites.
Whiskey Ginger Recipe
Homemade ginger syrup with whiskey and club soda.
Michelada
Cape Cod
Learn to make a Cape Cod Cocktail (vodka and cranberry)
Spaghett
Learn to make the Spaghett cocktail using Miller High Life and aperol. Garnish this perfect summer recipe with a fresh lemon slice.
Tequila Sunrise
Learn to make a Tequila Sunrise cocktail with only three ingredients.
Screwdriver Drink
Learn to make this famous orange juice and vodka mixed drink.
Long Island Iced Tea
Learn to make a Long Island Iced Tea.
Paloma Cocktail
Learn to make a Paloma cocktail at home.
Bloody Caesar Drink
Learn to make a Bloody Caesar using vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and horseradish. Garnish with celery and more!
Kalimotxo (Calimocho)
Learn to make this delicious red wine and cola drink.
Salty Dog
You’ll love this refreshing grapefruit-based mixed drink.
Moscow Mule
Make the classic Moscow Mule cocktail with only three simple ingredients!
Gin and Tonic
Learn to make a perfect Gin and Tonic at home.
Bloody Maria
The Bloody Maria is made using tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce celery salt and black pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular mixed drinks?
Vodka Soda, Moscow Mule, Vodka Cranberry and Gin and Tonic and all very popular mixed drinks.
What is the difference between a cocktail and a mixed drink?
The technical distinction between a mixed drink and a cocktail is that a mixed drink is just two ingredients (such as vodka and cranberry juice) while a cocktail is made of three or more ingredients.
More Recipes to Try:
- Rum Cocktails – Pina Colada, Rum Runner, Mai Tai, Painkiller, Daiquiri
- Vodka Cocktails – Dry Martini, White Russian, Black Russian, Espresso Martini
- Gin Cocktails – Negroni, Vesper Martini, Gimlet, Army & Navy, Gin Mule
- Whiskey Cocktails – Sazerac, Old Fashioned, Boulevardier, Vieux Carré, Paper Plane
- Tequila Cocktails – Margarita, Paloma, Strawberry Margarita, Mexican Candy Shot
