Easy drinks to make at home: 10 unbeatable classics and many extra ideas

Are you going out for an after-party tonight? Are you having pre-drinks at home or at a friend's? If you want to impress without any fuss, there are easy drinks you can make at home in under a minute with ingredients you can find at any supermarket. You don't need to be a professional bartender or have a full bar: with a few basic spirits, ice, citrus fruits, and sodas, you can put together an authentic homemade cocktail bar.

Before we get to the recipes, remember three simple rules to instantly improve any cocktail: respect the classic proportions , use plenty of ice (preferably good quality and ice cold), and choose reasonably good spirits , even if they aren't top-of-the-line. With that in mind, let's move on to the drinks.

10 classic and quick drinks to make at home

These ten recipes are perfect for a get-together with friends, an impromptu celebration, or simply relaxing after work. They're prepared directly in a glass or with minimal stirring, without complicated steps, and with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.

1. FREE CUBA. The combination of rum, Coke, and a lemon wedge is a sure thing. Almost everyone makes it with Bacardi, but you can choose any brand. The classic Havana Club is also a safe bet, although it's sometimes harder to find. Another very good option is Venezuelan: Pampero Añejo Reserva, similarly priced, with a great value for moneyTo assemble it, fill a tall glass with ice, pour 1 part rum, top with 3 parts cola and gently squeeze a lemon wedge before leaving it inside the glass.
2. SCREWDRIVER. It's that simple: 1/3 vodka + 2/3 orange juice. The screwdriver adds vitamins from the juice y strength in vodkaIt had its golden age and slowly faded into a simple classic. With freshly squeezed juice, on the balcony, it's excellent. You don't need premium vodka: a standard one works perfectly as long as it's nice and cold. Serve it in a tall glass with ice and, if you want to add an extra touch, garnish it with a thin slice of orange.
3. FERNET TAIL. There's no party, event, or birthday where someone doesn't show up with a bottle of Fernet in their hand. Branca is the undisputed leader. Ramazzotti shines in the higher end, and there are also excellent alternatives like 1882, which is about the same price as Branca. At one time, many of these brands... They were around 30 pesos in the local market, although prices vary depending on the location. While some insist on the 90/2/10 formula (like the American TV series), meaning 90% Fernet, 2 ice cubes, and 10% soda, it's better to give the Coca-Cola a bit more of a boost so that the bitterness doesn't swallow the whole drinkA 30/70 or 40/60 ratio is usually more balanced for most palates.
4. GIN TONIC. Elegant, regal, and exotic. That's the classic Gin and Tonic, created by British soldiers in India as a mix of gin, tonic water, and lime. The formula? 1/3 gin + 2/3 tonic + a twist of lime or lemon. Which tonic to use? Paso de los Toros, Indian Tonic, or Schweppes: they're similar and easy to find. Which gin? Any imported gin like Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, or Beefeater is a safe bet, although you can also use a good domestic gin. Serve it in a balloon glass with plenty of ice to enhance the flavors. botanical aromas.
5. WHISKEY & COKE. There's no mix more American than this. All the character of American whiskey combined with the fizzy drink of the empire. It's one of the most enjoyable ways to drink Coke, and perhaps the most respectable for bourbon lovers. Jim Beam White is a bit less sweet than Jack Daniel's; try them and find your favorite. Keep the ratio to 1 part whiskey to 3 parts cola and serve it in a lowball glass with plenty of ice so that the alcohol doesn't mask the nuances.
6. CYNAR WITH GRAPE. Cynar didn't just appear on the shelves of old bars by chance: it was championed by bartenders who used it as a premium ingredient. It has a unique bitterness It works well in both complex and simple blends. Its combination with grapefruit juice or soda is highly recommended: try 40/60 or 30/70 depending on your preference. A different and surprising option for those who want something other than sweeter blends.
7. HESPERIDINE WITH TONIC. A registered trademark in Argentina, created by Melville Bagley, Hesperidina has always been a staple in bars, taverns, and restaurants, and has regained its popularity in recent years. With tonic water, its sweetness is balanced, and its orange notes are highlighted. If you want to add a personal touch, add a splash of Cynar at the end for added bitter complexity.
8. GARIBALDI. Better known as Campari with orange or Campari Orange. While other orange bitters like Luxardo are available here, Campari is a staple. Mixed with orange, it creates one of the most popular cocktails among drinkers. refreshing and revitalizingwith just the right amount of alcohol. A splash of soda can lighten it up and turn it into a perfect afternoon aperitif.
9. BE BREEZE. A sea breeze, even though the Pacific is on the other side of the mountain range. This combination of vodka, orange juice, and cranberry juice is sophisticated compared to other mixed drinks, yet remains simple and delicious. Its flavor is reminiscent of a Cosmopolitan. Easy formula: 1 part vodka, 1 part cranberry juice, and 1 part orange juice, served in a tall glass with ice.
10. VERMOUTH WITH SODA. The folklore surrounding vermouth in traditional bars and taverns is deeply ingrained in the culture: Cinzano, Martini, Punt e Mes… inexpensive drinks that go a long way and deliver. Old-school bartenders insist it's best to keep them in the refrigerator so you can start right away. cold drinkWithout needing to add much ice. With soda water, always from a siphon, it's an exquisite treat. You can add an orange peel. It whets the appetite, comforts, and stimulates: perfect as an aperitif or to accompany a charcuterie board.

