20 Best 4-Ingredient Cocktails

By Hayley Sugg

April 21, 2020

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Credit: Kim

Drinking a nice cocktail is meant to relax you, so don't stress out over complicated recipes or ingredients you don't have. These easy recipes each contain four ingredients or less, so you're likely to have everything you need already on hand. Our collection of cocktail recipes will help you to sip on a martini, blend up a margarita, or start the weekend with a mimosa.

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Bikini Martini

Credit: Cristina

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This multi-colored martini is doubly boozy with the use of coconut rum and vodka. If you want an ombre appearance, put the grenadine in your glass before pouring over the pineapple juice mixture.

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Mint Juleps

Credit: The Gruntled Gourmand

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Refreshing, sweet, and more than a little fancy, mint juleps are less complicated to make than you might think. Since this is a classic Kentucky cocktail, don't forget to buy Kentucky-based bourbon for mixing.

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Pina Colada

Credit: Kim

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"I love this recipe," says TAMAGOJI. "I often don't have all the ingredients required for other pina colada recipes, but this recipe always comes in as a great substitute."

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Mimosa

Credit: bd.weld

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Dress up champagne with a splash of orange juice in this classic cocktail. Serve for brunch, special occasions, or just because you've got the ingredients on hand!

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Beer Margaritas

Credit: docswife

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Beer is the key ingredient to these light and sweet margaritas. The recipe makes enough for half a dozen, so either get ready to share or maybe consider cutting the measurements in half.

Our Top-Rated Margaritas

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Moscow Mule Cocktail

Credit: Buckwheat Queen

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Strong vodka and tangy lime juice combine in a bubbly mix with ginger beer. While copper cups aren't required, they do add extra fun to your cocktail hour.

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Red Rooster

Credit: Deb C

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Sour cranberry juice and sweet orange juice perfectly compliment each other in this balanced cocktail that is spiked with vodka.

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Dirty Martini

Credit: CJ

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Reviewer Vex says, "I'm drinking one right now, and it's awesome! Word of caution, the olive juice takes some of the bite out of the gin, making this go down very easy!"

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Sex on the Beach

Credit: Dianne

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Peach schnapps adds an extra layer of fruity flavor to this juice-based cocktail. Recipe creator ANG242424 says, "Can be served over ice as a drink or strained into a shot or martini glass."

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Tanning Bed Drink

Credit: Molly

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"One of my favorite standbys," says Cammie. "Great on a summer day. Occasionally, I add a splash of Amaretto which give it an excellent taste and ups the alcohol content!"

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White Russian

Credit: Snow likes to cook

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Creamy, boozy, what's not to love? If you want an extra boost of flavor, some reviewers suggest choosing a vanilla vodka.

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Ultimate Frozen Strawberry Margarita

Credit: FoodFan

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Break out the blender! This recipe utilizes frozen strawberries instead of the ice to create that irresistible slushy texture, without watering down the flavor.

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Cedarwood

Credit: Allrecipes Trusted Brands

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A great summertime drink for sipping, this tangy drink gets a its buzz from vodka and flavor from a combo of lemon juice, cranberry juice, and ginger ale.

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Malibu Bay Breeze

Credit: Cristina

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"We served it at a party and went through 3 bottles of rum. Everyone raved about how great it was," says nnorrell.

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Classic Whiskey Sour

Credit: Kim

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A classic cocktail, this whiskey sour is a stiff drink that doesn't skimp on flavor. If you want a clearer appearance, strain your lemon juice to remove pulp.

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Awesome Apple Martinis

Credit: RICO

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Get a double dose of apple with apple-flavored schnapps and apple juice in this fruity cocktail. Serve with a slice of apple for garnish if you're wanting to be extra fancy.

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Salty Chihuahua

Credit: magicallydelicious

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Reviewer ADDIESMOM says, "This is exactly what you need on a hot summer day. I felt like I was back in Cancun after sipping on one of these!"

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Dark 'n' Stormy Cocktail

Credit: Paulette Macdonald

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Enjoy a taste of Bermuda with this a dark 'n' stormy, the official drink of the island. Use your favorite type of ginger beer, varying from more sweet to more spicy, to create the ideal cocktail.

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Annex Theater Champagne Cocktail

Credit: Gina

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Recipe creator squawk93 describes this cocktail: "Champagne, sugar and Angostura bitters add up to an elegant and refreshing sipper."

3-Ingredient Champagne Cocktails

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The Milky Way Martini

Credit: Lucky Noodles

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If you can't decide between indulging in chocolate or a cocktail, then this is the drink for you. White creme de cacao and Irish cream liqueur make for a creamy base, while the chocolate syrup creates a beautiful presentation.

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By Hayley Sugg