Cheap Cocktail
A flexible, budget-friendly cocktail template: 1½ oz of any base spirit, 3–4 oz of your favorite mixer, and a splash of lime juice or simple syrup—quick, refreshing, and easy on the wallet.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (or jar with lid)
- Measuring jigger or tablespoon
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Citrus juicer
- Glassware
- Ice
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz base spirit vodka, gin, rum, tequila, or bourbon
- 3.5 oz mixer club soda, cola, ginger beer, lemon-lime soda, or juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice fresh; or use simple syrup instead for sweetness
- simple syrup optional; use instead of lime juice if preferred
- ice for shaking or stirring
- mint or orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker or mixing glass with ice.
- Add 1½ ounces of your chosen base spirit.
- Pour in 3–4 ounces of mixer (club soda, cola, ginger beer, lemon-lime soda, or juice).
- Add ½ ounce fresh lime juice or simple syrup to balance to taste.
- Shake or stir for about 10 seconds.
- Strain (or pour) into a clean glass.
- Garnish with mint or an orange slice and serve.
Notes
Fresh lime or mint makes budget spirits taste brighter. Chill your glassware for a crisper sip. If using anything bubbly, add it last to preserve fizz. Adjust sweetness by changing the amount of simple syrup or choosing a sweeter mixer. Swap base spirits to keep it interesting without buying more bottles.