Sometimes, after a long day at work, you don’t have the energy for the bar and want to drink at home. Blue curacao, drinks with vodka, perhaps a fine rye whiskey — if you can name it, there’s a craving for it.

While a cocktail shaker and a nice set of martini glasses will make this process more fun, they aren’t necessary for any of these drinks. Even the most beginner mixologist can pull these off.

If you’re looking for a solution to this kick-back-and-relax problem, here’s a basic overview of how to make mixed drinks and a list of these simple, delicious options.

1. Margarita 

A margarita is a classic cocktail recipe that is hard to mess up. Toss together triple sec or cointreau, tequila, and lime before finishing the beverage with a rim of salt and a lime wheel as a garnish. 

You can use a premade margarita mix to make easy mixed drinks with more speed. 

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2. Old-fashioned 

An old-fashioned doesn’t take rocket science to put together. Just add some ice cubes, simple syrup or a sugar cube, a dash of Angostura bitters, a shot of whiskey, some water, and an orange peel. Then you’re set.

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3. Moscow mule 

Moscow mules are an alcoholic beverage often classified as a cocktail. They only use a few ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and ice cubes. Just mix the four and sip.

The great thing about the mule is that it’s so easy to make that you can swap out the liquor for another option, whether that’s tequila, whiskey, or anything else.

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4. Bloody Mary

A bloody Mary is the brunch drink. Once again falling into that category of, “Is it a cocktail or something else?” the Mary is a mix of tomato juice and vodka, a dash of Worcestershire and hot sauce, and topped off with garnishes ranging from celery sticks to asparagus and even cheese.

It's tart, unforgettable taste and heavy inclusion of food elements make it one of the most filling mixed drink recipes. It’s like a snack. 

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5. Daiquiri

Daiquiris are as daring as their name suggests and stylish in their simplicity. With around 2 oz of light rum, half a lemon or lime squeezed to a pulp, some simple syrup, and a handful of ice, this beverage is ready to drink in several minutes. Once you’re finished, take it outside to sit on the porch to soak up the sun. If you’re feeling fancy, use a chilled glass. 

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6. Mimosa

Classic mimosas only need two ingredients to ensure a happy crowd: orange juice and champagne, mixed in a flute. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish the top with an orange wedge or peel.

This casual, pretty drink is perfect for fancy meals, bridal showers, and upscale get-togethers with friends. 

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7. Mojito

Looking for classic Cuban drink recipes that take a couple of minutes to put together? Try the minty mojito, a mix of ice cubes, club soda, white rum, simple syrup, and half a lime to garnish, topped off with some mint leaves.

The best thing about the mojito is its simple construction, which lets you swap out the alcohol for a different flavor profile if you aren’t a fan of rum.

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8. Lemon drop martini 

Who here hasn’t heard of a martini? Alright, silly question. However, maybe you’re new to the lemon drop variety, which only requires a few ingredients: ice, lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup, topped off with a garnish.

Summer weather and lemon beverages go hand-in-hand, sit back and relax in the sunshine.

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9. Negroni

This Italian cocktail is a beautiful drink with a unique name. It requires three ingredients: gin, campari, and dry vermouth, topped off with ice and an orange peel. If you want to keep things traditional, make sure to use a lemon wedge instead of an orange. 

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10. Aperol spritz 

The name “Aperol spritz” may sound a bit like a soft drink, and this mixed drink does indeed contain club soda. However, the final creation is a little fancier than that. 

This Italian drink was first invented in the early 20th century before achieving worldwide popularity. Mix Aperol, chilled prosecco, and club soda together to make this drink. Garnish with an orange slice and serve.

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11. Gin and tonic

Who would we be if we didn’t include the most well-known mixed drinks on this list? 

The crowd-pleasing gin and tonic is a simple mixed drink made from ice cubes, gin, tonic water, and lime juice, topped with a lime wedge. Once mixed, stir your drink and sip. If you have no energy at the end of a long day, this is a great option for you. 

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12. Whiskey highball

The whiskey highball combines ice cubes, soda water, and whiskey before topping it off with a lemon wedge. If you’re really in a hurry, you can forgo the wedge altogether, but this cocktail should save you some time.

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13. Spiked lemonade

 The best drink for anyone looking to throw together a quick pick-me-up is a spiked lemonade.

Great for warm weather or taking the edge off a demanding work schedule, tequila drinks like this are as simple as they come. It’s made from lemonade, ice, tequila, and a garnish to finish. The proportions of this drink are often measured by taste.

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Keep these things in mind when making a mixed drink

What are the most common ingredients in a mixed drink?

• Hard liquor or distilled spirits, such as tequila, whiskey, or vodka.

• A non-alcoholic “mixer” like orange juice, fruit juice, tonic water, club soda, or lemonade.

• A garnish to the top, such as lemons, orange peels, or lime wedges.

• Ice cubes.

If you’re missing some of these supplies but don’t want to take a trip to the grocery store, browse through Gopuff’s virtual aisles. I you’re looking to add drinks to your repertoire — check out our best fruity cocktail list with delights like a cosmopolitan or a tequila sunrise if you want to stick with the summer theme, or read up on the best Christmas drinks if you’re ready to get festive.