Simple Cocktails: Easy, 3 Ingredient Drinks

By: Justin Jang

Photos by: Serena Pu

Have you ever wanted a quality cocktail but couldn’t be bothered to make your way to a bar? Have you ever considered making your own drinks but thought that bartending has a high barrier to entry? While most people associate personal bartending with professional training and a large amount of prerequisite tools like shakers, bitters, and fancy glasses, the truth is that a large variety of drinks can be made with nothing more than a shot glass, citrus squeezer, and a spoon. Here are some of Thirty Seventh’s favorite picks.

*Disclaimer: Thirty Seventh does not endorse underage drinking. Those who wish to make and consume these drinks must be permitted by rule of law to consume alcoholic beverages. Party safe, Hoyas!

Sours!

While the sours you find at most bars use a pre-made sour mix, you can make a fresher version at home with just lemons and simple syrup. The bourbon in this recipe is interchangeable with either gin or vodka (my personal favorite) and the ratios can be adjusted to taste.

The Recipe:

1. Fill a short glass with ice and squeeze in roughly half a lemon’s worth of juice.
2. Add in 1 ounce of bourbon (or vodka/gin) and a 3/4ths ounce of simple syrup.
3. Mix with a spoon and enjoy!
4. Optional: Garnish with a Maraschino cherry for an extra pop of flavor.

Moscow Mule

This classic American (yes, American) cocktail is a remarkably simple combination of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, all of which you can find at your local supermarket.

The Recipe:

1. Fill a tall glass with a generous amount of ice and squeeze in roughly half a lime’s worth of juice.
2. Noting the serving size of the ginger beer, add 1 part vodka to 3 parts of ginger beer.
3. Mix with a spoon and enjoy!
4. Optional: Garnish with a lime wedge if you’re feeling particularly tart.

Campari Soda

Take a drink cue from Italy and try this simple Campari-based cocktail at your next ~social~ gathering.

The Recipe:

1. Fill a tall glass with a generous amount of ice and place an orange wedge on top.
2. Pour one serving of tonic water into the glass.
3. Add in the Campari. I personally enjoy a stronger 1:2 ratio of Campari to tonic water, but some choose a lighter 1:3 ratio.
4. Mix with a spoon and enjoy!

Limoncello Spritz

In the spirit of sampling Italian drinks, try this delectable Italian lemon liqueur in a remarkably simple cocktail.

The Recipe:

1. Fill a glass with a couple of ice cubes.
2. Pour in one part Limoncello to three parts tonic water.
3. Mix with a spoon and enjoy!
4. Optional: Pour one part prosecco for every part Limoncello and add a slice of lemon garnish if you’re feeling extra fancy.

JUSTIN JANG is a junior in the SFS currently pursuing a Culture and Politics major. During his free time, he likes to box, cook, and watch old movies. When asked what his favorite movie is, he will undoubtedly respond “anything with Austin Powers.”