16 Cocktails with Just 2 Ingredients

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Discover 16 two-ingredient cocktails that are as easy to sip as they are to craft. Some are familiar favorites, while others may be new to you. They all taste great!

French Connection Cocktail on Ledge — Image: ©2foodtrippers

Sometimes we pull out the blender and craft complicated cocktails but usually our mixology mission involves five ingredients or fewer. We’re not alone with this preference.

Some of the world’s most popular cocktails, like the Old Fashioned and Negroni, involve just a few ingredients and are surprisingly easy to craft. The easiest can be crafted with just two ingredients.

Yes, we know that crafting a tasty tipple with just a couple of ingredients sounds too good to be true. But, as it turns out, two-ingredient drinks are surprisingly common.

Several great cocktail recipes have just two ingredients, not counting water, ice and garnishes, of course. These seemingly simple cocktails are a great option when you’re home alone or feeling lazy. They’re also ideal when you’re having a party and don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen.

16 of the Best 2-Ingredient Cocktails

1. Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is the most popular two-ingredient cocktail on this list. It's also a global phenomenon that can't be stopped. Learn the story behind this classic cocktail and discover a few twists that take the G+T to the next level.

Gin and Tonic Recipe

2. Tinto de Verano

Spain's Tinto de Verano is a refreshing red wine cocktail that's super easy to craft at home in mere minutes. If you love drinking Sangria but hate cutting up fruit, then this summer sipper is for you!

Tinto de Verano Recipe

Black Russian Cocktail with Black Background

3. Black Russian

The Black Russian cocktail is more than just a White Russian without cream. The chocolate-brown cocktail provides more of a kick without any mixers to dilute its alcohol components. Plus, as a bonus, the Black Russian ticks the box for cocktail drinkers who are vegetarian and/or lactose impaired.

Black Russian Recipe

Garibaldi Cocktail with Black Background

4. Garibaldi

Crafting Italy's Garibaldi requires two primary ingredients: Campari and fresh orange juice. These two ingredients, one bitter and one sweet, come together to create a flavor sensation that's ideal for any pre-dinner aperitivo session involving meat, cheese or olives.

Garibaldi Reicpe

5. Porto Tonico

The Porto Tonico is a refreshing wine cocktail crafted with twice as much tonic as white port. It's also the most popular cocktail in Portugal.

Porto Tonico Recipe

6. Greyhound

Simultaneously refreshing and tart, the Greyhound cocktail has just two ingredients. The question is whether those two ingredients are gin and grapefruit juice OR vodka and grapefruit juice.

Greyhound Recipe

7. Gibson

Easy to make at home with just a couple of ingredients, this Gibson is a classic gin cocktail that's cool, classy and tastes like a dream. In other words, it's a winner.

Gibson Recipe

8. Screwdriver

The Screwdriver is proof that a cocktail doesn't have to be complicated to taste great. Learn how to craft one at home with just two ingredients plus ice.

Screwdriver Recipe

9. Mauresque

Discover why drinking a Mauresque cocktail is one of the greatest joys of visiting Marseille. Then learn how to make the French cocktail at home.

Mauresque Recipe

Fuzzy Navel from Above with Fuzzy Background

10. Fuzzy Navel

The Fuzzy Navel is a two-ingredient cocktail made with orange juice and peach schnapps. Ice cubes complete the drink while garnishes add pizzazz.

Fuzzy Navel Recipe

11. Bellini

The Bellini is a two-ingredient cocktail crafted with peach purée and Prosecco. It's also bubbly, sweet and peachy. Plus, it's pleasantly pink. And who doesn't like pink cocktails?

Bellini Recipe

12. French Connection

A French Connection cocktail is a two-ingredient cocktail crafted with equal parts of amaretto and cognac. It's also a sweet, potent and easy drink to sip after dinner, preferably next to a fireplace and with a special someone.

French Connection Recipe

13. Tomate

Don't underestimate the Tomate cocktail. It's a drink to sip thanks to its fun color and fruity flavor. But beware – this fruity, colorful cocktail packs a potent punch.

Tomate Recipe

Mimosa Close Up with Pink Polka Dot Background

14. Mimosa

While there's nothing wrong with sipping a traditional 2-ingredient Mimosa during brunch, adding a splash of Cointreau makes the classic cocktail even better.

Mimosa Recipe

Whiskey Highball with Red Background Close Up

15. Whiskey Highball

Treat yourself to a timeless yet modern Whiskey Highball. The two-ingredient cocktail has been around for centuries, but it tastes as fresh as ever.

Whiskey Highball Recipe

Godfather Cocktail with White Background

16. Godfather

Inspired by the original Godfather movie, the Godfather is a two-ingredient cocktail that’s impossible to refuse thanks to its easy recipe and sweet yet sophisticated flavor.

Godfather Recipe

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 2-ingredient cocktail?

A 2-ingredient cocktail is a cocktail that’s crafted with just two ingredients plus optional add-ons like garnishes and ice cubes. The two ingredients can be two different liquors. Alternatively, one of the ingredients can be a non-alcoholic mixer like tonic or club soda.

What’s the best way to craft a 2-ingredient cocktail?

Most 2-ingredient cocktails are easy to craft. Some are stirred while others are shaken.

Which cocktail is the most iconic 2-ingredient cocktail?

The Gin + Tonic is the most iconic 2-ingredient cocktail. After two centuries, it’s as popular today as ever.

🎥 Video Recap

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⚙️ Disclosures

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We purchased the ingredients and tools used to craft these cocktails.

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Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on their website 2foodtrippers. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.