Simple Mixed Drinks to Order at the Bar: 7 Easy Cocktails

Some cocktails are an art form. Take the Ramos Gin Fizz, for example — a creamy, citrusy gin drink that requires five minutes of dry shaking (without ice) just to get the texture right. Or the Vieux Carré, a boozy, bitters-heavy blend of cognac, whiskey, vermouth, and liqueur that tastes like something a 1930s jazz musician would sip while brooding in a leather chair.

They’re delicious. They’re dramatic. And they’re some of the best cocktails you can order. But when you’re at a crowded bar on a Friday night? Sometimes you just want to keep it simple.

Whether you’re a cocktail newbie or just want something easy to order that still tastes great, this list has you covered. These simple mixed drinks are quick, classic, and bartender-approved — no shaking, layering, or obscure ingredients required.

Key takeaways

• You don’t need fancy ingredients or a shaker to enjoy a great cocktail — these classics are easy to order and easy to love.

• Drinks like Rum and Coke, Vodka Soda, and Gin and Tonic are universal — you can confidently order them anywhere.

• Whether you want something sweet, tart, strong, or light, there’s a simple mixed drink that fits your taste.

• These drinks are beginner-friendly and don’t require any special lingo — just name the spirit and mixer.

• Once you find one you like, it becomes your reliable fallback — and a solid base for branching into more adventurous cocktails.

1. Rum and Coke

Just rum and Coca-Cola over ice — that’s it. It’s one of the easiest mixed drinks you can order, and almost every bar has the ingredients on hand. 

• Why people order it: It’s sweet, smooth, and masks the taste of alcohol well — ideal if you’re not used to strong cocktails. The cola cuts the bite of the rum, making it super drinkable.

• How to order: Just say “Rum and Coke.” You can also ask for a Cuba Libre, which is the same drink with a squeeze of lime.

• Best with: Light rum for a smoother flavor (e.g., Bacardi), or dark rum if you want something richer and more molasses-forward.

• Similar drinks:

  • Jack and Coke: Same idea, but with whiskey instead of rum for a stronger flavor.

  • Captain and Coke: Spiced rum (like Captain Morgan) for more vanilla and cinnamon notes.

2. Vodka Soda

A simple mix of vodka and soda water served over ice. It’s clean, light, and one of the most popular go-to drinks — especially if you're watching calories. It’s also a summer favorite, with growing popularity in Ready-to-Drink (RTD) canned versions.

Commenting on Sheetz’s new vodka soda line, EVP of Marketing and Supply Chain Ryan Sheetz said:

“Summer is here and we couldn’t be more excited to kick this season off by releasing these bright, bubbly, peach-packed vodka sodas to our customers… These drinks taste like sunshine in a can and are the ideal drinks to keep the good vibes going, whether you’re by a pool, at the beach or at a baseball game. This is our way of turning up the flavor and fun for our customers all summer long.”

• Why people order it: There’s almost no sugar, so it’s a favorite for people who want something refreshing without the sweetness (or the hangover). It also has a neutral flavor, so it doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds.

• How to order: Just say “Vodka Soda.” Most people ask for it with lime for a little citrus boost — “Vodka Soda with lime” is a standard order.

• Best with: Any basic vodka works, but if you want it smoother, ask for a brand-name like Tito’s, Absolut, or Grey Goose.

• Similar drinks:

  • Tequila Soda: Earthier and a little more complex than vodka, but still light and refreshing.

  • Vodka Tonic: Adds a bitter edge from the tonic water if soda water feels too plain.

3. Gin and Tonic

A classic combo of gin and tonic water served over ice, usually with a lime wedge. Crisp, botanical, and slightly bitter, it’s a drink that’s been around for centuries — literally. Deena Sayers, the beverage director at The Stand, a comedy club and restaurant in New York City, explained why the ingredients pair so well:

“Tonic water’s characteristic bitterness makes it a great pairing for gin’s bold, citrus-forward flavors… It stands up well to gin’s complex botanic profile, preventing it from being overly sweet. It plays many roles in the overall balance — the carbonation offers a refreshing lift and subtle sweetness enhances it.”

• Why people order it: It’s refreshing, sophisticated, and easy to sip. The bitterness from the tonic balances the herbal notes of the gin. Great for warm weather or when you want something that feels a little more “grown-up.”

