Drinks at bars can quickly drain your wallet—especially if you’re into cocktails. One of the best ways to save money on a night out is by enjoying a few quality drinks at home before you head to your favorite bar. These easy, budget-friendly cocktails are made with common ingredients, minimal tools, and maximum flavor.
Perfect for pregame sessions, dinner parties, or casual nights in, here are ten cocktails that taste expensive—but aren’t.
- Classic Whiskey Sour
Ingredients: Whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup
This staple costs next to nothing to make at home. Skip the overpriced bar version and shake your own with fresh lemon for a smooth, citrusy kick.
Recipe from Liquor.com - Gin & Tonic with a Twist
Ingredients: Gin, tonic water, lime or cucumber
Simple and refreshing, you can elevate this classic by adding sliced cucumber or a sprig of rosemary for flavor without extra cost.
Recipe from The Spruce Eats - Paloma
Ingredients: Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice
Lighter than a margarita and cheaper to mix. Just pour over ice with a salted rim if you want to impress your guests.
Recipe from Bon Appétit - Moscow Mule
Ingredients: Vodka, ginger beer, lime juice
No copper mug required. It’s spicy, refreshing, and easy to scale up for group pours.
Recipe from Liquor.com - Rum & Coke (Cuba Libre)
Ingredients: Rum, Coca-Cola, lime
A bar staple that costs $10+ out—but only a few dollars at home. Add lime to upgrade it from basic to classic.
Recipe from The Spruce Eats - Vodka Cranberry (Cape Codder)
Ingredients: Vodka, cranberry juice, lime wedge
Refreshing, tart, and popular. Easy to build in a glass—no shaking required.
Recipe from Liquor.com - Screwdriver
Ingredients: Vodka, orange juice
Ideal for brunch pregames or early evening drinks. Fresh-squeezed OJ adds brightness without inflating the cost.
Recipe from The Spruce Eats - French 75
Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, sparkling wine
A classy cocktail that looks fancy but only requires a few ingredients. Use inexpensive bubbly and it still sparkles.
Recipe from Liquor.com - Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients: Tequila, orange juice, grenadine
Visually stunning and crowd-pleasing, this tropical favorite is more affordable than it looks.
Recipe from The Spruce Eats - Aperol Spritz
Ingredients: Aperol, Prosecco, soda water
A summer staple. Use a discount sparkling wine and enjoy this Italian classic on your patio without the bar tab.
Bonus tip:
Pregaming with your own cocktails not only saves money—it gives you control over the quality and portion. Plus, you’ll arrive at the bar having already cut costs.
