This list of 16 easy, cheap drinks to make at home is full 2-3 ingredient cocktail recipes. All you need are a few simple ingredients to make delicious, bar favorite cocktails on a budget.

 

Believe it or not, you don’t need to be a mixologist or have a fully stocked bar to make delicious cheap cocktails that won’t bust your budget. It’s easy to make tasty, cheap alcoholic drinks at home with just a few ingredients.

The Best Cheap Drinks To Make At Home

Malibu Sunset

This is a popular, three ingredient drink that is so easy to make. Full of fruity flavor with pineapple juice, maraschino juice and coconut rum, this drink really gives you a fun tropical feeling.

Coconut rum, like Malibu, is a great cheap alcohol to have stocked in your bar. It can be used for a wide variety of drinks and tastes great.

Vodka Cranberry

The vodka cranberry, or Cape Codder, is one of the easiest, cheap cocktails to make. A tart, tasty drink that’s a good blend of juice to alcohol.

Midori Sour

The Midori sour has the iconic electric green color that comes from melon flavored Midori. This drink has a citrus melon flavor and is topped with a few bubbles from lemon-lime soda. A fun drink to serve at the holidays.

Lemon Drop

Sweet and tart, these lemon drop shots can be made into a shot or even a full cocktail. Fresh lemon juice is combined with vodka and a little sugar for a super delicious drink that is sure to become a favorite.

Ranch Water

This drink has been around in bars for awhile but has recently become a popular summer sipper. Low in calories, this drink is made with carbonated water, tequila and fresh lime juice.

Vodka Soda

This two ingredient drink, three if you count the lemon juice, that might be in the running for one of the cheapest drinks to make. Vodka and club soda are mixed together for a very clean tasting, refreshing drink.

Malibu Bay Breeze

Another drink made with coconut rum, this drink also includes cranberry and pineapple juice for another fruit flavored beverage. If you are in the mood for sea breeze, simply substitute cranberry juice with grapefruit juice.

Mimosa

Mimosa’s are an easy drink filled with bubbly champagne and typically orange juice. This two ingredient cocktail can be made with several variations like adding grenadine or even pineapple juice.

Daiquiri

This tropical drink is always a hit in the summer months. A classic daiquiri is made with just three ingredients, including rum, lime juice and a simple syrup. **Scroll to the bottom for a simple syrup recipe. Try making this into a frozen drink for an extra special cheap cocktail.

Gin and Tonic

Gin and tonic is a favorite when it comes to cheap drinks. Even though it’s only two ingredients there are a few tips for getting the perfect balance for a perfect gin and tonic.

Moscow Mule

A Moscow mule is made with spicy ginger beer, vodka and lime juice. There are many variations on this drink like this cranberry or Irish mule. This drink is great to serve on a hot day and easy enough to make for a quick beverage for any occasion.

Dark and Stormy

Ginger beer makes another appearance in this dark and stormy. Just add some dark rum and you have one delicious drink. Some people also add simply syrup for a touch of added sweetness.

Old Fashioned

Probably one of the most famous cocktails that has been around since the 1800’s. An old fashioned is made with bourbon, bitters and sugar. This can get to be an expensive drink depending on the type of bourbon you use.

Salty Dog

Talk about cool and refreshing, the salty dog is a citrus drink made with grapefruit juice and gin. People often salt the rim for a little something extra.

Mango Vodka

This fruity cocktail uses premade mango punch to add sweetness and flavor to this easy to make drink. Try adding a splash of grenadine for extra color.

Rum and Coke

Rum and coke or Cuba Libre, originated in Cuba and quickly became a popular drink. Leave it as a rum and Coke or add lime juice to make it a Cuba Libre.

Tips For The Best Cheap Cocktail

Cheap drinks don’t have to taste cheap. You can still have a delicious drink, even using cheap liquor. Here are a few ideas to elevate your cocktails with just a few easy, inexpensive ingredients.

Juice: Try adding a splash of juice for an extra layer of flavor. Some of our favorites are grenadine, pineapple juice, lime juice, even lemonade.

Garnish: There is something about a fun garnish that really adds to a cocktail. Try adding maraschino cherries, lime or lemon twist, fresh mint, fresh rosemary, or orange slice.

Liquor: If you are looking for some cheap liquor to keep stocked in your bar my three recommendations are vodka, rum, and tequila. You can make most of the drinks on the list with just these three spirits.

Easy simple syrup

Several of these recipes call for simple syrup and it’s actually very cheap and easy to make. You just need some sugar and water to make this ingredient.

1. Place 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water into a saucepan.
2. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool. Add to your favorite drink recipe.

More easy cocktail recipes

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot
• Colorado Bulldog
• Miami Vice
• Tequila JELLO Shots
• Royal Flush
• Vegas Bomb Shot

Did you make any of these delicious cocktails? Do you have any to add the the list? Let me know in the comments below.