10+ Two Ingredient Cocktail Recipes for Effortless Mixing

10+ Two Ingredient Cocktail Recipes for Effortless Mixing

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 8 minutes

Two-ingredient cocktails offer a simple and enjoyable way to mix drinks at home without the hassle of complicated recipes. They make mixing tasty and refreshing cocktails quick, perfect for any occasion. With just two ingredients, you can experiment and discover new flavors that suit your taste.

A clear glass filled with a simple two-ingredient cocktail sits on a clean, marble countertop, garnished with a slice of fresh fruit

Whether you’re hosting a party or just unwinding after a long day, these easy recipes will impress your friends and delight your taste buds. You don’t need to be a professional bartender to enjoy delicious drinks; the best part is that creativity can shine through simple combinations.

Aperol

Aperol and Prosecco bottles surrounded by fresh oranges and ice

Aperol is a popular Italian aperitif known for its bright orange color and unique flavor. It combines bitter and sweet notes with hints of herbs and citrus. You’ll enjoy its refreshing taste, especially in warm weather.

This drink is versatile and commonly used in cocktails. One of the most famous is the Aperol Spritz. It combines Aperol with Prosecco and soda water, creating a light and bubbly drink.

You can easily enjoy Aperol with just two ingredients: Aperol and soda water. This simple mix highlights the drink’s vibrant flavors without any fuss. It’s perfect for gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (60 ml) Aperol
  • Soda water (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Pour 2 oz of Aperol into a glass filled with ice.
  2. Top it with soda water to your liking.
  3. Stir gently and enjoy your refreshing cocktail!

2) Campari

A glass filled with red Campari and a second clear liquid, garnished with a citrus twist

Campari is a vibrant red Italian liqueur known for its bold, bittersweet flavor. It makes a great base for simple two-ingredient cocktails.

One popular option is the Campari and soda. This drink is refreshing and very easy to make. Just mix Campari with soda water over ice.

Another classic is the Negroni. Combine equal parts of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth for a richer taste.

These drinks truly highlight the unique characteristics of Campari, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home.

Ingredients

  • Campari
  • Soda water (for Campari and soda)
  • Gin (for Negroni)
  • Sweet vermouth (for Negroni)

Cooking Instructions

  1. For the Campari and soda, fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour in Campari and top with soda water. Stir gently.
  3. For the Negroni, fill a glass with ice.
  4. Add equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth.
  5. Stir well and garnish with an orange twist if desired.

3) Cointreau

A bottle of Cointreau sits next to a glass filled with ice and an orange wedge. A second glass is being poured with the liqueur

Cointreau is a versatile orange liqueur that can elevate your cocktails with its sweet and citrusy flavor. It’s perfect for simple two-ingredient drinks that are refreshing and tasty.

One easy drink to make is the Cointreau and tonic. Just combine Cointreau with tonic water over ice. You’ll enjoy a light and zesty beverage.

Another option is the Cointreau with soda. Mix Cointreau with club soda for a fizzy treat. It’s a great choice for summer parties.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Cointreau
  • 4 oz tonic water or club soda
  • Ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour 2 oz of Cointreau over the ice.
  3. Add 4 oz of tonic water or club soda.
  4. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice if desired.

4) Angostura Bitters

A crystal-clear glass filled with ice, with a bottle of Angostura Bitters and another of a second ingredient nearby, set against a stylish backdrop

Angostura Bitters are a classic addition to many cocktails. This rich and aromatic bitters can transform simple drinks into flavorful experiences. Just a few dashes can enhance the taste and aroma of your cocktails.

You can use Angostura in two-ingredient drinks to add depth. Pair it with whiskey for an easy yet elegant drink. It’s also delicious with tonic water, offering a refreshing taste.

Enjoy the versatility of Angostura in your home mixology. It’s a staple that helps you create drinks that impress friends and family without much effort.

Ingredients

  • 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
  • 2 ounces of whiskey or tonic water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Pour 2 ounces of whiskey or tonic water into a glass.
  2. Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters on top.
  3. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Enjoy your simple yet flavorful cocktail!

5) Maraschino Liqueur

A glass filled with maraschino liqueur and a second ingredient being poured in from a bottle

Maraschino liqueur is a sweet and fruity spirit that adds a special touch to cocktails. Known for its cherry flavor, it can elevate your drinks with a unique taste. It’s made from Marasca cherries and has a hint of almond.

You can mix maraschino liqueur with various spirits. For a simple drink, try combining it with gin or vodka. This will create a refreshing and delightful cocktail that’s easy to make.

Here’s a quick recipe for a two-ingredient maraschino cocktail:

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz maraschino liqueur
  • 1.5 oz gin

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the maraschino liqueur and gin.
  3. Shake well for about 15 seconds.
  4. Strain into a chilled glass and enjoy!