Source: DiarioUno.

Basic tricks to make sure your homemade drinks always turn out well

In addition to following recipes, there are some cocktail tips that professionals repeat time and time again, and which are also found in the best cocktail guides:

• Respect the classic proportionsMany mixed drinks work with simple rules (1/3 and 2/3, equal parts, etc.). Using a measuring cup or a small, consistent cup helps maintain balance.
• Take care of the ice handlingThe ice should be plentiful and very cold. If you use too little, it will melt quickly, diluting the drink and causing it to lose flavor. It's best to fill the glass and pour the mixture over it.
• Uses decent spiritsYou don't need to go for the top-of-the-range, but a mid-range rum, vodka, gin, or whiskey makes a difference compared to the cheaper options.
• It is not always necessary shakerMany drinks can be made directly in the glass, stirring well with a long spoon. A cocktail shaker is useful for cocktails with juices, egg whites, or ingredients that need to be emulsified.
• Choose natural games Whenever possible. Freshly squeezed orange, lemon, or lime juice provides a much better-balanced freshness and acidity than commercially produced juices.

Other simple cocktails you can add to your repertoire

If you've already mastered the ten basic drinks mentioned above and want to take it a step further without overcomplicating things, you can incorporate some well-known recipes into your cocktail menu. They all follow the philosophy of few ingredients, clear steps, and impressive results.

• Bloody Mary: One of the most popular vodka cocktails. It combines vodka and tomato juice with salt, pepper, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a few drops of hot sauce. It's ideal as a daytime drink or for brunch, and you can adjust the spiciness to your liking.
• Negroni: A classic aperitif made with equal parts Campari, red vermouth, and gin. It's prepared directly in a lowball glass with ice and finished with an orange peel. balanced bitterness This makes it a favorite among lovers of intense flavors.
• Tom Collins: One of the most refreshing gin cocktails. It contains gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. Prepare it directly in a tall glass by first mixing the lemon juice with the sugar and gin, and then topping it off with soda water. It's perfect for those looking for something light and citrusy.
• Pina Colada: Sweet and creamy, it's made with white rum, milk or coconut cream, and pineapple juice. It can be blended with ice in a blender for a slushy texture. A summer classic that works. like a cocktail and almost like a dessert.
• Caipirinha: A typical Brazilian cocktail that combines cachaça, lime, and sugar. Lime wedges are muddled with sugar in a glass, crushed ice is added, and then cachaça is topped off. Its intense acidity and refreshing taste make it an ideal choice for hot weather.
• Mojito: A cousin of the previous one, but with white rum, mint, lime, sugar, and soda. It's prepared directly in a tall glass, gently muddling the mint with the lime and sugar, adding the rum, ice, and topping it off with soda. The trick is Do not over-crush the grass to avoid bitter tastes.
• Tequila Sunrise: Similar in spirit to the Screwdriver, but using tequila instead of vodka and adding a touch of grenadine. The gradient color effect makes it look more complex than it is: just pour the grenadine at the end so it sinks.
• Cosmopolitan: For those who enjoy fruity and slightly acidic flavors. It contains vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Shake it in a cocktail shaker with ice and serve it neat in a cocktail glass. Its color and aroma make it very visually striking.

Non-alcoholic cocktails for those who don't drink

If there are people in your group who don't drink alcohol, or you simply want a lighter option to avoid a hangover the next day, you can also prepare equally attractive and refreshing mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails). The key is to play with natural juices, soft sodas, fresh herbs, and ice.

• Watermelon cocktail: Blend watermelon, strain it, and mix it with lemon juice, sugar, and mint. Serve chilled with ice. It's perfect for summer and makes the most of a very hydrating fruit.
• Arizona Sunset alcohol-free: Combine orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and a touch of grenadine to achieve a visual effect similar to a Tequila Sunrise but suitable for everyone.
• Spiced lemonade with red fruits: Mix lemon juice, sugar or simple syrup, ice-cold water, and frozen berries. You can add a few mint leaves for a touch of spice. herbal touch.

Serving these non-alcoholic drinks in pretty glasses, with plenty of ice and fruit garnishes, makes no one feel like they're missing out by not drinking.

With a handful of basic spirits, some soft drinks, citrus fruits, and a willingness to experiment, you can set up a home bar capable of serving everything from a classic Cuba Libre to a modern Gin and Tonic, including fruity variations and non-alcoholic cocktails. Choosing good ingredients, respecting proportions, and paying attention to detail in the ice and presentation is what makes the difference and turns you into that friend who always makes the best drink of the night.