Cocktails inevitably take a bit of effort. And that’s the way it should be. Something worthwhile should take a bit of effort, a bit of craft, a bit of skill. That’s what makes it special – right?
However, even I’d be the first to admit, that sometimes you simply don’t want the bother. You can’t be bothered to get the shaker out, but you do want a great drink. And not simply a spirit and mix. But if you do want some suggestions for 6 great spirit and mix combinations, click here.
So how about these? No need for a cocktail shaker, a large supply of ice, special glassware, and certainly no need for 80s style parasols. Cocktails can and should be what you want them to be.
If you want to experiment with some new flavour combinations for your guests – or you simply want to try some new ones at home on a Friday or Saturday night these 4 are all great and simple.
2 ingredient cocktails
Rusty Nail – just put equal measures of scotch whisky and Drambuie. It looks best in a whisky tumbler, and is a great drink. A little ice if you want, but no need for shaking, just a gentle stir. If you find this a little sweet, then make the ratio 2:1 whisky to Drambuie.
Sicilian Kiss – equal measures of Amaretto and Southern Comfort. A smooth drink where each flavour balances out the other. No need for ice necessarily, but serve in a tumbler, or Martini glass if you’re glamming it up.
B&B – takes its name from it’s 2 ingredients : Benedictine and Brandy. Again a good blend. Slightly warming so a good cocktail or mixed drink for Winter especially Christmas. If you’re really knowledgeable about your cocktails and the ingredients you may know that you can buy B&B ready mixed by Benedictine. But it seems rare these days.
Brave Bull – a relatively recent discovery. It mixes equal measures of Tequila and Kahlua. Adding a liqueur to a spirit again works well as the Kahlua (or Tia Maria) takes the fire out of the spirit but the Tequila gives the drink a bit more depth and stops it being too sweet and sickly.
Try these 4 for Winter. Let me know what you think. Any other easy ones you come across in the meantime and can recommend – I’d be interested to hear about.
The 4 I’ve featured here do at least qualify as proper cocktails. But, these ones don’t!