6) Blue Curacao

A clear glass filled with bright blue liquid, garnished with a twist of orange, sits on a marble countertop. A bottle of Blue Curacao and an orange are nearby

Blue Curacao is a vibrant liqueur that adds a splash of color to your cocktails. Its sweet and slightly bitter orange flavor makes it perfect for mixing drinks.

You can use Blue Curacao in many two-ingredient cocktails. For a refreshing drink, try mixing it with lemonade or a light soda. It’s simple and fun!

Another great option is to combine Blue Curacao with coconut rum. This mix produces a tropical vibe that will remind you of sunny beaches.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Blue Curacao
  • 1 oz lemonade or light soda (or 1 oz coconut rum)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour the Blue Curacao over the ice.
  3. Add your lemonade or coconut rum.
  4. Stir gently to mix.
  5. Enjoy your colorful cocktail!

7) St-Germain

A clean, modern bar setting with a bottle of St-Germain liqueur and a selection of fresh fruits and herbs for cocktail making

St-Germain is a lovely elderflower liqueur that brings a light and floral taste to your drinks. It’s easy to mix with just about anything, making it perfect for simple cocktails.

One great two-ingredient recipe is the St-Germain Spritz. It’s refreshing and bubbly, ideal for casual gatherings or relaxing afternoons. Just combine St-Germain with Prosecco and a splash of soda water. You’ll enjoy its sweet and effervescent flavor.

Another simple option is the St-Germain and Champagne mix. The liqueur pairs well with the crispness of Champagne, creating a delightful drink that feels special.

Feel free to experiment by adding fresh fruits like berries or citrus for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • St-Germain
  • Prosecco or Champagne
  • Soda water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour in St-Germain.
  3. Add Prosecco or Champagne.
  4. Top with a splash of soda water.
  5. Stir gently and garnish with fruit if desired.

8) Chartreuse

A glass filled with a vibrant green liquid, garnished with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint, sitting on a sleek bar counter

Chartreuse is a unique French liqueur made from a blend of herbs and spices. It has a vibrant green color, and its flavors can range from sweet to herbal. The two main types are Green Chartreuse and Yellow Chartreuse, each with its special taste.

You can make quick and tasty cocktails using Chartreuse. One popular option is to mix it with tonic water for a refreshing drink. Just pour equal parts Chartreuse and tonic over ice, and you have a vibrant cocktail ready to enjoy.

Another simple recipe is combining Chartreuse with sparkling wine. This creates a fizzy, flavorful drink perfect for celebrations. The balance of sweetness and herbal notes makes each sip delightful.

Ingredients

  • Green or Yellow Chartreuse
  • Tonic water or sparkling wine

Cooking Instructions

  1. For the tonic drink, fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour in equal parts Chartreuse and tonic water.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

For the sparkling wine drink, pour Chartreuse into a flute and top with sparkling wine. Enjoy your simple and delicious cocktails!

9) Vermouth

A glass filled with ice, a bottle of vermouth, and a second spirit on a bar counter

Vermouth is a great ingredient for two-ingredient cocktails. It adds flavor and complexity without being too strong. You can use either dry or sweet vermouth depending on your taste.

A classic example is the martini, which mixes gin or vodka with vermouth. The ratio can be adjusted to make it drier or wetter, based on what you prefer.

Another fun option is a simple spritz. Just mix vermouth with club soda for a refreshing drink. It’s light and perfect for warm days.

You can also try a vermouth and tonic for an easy-to-make cocktail. The addition of garnishes like olives or citrus can enhance these drinks even more.

Ingredients

  • Dry or Sweet Vermouth
  • Gin or Vodka (for martini)
  • Club Soda (for spritz)
  • Tonic Water (for tonic)
  • Olives or Lemon Peel (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

  1. For a martini, mix gin or vodka with vermouth.
  2. Stir with ice and strain into a glass.
  3. For a spritz, mix vermouth with club soda in a glass.
  4. Add ice and garnish as desired.
  5. For a vermouth and tonic, mix equal parts of each in a glass and garnish.

10) Peychaud’s Bitters

A glass filled with ice, a bottle of Peychaud's Bitters, and a bottle of a second ingredient, such as whiskey or soda, on a clean, well-lit bar top

Peychaud’s Bitters are a key ingredient for many classic cocktails. They add a unique flavor that combines hints of anise and mint. This bright red bitters originated in New Orleans and has a rich history.

You might recognize it from the famous Sazerac cocktail. Mixing it with whiskey or cognac creates a delicious drink. You can also explore simple recipes with just two ingredients, making it easy to impress your friends.

To make a Peychaud’s cocktail, you only need two key items. It’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cocktail makers. The bitters enhance drinks with a balanced flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients

  • Peychaud’s Bitters
  • Your choice of spirit (whiskey or cognac)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add 2 dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters.
  3. Pour in your spirit of choice.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Enjoy your refreshing cocktail!

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