Next Up

14 Quick and Easy Cocktails

Make entertaining a cinch with simple cocktail recipes you can throw together in no time. Whether planning a summer fete or winter gathering, we have the right cocktail for your party.

Scroll For More Photos

1 / 14

Cool Cucumber Cocktail

This gin concoction blends cucumber, a powerful antioxidant, with apple cider and cranberry juice for a healthy cocktail option.

2 / 14

Dirty Martini

This classic cocktail is just as popular today as it was during the swinging 60's. Perfect for any get-together — whether formal or casual — martinis are a year-round pleaser.

3 / 14

Fizzy Lizzy

This simple, fruity drink is a cross between a top-shelf margarita and a champagne cocktail. Black raspberry liqueur sweetens the tequila and orange cognac mixture, while fresh raspberries and raspberry sugar garnishes make it festive enough for any party.

4 / 14

The Michelada

Mexican beer joins with spicy sidekicks for a drink that's easy to make and a perfect complement to guacamole dip and nachos.

5 / 14

Gimlets

This classic cocktail is smooth, dry and just a little tart.

6 / 14

Taste of the Tropics Cocktail

This frozen Caribbean cocktail hails from sunny Anguilla and combines coconut, rum and pineapple juice for a tasty, fruity drink.

7 / 14

Mint Julep

A tasty treat for horse-racing aficionados or simply a gathering of friends. This Mint Julep is worthy of Kentucky gentry.

8 / 14

Urbanpolitan

A grittier, sassier version of the classic Cosmo, the Urbanpolitan is a combination of citrus vodkas, sour mix, cranberry juice and lime juice. Photo by Evan Sklar.

9 / 14

Ginger and Carrot Cocktail

The healing properties of ginger and carrot juice combine with vodka for a cocktail that's just what the doctor ordered.

10 / 14

Gilligan's Delight

Inspired by days spent on the beach, a la Gilligan's Island, bourbon is mixed with ginger-infused apple cider for an unexpected and fruity twist.

Photo: Evan Sklar

11 / 14

Sneaky Tequila

Not for the faint of heart, this cocktail has a smooth taste with a powerful punch, thanks to tequila, coconut rum and peach schnapps topped with pineapple and cranberry juices. Photo by Evan Sklar.

12 / 14

Danni's Orange Derby Cocktail

Celebrate by combining cold orange spice tea and orange juice with splashes of cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda. Garnished with coarse sugar and an orange slice, this drink is perfect for any occasion.

Frozen Summer Cocktails With Mint Sprigs

13 / 14

Frozen Waterberry Batida

Off to Brazil and the land of cachaca, a liquor made from distilled sugar-cane juice. This frozen cocktail tops the cachaca with strawberries and watermelon, the perfect fruity drink for your next spring or summer gathering.

14 / 14

Autumn Colors Cocktail

This drink's ruby-red hue comes from a combination of sweet iced tea and pomegranate liqueur and was designed to mirror autumn's crimson leaves. A shot of vodka gives the refreshing drink a kick.