Enjoy cocktails in moderation. You must be 18+ to purchase alcohol in the UK. Never drink and drive. For facts and support, visit Drinkaware.
Looking for quick and easy cocktail recipes you can make at home, without spending an absolute fortune?
Making delicious cocktails doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, it can be a much cheaper alternative to drinking at your favourite cocktail bar or pub.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make 20 great-tasting cocktails in your own kitchen, using simple and affordable ingredients that you can incorporate into a range of drinks.
We’ve separated them into spirits to make it easier for you to work with what you’ve got in your cupboards (plus some fun, festive drinks at the end). Stay tuned for our cocktail cheat sheet later on, where we’ll show you how to get the most out of your ingredients for shaking and stirring on a budget.
Stocking up on the basics
Before we get into the details, here are some very affordable cocktail-making essentials you can use to make a wide variety of drinks. You’ll likely have many of the following things in your cupboards, fridge or freezer anyway, so have a quick look before heading out to the supermarket.
Ice (crushed or cubed, depending on the drink)
Fruit juice (orange, pineapple, cranberry juice)
Syrups (simple sugar syrup, vanilla, grenadine)
Fruit (limes, lemons, oranges, grapefruit, passionfruit)
Mixers (lemonade, tonic water, soda water or sparkling water)
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You don’t need to have a complete cocktail set with all the fancy gadgets in order to make some tasty cocktails. You could get started with these simple cocktail-making tools:
Cocktail shaker Jigger/measure (for measuring spirits and other liquids) Cocktail strainer (for removing unwanted ice and fruit) Bar spoon (for stirring drinks that don’t need shaking) A knife (for cutting and peeling fruit and herbs) Cocktail glasses (of various shapes and sizes, but any could work)
Easy vodka cocktail recipes
Believe it or not, vodka is a pretty flavourless spirit. That’s what makes it such a great base for a cocktail. The flavours you introduce (whether sharp and zesty, spicy, or sweet) will be the star of the show.
You don’t need to open up the fancy stuff for any of the vodka cocktails in this section (unless you want to, of course). These drinks are packed with flavour, from citrus fruits to sweet coffee, so a cheaper vodka will work just as well.
#1 Sex on the Beach
A staple for those who like long drinks with a fruity twist, a Sex on the Beach is a super easy summer cocktail to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment for this one, just a tall glass (such as a highball glass) and a jigger for measuring.
Ingredients:
Vodka (50ml) Peach schnapps (25ml)
Cranberry juice (50ml)
Orange juice (100ml) Ice cubes (to serve)
How to make:
Glass type: Tall or highball glass
Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour in the vodka, peach schnapps and orange juice. Stir the ingredients together before topping off the cocktail with the cranberry juice.
#2 Cosmopolitan
This punchy cocktail offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. With delicious orange and cranberry flavours, a Cosmo is a sophisticated, easy-drinking kind of cocktail.
Ingredients:
Vodka (50ml) Triple sec or orange liqueur (25ml) Cranberry juice (30ml)
Lime juice (15ml) Crushed ice (to mix) Orange peel twist (to garnish)
How to make:
Glass type: Martini glass
Fill your cocktail shaker with crushed ice, then add all the spirits and juices. Shake for 15-20 seconds, then pour into your glass using a cocktail strainer. Before serving, rub the orange peel around the rim of your glass, then add it to the drink.
#3 Moscow Mule
One of the simplest and easiest cocktails in this entire guide, the Moscow Mule is a refreshing drink for those who like a bit of spice. Switch out the ginger beer in this recipe for a milder ginger ale if you want to tone down the spice.
Ingredients:
Vodka (50ml)
Ginger beer (125ml) Fresh lime juice Crushed ice (to serve) Lime wedge (to garnish)
How to make:
Glass type: Copper mug or rocks glass
Pour the vodka into your copper mug or glass before adding a decent amount of crushed ice (enough to fill just over half the mug). Pour in your ginger beer, squeeze the lime over the top, and pop a lime wedge in for garnish.
#4 Pornstar Martini
The famous Pornstar Martini, also sometimes referred to as a Passionfruit Martini, is loved for its juicy sweetness. Paired with a shot of prosecco to cleanse the palate, this cocktail looks almost as good as it tastes.
Ingredients:
Vanilla vodka (50ml) Passoã (25ml) Sugar syrup (25ml) Squeeze of lime Crushed ice (to mix)
Passionfruit half (to serve)
Prosecco (25ml)
How to make:
Glass type: Martini glass and a shot glass
Fill your cocktail shaker with crushed ice, then add the vodka, Passoã, sugar syrup and lime juice. Shake for 15-20 seconds until the shaker goes frosty, then strain into your cocktail glass. Pop a passionfruit half into your drink, then pour out your prosecco shot to accompany.
