16 Best 3-Ingredient Cocktails to Make Happy Hour Easier
No bartending skills required.
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Shaking up a creative cocktail doesn't need to be complicated. Just look at the Drummond family's favorite drink Ranch Water for example—three ingredients are all it takes! "It's the easiest thing in the world," Alex says about the bubbly beverage. In fact, there are tons of three-ingredient cocktails that will make happy hour (or any hour for that matter) easier. And the best part is that you don't need any bartending skills to make them. Whether you're a fan of vodka-based drinks, tequila cocktails, or even wine, there's something for everyone on this list of easy drinks.
If you never thought making cocktails at home was for you, get ready to be amazed! With just a few ingredients, anyone can prepare these simple drinks. While you can always add a garnish here or there, the basis for these recipes are all made with just three ingredients. And once you try them, you might not even need a recipe at all. There are classic drinks like the mint julep made with just bourbon, simple syrup, and mint, or fun new mix-ups like watermelon sangria or pomegranate sparklers. There are even a few pitcher drinks and punches that can feed a crowd. So, whether you're looking for a festive holiday drink or refreshing spritzer, get to know these three-ingredient cocktail recipes in no time. Cheers!
Aperol Spritz
This happy hour favorite combines prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling water. To make it even more festive, you can always add an orange wedge to garnish.
Get the Aperol Spritz recipe.
Ranch Water
This Drummond family favorite is light and refreshing. And while you can use any type of tequila or sparkling mineral water to make them, Ree prefers Casamigos and Topo Chico for the most sparkly drink.
Get the Ranch Water recipe.
Pomegranate Sparklers
Turn any get together into a party by serving up bubbly cocktails with a pop of color. This one hits the mark with its sweet-tart flavor and pomegranate garnish.
Get Ree's Pomegranate Sparklers recipe.
Bee's Knees
You likely already have the ingredients to this easy cocktail already in your pantry. The honey syrup and lemon juice are what give the gin-based drink it's sweet and bright flavor.
Get the Bees Knees recipe.
White Wine Spritzer
Easier than a sangria and lighter too—this drink combines white wine and sparkling water with fruity ice cubes. Just prepare the ice cubes in advance and it'll be ready any time you want!
Get the White Wine Spritzer recipe.
Dark and Stormy
Don't be fooled by the name—you can make this cocktail on a sunny day, too! In fact, the balance of tart, boozy, and sweet will make it the perfect any-time drink.
Get the Dark and Stormy recipe.
Negroni
Slightly bitter and perfectly boozy, this cocktail is easy to commit to memory. It's equal parts gin, red vermouth, and Campari.
Get the Negroni recipe.
Watermelon Sangria
You'll want to prep this fruity sangria in advance for even easier entertaining. It's the best way to showcase rosé wine and summery watermelon!
Get Ree's Watermelon Sangria recipe.
Mint Julep
This drink might be best-known as the cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, but it's just as tasty for bourbon lovers throughout the year, too. Simply serve it up with your favorite Southern comfort foods.
Get the Mint Julep recipe.
Frozen Lemonade
You can make this frosty mocktail for the whole family by simply blending lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla ice cream. If you want to add one more ingredient, just splash in some vodka to make it boozy.
Get the Frozen Lemonade recipe.
Bay Breeze Cocktail
This drink is as easy and breezy as the name itself! The combination of pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and vodka make it the perfect fruity cocktail to make you feel like you're on a beach vacation.
Get the Bay Breeze Cocktail recipe.
White Russian
You don't even need a cocktail shaker to make this easy classic drink. The creamy flavors make it a great starting point for adding other ingredients, like a drizzle of chocolate syrup, depending on your preferences.
Get the White Russian recipe.
Raspberry Sorbet Spritz
This cocktail looks fancy, but it's surprisingly easy to make! Just be sure to place your martini glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep everything chilled.
Get the Raspberry Sorbet Spritz recipe.
Chocolate Martini
Looking for an easy after-dinner drink that doubles as dessert? This chocolate martini is your answer! The chocolate syrup drizzle and chocolate shavings are optional, but so much fun.
Get the Chocolate Martini recipe.
Watermelon Wine Coolers
Make this cocktail when fresh watermelon is in season. The summer fruit is used two ways: blended in the cocktail and scooped for a garnish on top!
Get Ree's Watermelon Wine Coolers recipe.
Holiday Punch
This festive punch is made without any alcohol so it's fit for the whole family! All you need is raspberry sherbet, cranberry juice, and ginger ale for a hint of bubbles.
Get Ree's Holiday Punch recipe.
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