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There's always a reason to shake up a cocktail. Aside from the classic five o'clock happy hour, you might be hosting a bridal shower, celebrating a milestone birthday party, or even just looking for ways to make date night more fun. Enter: these fun cocktail recipes.
All you need are a handful of ingredients to make these alcoholic drinks at home. Take Ree Drummond's drink of choice—Ranch Water—for example. It simply combines tequila, lime juice, and sparkling water over plenty of crushed ice. Otherwise, try your hand at a batch cocktail for those summer barbecues or any time you're entertaining a crowd. A big bowl of punch or a pitcher of sangria will always be a hit, which is why we've made sure to include several of these recipes. We have creative ideas that feature each of the main liquor types including tequila drinks, bubbly champagne cocktails, vodka cocktails, and drinks made with bourbon. If you're looking for something seasonal for a crowd, try the Tom Collins, which has a springy tart lemony flavor. Or if you're in need of refreshing summer cocktails, there are plenty of frozen drinks like boozy strawberry daiquiri that will cool you off in no time.
Anyone who's looking to brush up on bar skills will find instructions for classic cocktails too, including margaritas, martinis, after-dinner drinks, and more. You'll be saying, "Bottoms up!" once you finish this list of the best cocktail recipes.
Peach Bellini
This classic brunch cocktail is sweet and bubbly! The base starts with a puree of peaches and strawberries (plus, a bit of peach schnapps for good measure). You can make it in advance, then top each glass with prosecco before serving.
Get the Peach Bellini recipe.
Ranch Water
This simple tequila-based cocktail is refreshing and light, so it's no wonder Ree has called it her "new favorite grown-up beverage." If you can, take Ree's advice and use Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. It has just the right amount of bubbles.
Get Ree's Ranch Water recipe.
Bee's Knees
You only need three ingredients to make this elegant cocktail. The honey syrup, herbaceous gin, and bright lemon juice make it perfect for springtime.
Get the Bees Knees recipe.
Espresso Martini
This old-school drink that was once popular in the 1980s has been making a big comeback lately! All you need is coffee liquor, vodka, espresso, and simple syrup to make the coffee-lovers cocktail.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
Dark and Stormy
Legend has it that a sailor once said that this drink resembled the looming clouds at high seas—and it's been called a "dark and stormy" ever since. Whether or not the story is true, the rum-based drink with ginger beer and lime juice is worth a try.
Get the Dark and Stormy recipe.
Red Sangria
A pitcher of sangria is the ultimate entertaining drink. You can whip it up in advance and let your guests help themselves. The best part is the wine-soaked fruit in every glass. Switch up the apples and oranges for mango or pineapple if you want a tropical twist.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
Classic Margarita
There are so many fun ways to make a margarita, but you can't go wrong with this classic version. It's simply, tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup. Get creative with the rim by dipping it in salt, sugar, or even spicy Tajin.
Get Ree's Classic Margarita recipe.
White Wine Spritzer
Wine lovers will appreciate this refreshing drink! The ice cubes are made with fresh blackberries and strawberries to give the glasses a pop of summery color and flavor.
Get the White Wine Spritzer recipe.
Tom Collins
This classic drink is bright and citrusy thanks to the lemon juice and gin. To make it have that retro feel, serve it up in a tall and narrow "Collins" glass with a maraschino cherry on top.
Get the Tom Collins recipe.
Classic Mojito
When summer swings around and gardens are bursting with an abundance of mint, mojitos are your cocktail solution. It's exceedingly refreshing and perfect for warm weather.
Get the Classic Mojito recipe.
Negroni
A Negroni may look sophisticated, but it's actually one of the easiest cocktails to keep in your arsenal. It simply calls for equal parts gin, red vermouth, and Campari stirred together.
Get the Negroni recipe.
Paloma
Margarita fans, we have another tasty tequila cocktail for you to try: the Paloma. It's bright and chock full of tasty grapefruit flavor.
Get the Paloma recipe.
Sidecar
Elegant and easy—what more could you want from a drink? A sidecar is made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Just remember, fresh lemon juice is key for the most refreshing results.
Get the Sidecar Cocktail recipe.
Classic Bloody Mary
Create these spicy Bloody Mary masterpieces; they're perfect for brunch at home with friends. Plus, there's unlimited room for creativity with the garnishes.
Get the Classic Bloody Mary recipe.
Strawberry Daiquiri
This cocktail is a vacation or hot day classic—it's fruity and delightfully sweet. Our strawberry version has a pretty pink color and a flavorful mix of lime and berry.
Get the Strawberry Daiquiri recipe.
French 75 Cocktail
A French 75 is light and bubbly and perfect for celebrations! It begins with a base of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. After shaking with ice, pop a bottle of bubbly to splash in.
Get the French 75 Cocktail recipe.
Classic Mint Julep
A mint julep is a classic Southern drink that's really easy to throw together only three ingredients! To make it like they do at the Kentucky Derby, grab a wooden muddler to release the aroma from the mint.
Get the Classic Mint Julep recipe.
Strawberry Margaritas
Blend some fresh strawberries to make this gorgeous margarita. It's great for a relaxing summer day.
Get Ree's Strawberry Margaritas recipe.
Marg-a-Ree-ta
Shake up some margaritas, Pioneer Woman-style! This one's made with vodka, cucumber, and cilantro, and there's nothing ordinary about it.
Get Ree's Margarita recipe.
Watermelon Sangria
Need a refreshing cocktail for a summer party that's also simple to make? Look no further than this flavorful watermelon sangria.
Get Ree's Watermelon Sangria recipe.
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