As we put away our Oodies and finally leave our caves at the end of winter, some of us will be preparing for hay fever to assault our breathing, while others will be assembling cheese boards the moment the sun rises. Personally, the level of dedication to the cheese board scares me but it’s also a reminder that I need to up my party game. And a trusty skill set to have to make you social royalty is a great tasting cocktail.
Making cocktails at home can be fussy and overly challenging if you’re not rightly equipped, and unless you’re Don Draper and keep a fully stocked bar at all times, it’s easy to fall back on a simple glass of wine or bottle of cider. But if you’re like me and enjoy the art of creating, you might not be satisfied with ol’ simple.
Luckily, plenty of easy two-ingredient cocktails are out there to help get you started. Whether you wanna build confidence, treat yourself to something fancy after work, or want to wow the party, these simple two-ingredient recipes should do the trick.
There are also budget-friendly options for some great cocktail mixers to help you refine your own personal recipe. So if you’re all out of higher-cabinet drinks, swing by your nearest Thirsty Camel and grab a fancy bottle to get started.
1. Vodka Lemonade
An ol’ classic two-ingredient cocktail that you can completely eyeball if you want to spite bakers and forego needless measuring. A nice vodka lemonade is always in season and appreciated.
Ingredients
- 35ml Grey Goose Vodka
- Lemonade
Method
Combine the Vodka and Lemonade together into a chilled glass with ice and bam, everyone will think you’re Walter White with your advanced skills in simple chemistry.
2. Patrón & Pineapple
Add a bit of tropical flair to your skillset, with this colourful and sweet cocktail that will have you feeling vacation ready.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Patrón Silver Tequila
- 90ml Fresh Pineapple Juice
- Squeeze of lime
Method
Pour the Patrón Silver into a chilled glass of your choice. Fill the cup with pineapple juice and finish with a squeeze of lime.
3. Bourbon Soda Lemon
A nice way to show off your favourite bourbon in a simple and refreshing style. Great for a nice everyday sipper, or if you’re more of a stoic type that doesn’t know what to do with their hands at parties.
Ingredients
- 60ml Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon
- 120ml Soda Water
- Wedge of Lemon
Method
While we’re in the spirit of minimal effort, but great presentation:
Add Bourban to a glass, fill with soda water, top with ice, and garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.
4. Perfect Gin & Tonic
This classic afternoon home cocktail is a staple and for a good reason. An inseparable duo, like Chandler & Joey, Simon & Garfunkel, Taylor Swift & Private Jets, it’s impossible to think of one without the other.
Ingredients
- 45ml Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin
- 90ml Tonic Water
- Orange
Method
Add Gin and tonic to a glass over ice and garnish with a wedge of orange. The orange adds a nice flavour texture, but honestly, it’s also to make the drink stand out amongst everyone else’s non-Spring-themed Gin & Tonic.
Hopefully our lil’ masterclass here helps you climb the social game of thrones with your sudden extensive simple mixology knowledge, as well as show that you don’t need to rely on quick beer or ciders when you can add more of a personal touch.
Image Credit: Mad Men
