If you don’t have a fully stocked bar, which most of us don’t at home, it can be tricky to find a variety of cocktails you can make and enjoy! We don’t all have every spirit available and a range of syrups to mix along with it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make different flavoursome cocktails for you to enjoy.
March 2020 has brought along with it the closure of all bars and pubs, so now you can’t pop out for your favourite drinks, it’s time to start making your own! Whether you have Gin, Vodka, Rum or Whiskey, we have a range of cocktail recipes for you to learn. Keep reading for low recipe, simple cocktails to enjoy at home.
Low Recipe Cocktails to Bring The Bar Home

Gin Based
Gimlet
If you are looking for a sour drink that is appropriate for any occasion, make a gimlet. A gimlet is a gin sour made up of a few ingredients, quick and easy to make!
- 2 ounces gin
- 1-ounce simple syrup
- 1-ounce lime juice
Combine all the ingredients over ice in a shaker, shake until cold and frosty, and then strain into a glass.
Gin Rickey
If you are a fan of Gin but not so into tonic water, this is a great option. The Rickey replaces tonic water with club soda to remove the added sweetness and bitter quinine flavour from your drink. The soda just adds the crisp bubbly texture with no flavour, it's also great for those who favour the flavour of spirits rather than sugary mixers.
- 2 ounces gin
- 1-ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 3-4 ounces club soda
Pour gin and lime juice in a glass over ice, top with club soda and stir briefly.
Cucumber Gin Cooler
Cucumber and gin naturally pair well together due to the botanicals in gin. With a fresh and cooling taste, this is the perfect drink to enjoy in your garden.
- 2-5 cucumber slices
- 2 ounces gin
- 3 ounces club soda
Muddle the cucumber in the bottom of a glass, top with ice, gin, and club soda.
Vodka Based
Vodka Sour
Although whiskey is the most well-known sour, almost any liquor does well in a classic sour recipe. A sour recipe uses 2 parts spirit, 1 part sour, and 1 part sweet. You can even swap out lime for lemon to make a margarita-esque drink!
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1-ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1-ounce simple syrup
Combine all of the ingredients over ice in a shaker, shake it, strain over fresh ice, and savour.
Vodka & Cumber
Think vodka tonic, but with a spa-water-like twist. This classic cocktail is a refreshing combo that’s ridiculously easy to make at home! The cucumber-lime vodka gives it that special touch, but if you don’t have that on hand opt for normal vodka and add some cucumbers to the mix.
- 1.5 part cucumber-lime vodka
- 3 parts tonic water
- Squeeze of lime
Pour cucumber-lime vodka into a rocks glass filled with ice. Next, add tonic water and a squeeze of lime to taste, then garnish with a lime wheel.
Spiced Cider
Most people think of vodka in icy drinks, but it can be the star of cold-weather cocktails too when paired alongside baking spices and seasonal mixers.
- 3 ounces hot apple cider
- 2 ounces cinnamon tea
- 2 ounces vodka
Combine ingredients in a mug, stir to combine and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder for an extra dash of flavour.

Rum Based
Daiquiri
A Daiquiri is incredibly easy to make, and very difficult to mess up. These flavoursome drinks can come in a variety of flavour combinations, so feel free to get adventurous!
- 2 ounces rum
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 1-ounce fresh lime juice
Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a glass, serve straight up.
Piña Colada
The fastest way to achieve tropical vacation mode is with a Piña Colada. The creamy blend of pineapple, coconut, and rum makes everything better. Insanely easy to make, this drink will transport you to holiday mode in your own house.
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 2 ounces coconut cream or milk
- 2 ounces rum
Combine all ingredients in a blender on high until frosty and creamy.
Dark 'n Stormy
Ginger beer and lime make just about anything taste good, and seem especially well suited to sweet-and-spicy dark rum. It is extremely easy to make and takes very few ingredients.
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 2 ounces dark rum
- Lime wedge
Combine ginger beer and rum in a tall glass over ice, garnish with a lime wedge.
Whiskey Based
Hot toddy
Hot toddies are great for when you're sick, but you can also enjoy them when you are feeling just fine! They are low maintenance and easy to whip up.
- ¼ lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 ounces whiskey
Squeeze the lemon wedge into a mug and leave it in the bottom. Next, you add honey, whiskey, and top with hot water.
Whiskey Sour
The most famous of all the sours, the Whiskey Sour. This is an iconic cocktail that comes with few ingredients and delicious flavours!
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1-ounce simple syrup (or honey, or agave)
Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled, strain, and serve straight up.
Ginger Highball
This ginger-spiced and lemony version of the classic highball is a bit more approachable, well suited to a casual weeknight.
- 2 ounces whiskey (any)
- 2-3 ounces ginger ale
- 3 lemon slices
Layer ice and lemon slices in a tall glass and pour in the whiskey, top with ginger ale.