#5 Espresso Martini
For a deliciously smooth pick-me-up, Espresso Martinis are a firm favourite. This simple drink tastes a lot more expensive than it actually is. To save even more money, you can switch out the coffee liqueur for an extra shot of espresso. Take or leave the sugar syrup (or vanilla syrup) depending on how sweet you want it.
Ingredients:
Vodka (100ml)
Coffee liqueur (50ml) Espresso (50ml) Sugar syrup Crushed ice (to mix)
Coffee beans (to garnish)
How to make:
Glass type: Martini glass
Add crushed ice to your shaker along with your espresso (homemade or store-bought), coffee liqueur and sugar syrup. Shake for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch, then strain into a martini glass. Once your drink has settled, add three coffee beans to the foam for that mixologist flair.
Note: If you’re brewing your own espresso shot, make sure it has time to cool before you start mixing your cocktail. Otherwise, it will melt the ice immediately and leave you with a warm, flat drink.
Easy gin cocktail recipes
A good glug of gin is essential for a cocktail that’s fresh, botanical and aromatic. Gin is made from juniper berries, which is why it has that delicate and complex herbal taste. This spirit pairs perfectly with citrus and floral flavours, and all you need is a fizzy mixer like soda water or tonic to make it sing.
#6 G&T
A classic Gin and Tonic can be customised in a vast number of ways. Keep things traditional with a dry gin, or switch it up with a flavoured one, such as blood orange, raspberry or rhubarb. It’s also easy to substitute your standard tonic for a different flavour like elderflower or rose.
Ingredients:
Gin (25ml or 50ml) Tonic (150ml) Ice cubes (to serve)
Fruit of choice (to garnish)
How to make:
Glass type: Gin or balloon glass
Add some ice cubes to your glass, then pour in your measure of gin. Add your mixer, stir, then add a complementary fruit or cucumber slice (depending on your gin and mixer flavours).
#7 Bramble
For a short, sharp and sweet gin cocktail, a Bramble is a true classic. Served in a rocks glass with plenty of ice, this is a mouth-watering summer drink perfect for sunny days.
Ingredients:
Gin (50ml) Crème de mure/blackberry liqueur (15ml) Lemon juice (25ml) Sugar syrup Crushed ice (to mix and serve)
How to make:
Glass type: Rocks glass
First, add some crushed ice to your glass. Then, add some more ice to your shaker, along with the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup. Shake for 15-20 seconds before straining into your glass. Drizzle the crème de mure over the top, et voilà!
#8 Negroni
This boozy cocktail is perfect for drinkers who like something with a kick, and you can make it with just three ingredients. Classic Negronis are aromatic and elegant, and they also make a wonderful aperitif (a drink before a meal to stimulate appetite).
Ingredients:
Gin (50ml)
Sweet vermouth (50ml) Campari (50ml) Ice cubes (to serve) Orange peel (to garnish)
How to make:
Glass type: Rocks glass
Add ice cubes to your glass and pour in the gin, vermouth and Campari. Stir gently with a bar spoon to chill the mixture, then garnish with an orange peel twist.
#9 Classic Martini
Another very versatile cocktail, you can adjust your ratio of gin to dry vermouth to suit your taste. There are so many variations too – add olives and olive brine for a Dirty Martini, a pickled onion to make a Gibson, or switch out the gin for vodka.
Ingredients:
Gin (60ml) Dry vermouth (10ml)
Lemon peel or olive (to garnish)
How to make:
Glass type: Martini glass
Despite what Mr Bond would say, cocktails that only contain alcohol should actually be stirred, not shaken. With that in mind, chill your martini glass before you start, then add your gin, dry vermouth, and garnish with some lemon peel or an olive.
Easy rum cocktail recipes
Whether you prefer light, dark or spiced rum, this brilliantly versatile spirit can help you create some bold and lively beverages. Rum is delicious when paired with exotic fruits like pineapple, mango and coconut, although it’s also great in a refreshing mojito.
#10 Mojito
This zingy and minty rum cocktail is just the thing you need to refresh yourself on a hot summer’s day. Add your choice of fruit puree to change up the classic flavour.
Ingredients:
Light rum (50ml)
Fresh mint leaves Lime juice Simple syrup Sparkling water (100ml) Crushed ice (to mix) Ice cubes (to serve)
How to make:
Glass type: Tall or highball glass
Place the mint leaves in the bottom of your shaker and use the back of a bar spoon to press and twist (to release the aromatic oils). Add the rum, syrup and lime juice to the shaker with some crushed ice and shake for 15-20 seconds. Strain the mixture into a tall glass, add sparkling water, then add a couple of ice cubes and top off with a sprig of mint.