• How to order: Just say “Gin and Tonic.” Want to level it up? Ask what gins they have and pick one that sounds interesting — different gins have wildly different flavor profiles.

• Best with: London dry gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater are safe bets. If you want something smoother or less piney, ask for a “citrus-forward” gin like Bombay Sapphire or Hendrick’s.

• Similar drinks:

  • Tom Collins: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Slightly more complex but still simple.

  • Gimlet: A gin-based drink with lime juice (usually fresh or Rose’s) and sometimes a touch of sugar — tart, cold, and classy.

4. Whiskey Ginger

A mix of whiskey and ginger ale over ice. It’s smooth, fizzy, and slightly spicy — a great intro to whiskey if you’re not used to drinking it straight.

• Why people order it: The ginger ale softens the sharpness of the whiskey, making it easy to drink without losing that signature warmth. It’s one of the most approachable whiskey drinks out there.

• How to order: Just say “Whiskey Ginger.” If you have a whiskey preference (like Jameson or Jack Daniel’s), you can request it by name.

• Best with: Irish whiskeys like Jameson for a lighter, smoother feel, or American whiskeys like Jack Daniel’s or Bulleit if you want a bit more punch.

• Similar drinks:

  • Dark and Stormy: A spicier cousin with dark rum and ginger beer instead of whiskey and ginger ale.

  • Seven and Seven: Whiskey with 7Up instead of ginger ale. Lighter and a little sweeter, but similar overall.

5. Screwdriver

Just vodka and orange juice over ice. It’s been a brunch staple for decades and is often the first mixed drink many people try. As Delish puts it, using freshly squeezed orange juice can turn “what is kind of a forgettable drink into a far more pleasant experience.”

• Why people order it: It’s sweet, familiar, and the OJ masks the vodka almost completely. Great for easing into cocktails if you don’t love the taste of alcohol yet.

• How to order: Say “Screwdriver” — no need to complicate it. If you want it a bit stronger, you can ask for a “double” or a premium vodka.

• Best with: Any well vodka works fine, but it’ll taste smoother with something like Tito’s, Absolut, or Ketel One.

• Similar drinks:

  • Greyhound: Vodka with grapefruit juice instead of orange. More tart and a little more grown-up.

  • Fuzzy Navel: Peach schnapps and orange juice. Fruity, sweet, and dangerously easy to drink.

6. Tequila Sunrise

Made with tequila, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine that settles at the bottom to create that signature sunrise look. Served over ice, usually in a tall glass.

• Why people order it: It looks impressive but is super simple. Sweet, fruity, and easy to drink — perfect for tequila newbies or anyone who wants a cocktail that feels like vacation.

• How to order: Just say “Tequila Sunrise.” Most bartenders will know it immediately. You can stir it if you prefer a more blended flavor, but some like to sip it as-is and let the grenadine slowly mix in.

• Best with: Any basic tequila will work, but blanco (silver) tequilas are the most common. Skip the top-shelf stuff — the juice and grenadine cover most of the flavor anyway.

• Similar drinks:

  • Sunset Margarita: A spin on the classic margarita with grenadine for that same layered look.

  • Paloma: Tequila with grapefruit soda (or juice and soda water). Less sweet, more refreshing.

7. Cape Cod (Vodka Cranberry)

A mix of vodka and cranberry juice over ice, often garnished with a lime wedge. Simple, slightly tart, and very popular — especially at college bars and casual spots.

• Why people order it: It’s easy to drink and easy to remember. The cranberry juice gives it a little bite without being too sweet, and the vodka stays mostly in the background.

• How to order: Just say “Vodka Cran” or “Cape Cod.” Consider asking for it with lime — it balances the tartness and adds a citrus twist.

• Best with: Standard vodka works fine here — most bars will use a well brand unless you ask otherwise.

• Similar drinks:

  • Sea Breeze: Vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. Tart and refreshing.

  • Bay Breeze: Vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. Tropical and sweeter.

Which simple cocktail should you order at the bar?

If you’re new to ordering cocktails, you really can’t go wrong with any of the drinks on this list. Just pick what sounds good — fruity, fizzy, strong, or light. Bartenders hear these orders all the time, so try one out and see what fits your taste.

Once you’ve found your go-to, you’ll always have a reliable fallback. From there, you can start branching out — or even experiment with your own recipes. Cheers, and drink responsibly!