Easiest Cocktails for Beginners
20 cocktails · ABV 2.8%–45.2% · 84–391 cal
This ranking highlights cocktails rated 'Easy' in our difficulty scoring system, which evaluates each recipe based on the number of ingredients, the complexity of the mixing technique, and whether specialized equipment is required. Every cocktail on this list can be made with basic tools — a glass, a spoon, and perhaps a shaker.
From the iconic Gin & Tonic to the crowd-pleasing Screwdriver, these are the drinks that bartending schools teach first and that home mixologists return to again and again. Simple doesn't mean boring — many of these recipes have centuries of history behind them.
How we ranked these
Ranked by our difficulty scoring system which considers number of ingredients, technique complexity, and equipment requirements. All cocktails rated Easy are included, ordered alphabetically.
Shot · Shot glass
The ABC is a visually striking layered shot that combines the almond sweetness of Amaretto, the creamy richness of Baileys Irish Cream, and the brandy depth of Cognac in equal thirds. Each layer is po
Ordinary Drink · Highball glass
The Abilene is a tropical highball that combines dark rum with the lush sweetness of peach nectar and the bright citrus of orange juice, served over ice in a tall glass. Its low ABV of 7.2% makes it a
Shot · Shot glass
The ACID is an intensely strong two-ingredient shot combining Bacardi 151 proof rum and Wild Turkey bourbon, creating a high-octane drink for those who prefer their spirits undiluted and direct. At 45
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AdamOrdinary Drink · Cocktail glass
The Adam is a streamlined rum sour that combines dark rum with fresh lemon juice and a small measure of grenadine to balance the tartness with a hint of pomegranate sweetness. Shaken with ice and stra
Easy 19.7% 158 calSee details → -
AddingtonCocktail · Cocktail glass
The Addington is a low-ABV vermouth cocktail that blends sweet and dry vermouth in a two-to-one ratio, finished with a small splash of soda water for a light effervescence. At 12.58% ABV, it is an ele
Easy 12.6% 100 calSee details → -
AddisonCocktail · Martini Glass
The Addison is a minimalist gin-vermouth cocktail in the martini tradition, combining equal parts gin and vermouth for a well-balanced, spirit-forward drink at 22.23% ABV. Its simplicity allows the bo
Easy 22.2% 247 calSee details → -
AfterglowCocktail · Highball glass
Afterglow is a non-alcoholic tropical mocktail that blends orange juice and pineapple juice in equal parts, with a splash of grenadine added for color and a touch of pomegranate sweetness. The grenadi
Easy 0.0% 196 calSee details → -
A. J.Ordinary Drink · Cocktail glass
The A.J. is a simple two-ingredient cocktail that pairs the apple brandy character of Applejack with the sharp, slightly bitter edge of fresh grapefruit juice. At 18.72% ABV, it is a brisk and spirit-
Easy 18.7% 116 calSee details → -
AlgonquinOrdinary Drink · Cocktail glass
The Algonquin is a whiskey cocktail that pairs blended whiskey with dry vermouth and a splash of pineapple juice, creating an unusual but pleasing combination of grain spirit, herbal wine, and tropica
Easy 17.4% 159 calSee details → -
AlmeriaOrdinary Drink · Cocktail glass
Almeria is a rich, coffee-forward cocktail that pairs the depth of dark rum with the sweet roasted character of Kahlúa, emulsified with egg white for a velvety, frothy texture. Named after the Spanish
Easy 19.5% 247 calSee details → -
ApplecarOrdinary Drink · Cocktail glass
The Applecar is a sour-style cocktail that combines Applejack, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice in equal parts, creating a crisp and balanced drink with an apple brandy backbone and citrus sharpness.
Easy 20.8% 160 calSee details → -
ArtilleryOrdinary Drink · Cocktail glass
The Artillery is a minimalist gin cocktail that strips the classic gin vermouth format down to its essence — a large measure of gin with just a small amount of sweet vermouth and two dashes of bitters
Easy 29.1% 127 calSee details → -
AT&TOrdinary Drink · Highball glass
The AT&T is a simple and refreshing highball that combines vodka and gin over ice, topped with tonic water for a bubbly, bittersweet finish. At 10.4% ABV, it is a lighter take on the gin and tonic, wi
Easy 10.4% 179 calSee details → -
AvalancheShake · Highball glass
Avalanche is a rich and indulgent cocktail that combines Crown Royal Canadian whisky with the sweet roasted coffee character of Kahlúa, topped up with heavy cream for a decadent, layered drink. At 22.
Easy 22.2% 252 calSee details → -
AviationCocktail · Cocktail glass
The Aviation is an IBA-recognized Unforgettable classic that combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and maraschino liqueur for a balanced, complex sour cocktail with floral and cherry undertones. At 23.71%
Easy 23.7% 151 calSee details → -
B-52Shot · Shot glass
The B-52 is an IBA-recognized layered shot that carefully sequences Kahlúa, Baileys Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier in distinct layers, creating a visual spectacle as much as a drinking experience. At
Easy 19.3% 84 calSee details → -
B-53Shot · Collins glass
The B-53 is a variation on the classic B-52 shot, swapping Baileys for Sambuca to create a more anise-forward, intensely sweet layered shooter with Kahlúa and Grand Marnier. At 25.48% ABV, it is stron
Easy 25.5% 135 calSee details → -
Baby EskimoShake · Collins glass
Baby Eskimo is a creamy, dessert-style blended drink that combines Kahlúa with milk and scoops of vanilla ice cream for a rich, milkshake-like consistency with a coffee-liqueur base. At just 2.84% ABV
Easy 2.8% 391 calSee details → -
BelliniOrdinary Drink · Champagne flute
The Bellini is an IBA-recognized Contemporary Classic that pairs the sweetness of peach schnapps with the elegance of Champagne in a flute, creating one of the world's most celebrated brunch and aperi
Easy 10.9% 228 calSee details → -
Big RedShot · Shot glass
Big Red is a straightforward two-ingredient shot that pairs the creamy vanilla-chocolate sweetness of Irish cream with the cinnamon heat of Goldschläger, creating an unusual but complementary flavor p
Easy 23.8% 96 calSee details →