#11 Rum Punch
If you love tangy, fruity flavours, you will likely love a sweet and spicy Rum Punch. We’ve used white rum for this recipe, but you can switch it out for dark or spiced rum if you prefer. Use the following mnemonic it to work out your measurements:
One part sour (lime) Two parts sweet (syrup) Three parts rum Four parts weak (juice)
Ingredients:
Light rum (45ml) Orange juice (30ml) Pineapple juice (30ml) Lime juice (15ml) Grenadine syrup Crushed ice (to mix) Ice cubes (to serve)
How to make:
Glass type: Hurricane or tall glass
Add all your ingredients to your cocktail shaker along with some crushed ice, then shake until the shaker goes frosty. Strain into a glass with ice and serve with an optional pineapple wedge. For a true Rum Punch, add a sprinkling of nutmeg for a spice kick.
#12 Piña Colada
Got a sweet tooth? A creamy and smooth Piña Colada doesn’t have to be saved for sipping on a beach. This is a dairy-free recipe, although you can substitute the coconut cream for a combination of real cream and milk.
Ingredients:
Light rum (50ml)
Coconut cream (25ml) Pineapple juice (50ml) Crushed ice (to mix)
Cocktail cherry or pineapple wedge (to garnish)
How to make:
Glass type: Hurricane or tall glass
Throw your rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice in a blender with some crushed ice and blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and serve with a cocktail cherry or pineapple wedge.
Easy tequila cocktail recipes
Unlike vodka, which can take on the flavour of your ingredients pretty easily, tequila has a very distinctive and often sharp flavour. This means that a bit more thought and consideration is needed to balance out the flavours of tequila cocktails. Here are a few of the most popular tequila recipes.
#13 Classic Margarita
Not for the faint-hearted, the Classic Margarita packs a punch. This crisp tequila cocktail has sharp citrus notes, which are balanced out by the iconic salt rim.
Ingredients:
Tequila (60ml) Triple sec (30ml) Lime juice (30ml) Lime wedge
Salt Crushed ice (to mix and serve)
Glass type: Margarita or coupe glass
How to make:
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in some salt to salt the rim. Add crushed ice to your shaker, then add in your tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Shake for 15-20 seconds, then strain over some fresh ice into a margarita glass. Add a lime wedge to garnish.
#14 Classic Paloma
Counter your smooth tequila with sharp, tangy grapefruit to make this refreshing, vibrant cocktail. With the same salt rim, it’s a sweeter take on a Classic Margarita.
Ingredients:
Tequila (50ml) Pink grapefruit juice (60ml) Lime juice (10ml) Sugar syrup Sparkling water Salt Crushed ice (to mix and serve)
How to make:
Glass type: Highball or martini glass
Salt your glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim before dipping in salt. Add crushed ice, tequila, grapefruit juice and lime juice to your shaker and shake until the outside goes frosty. Strain it into a glass with ice, pour in your sparkling water, and add a slice of grapefruit to garnish.
#15 Tequila Sunrise
Similar in style to the classic Sex on the Beach, a Tequila Sunrise pairs tangy orange and grenadine with the smooth richness of triple sec and warmth of tequila. Cut your costs by taking out the triple sec and adding more orange juice.
Ingredients:
Tequila (50ml) Triple sec (15ml) Grenadine syrup Orange juice (100ml) Crushed ice (to mix) Ice cubes (to serve) Cocktail cherry & orange (to garnish)
How to make:
Glass type: Collins or highball glass
Add crushed ice, tequila, triple sec and orange juice to your shaker and shake for 15-20 seconds. Pour the grenadine into a tall glass, add some fresh ice cubes and strain your cocktail mixture on top. Serve with a cocktail cherry and an orange slice (and perhaps a cocktail umbrella).
#16 Long Island Iced Tea
An honorary mention has to go to the much-loved Long Island Iced Tea. If you’ve got lots of spirits in your cupboards already, this recipe will use a lot of them (and makes enough for two people).
Ingredients:
Tequila (25ml) Vodka (25ml) Gin (25ml) White rum (25ml) Triple sec (25ml) Lemon juice (25ml) Lime juice (25ml) Coke or Pepsi (200ml) Crushed ice (to mix) Ice cubes (to serve) Lemon wedges (to serve) Fresh mint (to serve)
Glass type: Tall or highball glass
How to make:
Pour all of your spirits into your cocktail shaker, along with the lemon and lime juice and some crushed ice. Shake until the shaker has gone frosty, then strain into two tall glasses over some fresh ice. Top your drinks with your choice of cola and serve with lemon wedges and mint.
