Great cocktails don’t have to come from a $15 bar menu or require a stocked liquor cabinet full of rare ingredients. With a little creativity and a few versatile mixers, you can create drinks at home that taste high-end—without burning through your budget. Whether you’re entertaining guests or upgrading your solo nightcap, these cocktail recipes pack flavor, not cost.

All recipes come in at under $2 per serving and use easy-to-find ingredients that won’t sit unused on your shelf.

1. The Classic Whiskey Sour
   Simple, balanced, and always a crowd-pleaser.

• 2 oz bourbon

• 3/4 oz lemon juice (fresh squeezed)

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge or cherry. A splash of egg white (optional) can add that foamy finish you’d find at a craft cocktail bar.

2. Cucumber Lime Vodka Cooler
   Refreshing and light—ideal for summer parties or laid-back evenings.

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 4 slices of cucumber

• 1/2 oz lime juice

• Club soda to top

Muddle cucumber in a shaker, add vodka and lime juice, shake with ice, and strain into a tall glass. Top with club soda and garnish with a cucumber ribbon or lime wheel.

3. Spiced Rum & Cola with a Twist
   Elevate the basic rum and Coke with a little flavor finesse.

• 2 oz spiced rum

• 1/2 oz orange juice

• Cola to top

Pour ingredients over ice in a highball glass. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel or wedge.

4. Blackberry Gin Smash
   Looks fancy, but it’s super simple and loaded with flavor.

• 2 oz gin

• 3 blackberries

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz honey or agave

• Splash of soda water

Muddle the blackberries and honey in a shaker, then add gin and lemon juice. Shake with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and top with soda. Garnish with a blackberry or mint sprig.

5. Faux French 75
   A sparkling drink that feels like a celebration.

• 1 oz gin

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 3 oz chilled sparkling wine or prosecco

Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with bubbles. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Tips for Saving on Cocktail Ingredients

• Buy in batches: Choose base spirits that can work across multiple recipes (vodka, gin, bourbon).

• Use seasonal produce: Citrus, berries, and herbs are cheaper (and better) when in season.

• Make your own mixers: Simple syrup, sour mix, and even grenadine are easy to make at home.

• Invest in versatile tools: A basic shaker, jigger, and strainer are all you need for dozens of recipes.

Final Thoughts

Crafting cocktails doesn’t require a bar license or a $100 bottle of liqueur. With the right ingredients and a few clever combinations, you can impress your guests—or yourself—while keeping the price per pour delightfully low. Cheers to drinking better, not just bigger.