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Home & Kitchen with Caraway
6 Easy Cocktails To Make
Key Takeaways
Simple, well-made cocktails come down to fresh ingredients, good ice, and a few essential tools.
Two- and three-ingredient drinks are the easiest way to build confidence, and they taste like something from an actual bar.
A thoughtful bar setup, like Caraway’s Complete Bar Set, makes mixing, measuring, and serving cocktails smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
There’s something undeniably fun about making cocktails at home, especially when you realize you don’t need a giant bar cart or mixologist-level skills to make something genuinely delicious. A little citrus, a good spirit, and a cold shake are all it takes to turn a weeknight into something that feels like an occasion.
At Caraway , we’re big believers in keeping things simple, beautiful, and stress-free. So, these recipes are intentionally easy, quick to learn, and flexible enough for every vibe. And if you do want to keep all your tools in one tidy, ready-to-pour setup, our Complete Bar Set was made for this moment.
Ready to shake things up? Let’s get into it.
1. Gin & Tonic
A gin and tonic is the definition of a low-effort, high-reward cocktail. It’s crisp, refreshing, and comes together in seconds, which is exactly why it’s a forever classic.
To make one, fill a tall glass completely with ice to keep everything cold and prevent the drink from tasting watered-down. Pour in two ounces of gin, top it off with tonic water, and give it one gentle stir to marry the flavors. A quick squeeze of lime or a thin slice of cucumber instantly brightens the whole thing.
It’s simple, clean, and ideal for nights when you want something that tastes like you put in effort without actually putting in effort.
2. Vodka Soda With a Citrus Wheel
If you want something light, fresh, and low-sugar, a vodka soda is the go-to. Start by adding two ounces of vodka to a glass filled with plenty of ice, then top it with cold soda water. Instead of a wedge that sinks to the bottom and does nothing, use a full citrus wheel (lemon, lime, orange, or even grapefruit).
Press it gently between your hands before dropping it into the drink to wake up the oils and boost the aroma. The result is clean and crisp with just enough flavor to feel intentional.
3. Campari & Soda
A Campari and soda is bitter, bubbly, and surprisingly refreshing once you get the hang of it. Think of it as the cooler cousin of an Aperol Spritz .
Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in one and a half to two ounces of Campari, and top it with soda water. Stir once to blend, then add an orange slice to round out the bitterness. It’s the perfect pre-dinner drink: light, palate-cleansing, and the easiest way to look like you know something about cocktails without needing any actual skills.
4. Paloma Highball (Grapefruit Soda + Tequila)
A Paloma Highball is one of those cocktails that tastes like you tried, but really, you just opened a bottle of grapefruit soda. Fill a tall glass with ice, add two ounces of tequila, and top it slowly with a cold grapefruit soda like Jarritos or Fever-Tree.
Give it one lazy stir so the bubbles stay lively, then finish with a pinch of salt and a lime wedge if you’re feeling extra. It’s bright, fizzy, and refreshing enough to drink year-round.
5. Dark ‘n’ Stormy
A Dark ’n’ Stormy looks dramatic but takes no time to throw together. Start by filling a tall glass with ice and pouring ginger beer almost to the top. Slowly float two ounces of dark rum over the surface. It settles into this moody gradient and makes you look like you know what you’re doing.
Add a squeeze of lime, give it one gentle stir, and let the spiciness of the ginger beer balance the richness of the rum. It’s bold, easy, and perfect for anyone who likes their cocktails with a little personality.
6. Whiskey Sour
A whiskey sour is the moment when you realize how delicious a three-ingredient drink can be. In a shaker, combine two ounces of whiskey, three-quarters of an ounce of fresh lemon juice, and the same amount of simple syrup. Shake it hard with ice until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, then strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
The result is smooth, tart, slightly sweet, and way more elevated than its short ingredient list suggests. Bonus: if you’re using our Caraway shaker, you get a cleaner pour and zero sticky drips down the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a cocktail shaker?
Not for every drink, but it makes a huge difference for anything with citrus, juice, or syrup (think: Whiskey Sour, Daiquiri, Bee’s Knees). Shaking chills the ingredients faster, adds natural dilution, and gives the drink that velvety texture you just can’t get from stirring.
If you want a cleaner pour and fewer spills, a well-designed cocktail shaker keeps everything tight, cold, and easy to serve.
What’s the easiest cocktail to make at home?
Anything with two ingredients is basically foolproof. Gin and tonics, vodka sodas with citrus, and Dark ’n’ Stormies are zero-stress wins. As long as you use good ice, fresh garnishes, and measure your pour, you really can’t mess them up.
How do I make cocktails taste balanced, not too sweet or too strong?
The secret is measuring. Even pro bartenders rely on a jigger for consistency. Stick to the basic ratios: equal parts spirit and citrus for sours, 2:1 spirit-to-vermouth for stirred classics, and a quick taste before serving. If it feels sharp, add a tiny splash of water or soda; if it’s too sweet, bump up the citrus.
The Final Sip
At the end of the day, great cocktails don’t have to be complicated. A little citrus, a clean spirit, and a moment to shake or stir with intention can turn any night into something special.
And if you’re someone who cares about what goes into your glass as much as what goes into your cookware, you’re already speaking our language. At Caraway , we’re all about making home moments healthier, easier, and a little more beautiful.
Cheers to easy drinks, better ingredients, and a kitchen that makes every pour feel intentional.
Sources:
Real Food Encyclopedia | FoodPrint
The Perfect Vodka Soda Is an Art and a Science | Bon Appetit
What Is Aperol Spritz & Why Should It Be Your Cocktail of Choice? | The Tipsy Tours