Easy festive cocktails
Hosting a Christmas party or festive get-together? Whether it’s a Kir Royale, Sloe Gin Fizz, or a hearty mulled wine, there are so many tasty winter drinks that are incredibly easy to make. Here are our favourite easy Christmas cocktail recipes to get you in the festive spirit.
#17 Mimosa
A classic Mimosa is one of the easiest drinks to make and only requires two ingredients, perfect for a Christmas morning toast. Double up on the champagne to turn this into a Buck’s Fizz.
Ingredients:
Prosecco, champagne or sparkling wine (100ml) Orange juice (100ml)
Glass type: Champagne flute
How to make:
Half fill your flute with bubbly, then top up to the brim with orange juice.
#18 Poinsettia
A Poinsettia is a slightly less typical festive cocktail, but it’s incredibly simple to make at home.
Ingredients:
Triple sec (25ml) Champagne or prosecco (75ml) Cranberry juice (50ml) Bay leaf, rosemary or fresh cranberries (to garnish)
Glass type: Martini glass
How to make:
Pour your cranberry juice and triple sec into your glass before adding in your bubbly. Some people like to top with a bay leaf, whereas others use a sprig of rosemary. We prefer a handful of fresh cranberries.
#19 Irish Coffee
The perfect winter warmer, a nice Irish Coffee will feel like the ultimate festive treat. Switch out the whiskey for Baileys if you want a slightly lighter, sweeter option.
Ingredients:
Irish whiskey (50ml) Hot coffee (150ml) Brown sugar (1 teaspoon)
Double cream (2 tablespoons)
Glass type: Irish coffee mug (or any mug)
How to make:
Make up a black coffee and pour it into your mug or glass, then stir in some sugar and add your whiskey. Whisk the cream vigorously until it forms soft peaks, then gently pour over the back of your warm spoon, so it settles on top of your drink. Finish with an optional sprinkling of nutmeg.
#20 Baby Guinness
Yes, it’s technically a shot, but we couldn’t not include this festive staple. A Baby Guinness is the ultimate Christmas tipple.
Ingredients:
Coffee liqueur (45ml)
Baileys (15ml)
Glass type: 60ml shot glass
How to make:
Cocktail making on a budget
The secret to making easy cocktails at home without spending a fortune lies in your choice of ingredients. The better you maximise what’s already in your cupboards and fridge, the more drinks you’ll be able to make at a cheaper cost.
If you don’t already have a selection of spirits at home, getting started making cocktails can seem like an overwhelmingly expensive pursuit. But it doesn’t have to be.
Check out our cocktail cheat sheet below, where we show you how to get the most homemade cocktails from the fewest ingredients. Start with row one and build yourself up as you add in extra ingredients.
It’s always good to stock up on the basics before you get started. For the following cocktails, you’ll need a mix of these cheap ingredients. You may already have many of them at home, but do a quick check before you head to the supermarket.
Simple sugar syrup Lime/lime juice Lemons/lemon juice Fresh mint leaves Soda water, sparkling water or tonic water Ice (crushed and cubed) Salt
It’s always good to stock up on the basics before you get started. For the following cocktails, you’ll need a mix of these cheap ingredients. You may already have many of them at home, but do a quick check before you head to the supermarket.
Simple sugar syrup Lime/lime juice Lemons/lemon juice Fresh mint leaves Soda, sparkling or tonic water Salt Ice (crushed and cubed)
Happy hour, happy bank account
So, aside from the fact that Martinis should be stirred and not shaken, what else have we learned? First and foremost, you can make some truly tasty cocktails at home without spending a fortune. In fact, if you shop smart, you can stock up on ingredients to make a whole host of drinks for the price of one round at your favourite cocktail bar.
Remember that you don’t need to splash out on the finest spirits for cocktail-making, as you’re often packing in lots of other flavours. Save your nicest spirits for special occasions or for drinking on the rocks (if that’s your bag).
And one last thing to keep in mind – don’t forget you can earn a portion of your supermarket spending back when you go through TopCashback. It’s the easy way to make your money go further, and it’s totally free to join.
Enjoy cocktails in moderation. You must be 18+ to purchase alcohol in the UK. Never drink and drive. For facts and support, visit Drinkaware.
How have you saved money on your boozy beverages lately? Any cocktails you’d like to see in this guide? Let us know in the comments.