Want to enjoy tasty drinks without spending a lot? You’re in luck! There are many cheap and easy drink options you can make at home or order at a bar.

These budget-friendly drinks use simple ingredients but still pack a flavorful punch.

You can make delicious cocktails for less with just a few basic ingredients like rum, tequila, or vodka mixed with common mixers.

From classic rum and Cokes to refreshing ranch waters, there are plenty of affordable drinks to choose from.

With a little creativity, you can whip up impressive cocktails without breaking the bank.

1. Cuba Libre

The Cuba Libre is a classic cheap drink you can easily make at home or order at a bar. It’s a simple mix of rum, cola, and lime juice.

To make one, pour 2 ounces of rum into a tall glass filled with ice. Add cola until the glass is almost full.

Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.

For the best taste, use a good quality white rum. The lime adds a fresh twist to the standard rum and coke.

This drink is refreshing and perfect for warm weather.

You can usually find a Cuba Libre at bars for $6-$7. It’s an affordable choice that still feels like a proper cocktail.

2. Gin and Tonic

Gin and tonic is a classic cheap drink you can order at bars or make at home. It only needs two ingredients: gin and tonic water.

You can expect to pay around $5-10 for a gin and tonic at most bars. The price depends on the quality of gin used.

To make it yourself, mix about 2 ounces of gin with 4-5 ounces of tonic water over ice. Add a squeeze of lime if you want extra flavor.

Stick to well-known gin brands for the best taste without breaking the bank. The tonic water helps mask lower quality gins.

3. Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that’s easy on your wallet. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients: whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar.

Mix these together and you’ve got a tasty, refreshing drink. The sour taste of lemon balances nicely with the sweetness of the sugar and the bite of the whiskey.

For a fancier version, you can add an egg white. This gives the drink a smooth, creamy texture. Some people like to top it with a cherry or orange slice too.

You can make a Whiskey Sour at home or order one at most bars. It’s a great choice for whiskey fans looking for a cheap, tasty cocktail.

4. Paloma

The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail that’s easy on your wallet. You can make it with just tequila and grapefruit soda. Add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

For a low-calorie version, mix tequila with fresh grapefruit juice and soda water. This cuts down on sugar while keeping the drink tasty.

Palomas are perfect for summer sipping. They’re crisp, tangy, and have a light fizz. You can easily make a big batch for parties too.

Try different grapefruit sodas to find your favorite. Some people prefer using Squirt or Fresca. Experiment to see what you like best.

5. Dark ‘n Stormy

The Dark ‘n Stormy is a tasty and affordable cocktail you can enjoy at bars or make at home. It combines dark rum with ginger beer for a spicy-sweet flavor.

You’ll typically pay around $8 for this drink at a bar. To make it yourself, mix 2 ounces of dark rum with 4 ounces of ginger beer over ice.

While Gosling’s Black Seal Rum is the traditional choice, you can use other dark rums too. Barritt’s Ginger Beer is common, but feel free to try different brands.

If you can’t find ginger beer, you can substitute draft beer or cola instead. These will still blend well with the rum’s rich taste.

6. Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that’s easy on your wallet. You’ll need gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water to make this refreshing drink.

Start by mixing gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar in a shaker with ice. Shake it well to combine the flavors.

Pour the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with soda water for some fizz.

Garnish your Tom Collins with a lemon slice or cherry if you like. It’s a simple yet tasty cocktail that’s perfect for warm days.

You can use affordable gin to keep costs down. The soda water and lemon juice help mask any harsh flavors from cheaper spirits.

7. Tequila Sunrise

You can make a tasty Tequila Sunrise at home for less. This drink mixes tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. It looks like a sunrise in your glass.

To make it, pour tequila and orange juice over ice. Then add grenadine slowly. It will sink to the bottom, creating a pretty color gradient.

The Tequila Sunrise became popular in the 1970s. The Eagles even named a song after it. It’s a great choice for a fun, fruity cocktail that won’t break the bank.

You can use cheap tequila and still get good results. The orange juice and grenadine help mask any harsh flavors.

8. Moscow Mule

This classic cocktail is easy to make and won’t break the bank. You’ll need vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.

Fill a copper mug with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and squeeze half a lime. Top it off with ginger beer.

No copper mug? No problem. A regular glass works too. The crisp, spicy flavor is perfect for warm days.

Moscow Mules are great for parties. You can make a big batch by mixing the ingredients in a pitcher. Just add ice when serving.

9. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for hot summer days. You’ll need bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice to make this refreshing drink.

To prepare, muddle mint leaves with sugar in a glass. Add bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir until the outside of the glass frosts.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. For a twist, try using peach syrup instead of sugar and add peach slices for garnish.

The Mint Julep is traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup. If you don’t have one, a regular glass works fine too.

10. Rum Punch

Rum punch is a tasty and budget-friendly drink for parties. You can make a big batch to serve many guests. It’s easy to mix up with just a few ingredients.

The basic recipe includes rum, fruit juices, and sometimes soda water. Popular juices are pineapple, orange, and lime. You can adjust the strength by adding more or less rum.

For extra flavor, try using different types of rum. Light rum works well as a base. Dark rum adds richness. Spiced rum brings warmth and complexity.

To make it stretch further, add ice or more juice. This helps keep costs down when serving a crowd. Garnish with fruit slices for a tropical look.

11. Screwdriver

The Screwdriver is a simple and cheap drink you can easily make at home. You only need two ingredients: vodka and orange juice.

Pour 1.5 ounces of vodka into a tall glass filled with ice. Add 4-5 ounces of orange juice and stir gently.

You don’t need expensive vodka for this drink. A budget-friendly option works well. Fresh-squeezed orange juice tastes best, but store-bought is fine too.

Garnish your Screwdriver with an orange slice if you like. This easy cocktail is great for brunches or any time you want a refreshing drink.

12. Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail you can enjoy on a budget. You’ll need vodka, tomato juice, and a mix of spices.

To save money, skip premade mixes and make your own. Combine tomato juice with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices like salt, pepper, and celery salt.

For a cheap garnish, use celery sticks, pickles, or olives you already have. If you want to splurge a little, add a slice of bacon or a shrimp.

You can easily adjust the spiciness to your taste. Add more hot sauce for extra kick or leave it out for a milder drink.

13. Cape Codder

The Cape Codder is a simple yet tasty cocktail you can make on a budget. It’s also known as a Vodka Cranberry.

To make this drink, you’ll need vodka and cranberry juice. Pour them over ice in a highball glass. Some recipes add a splash of orange juice for extra flavor.

The Cape Codder is tart and refreshing. It’s perfect for summer sipping. The cranberry juice masks the vodka taste, making it smooth and easy to drink.

You can adjust the strength by changing the vodka-to-juice ratio. This versatile cocktail is a great choice for budget-friendly home bartending.

14. Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is a classic tiki cocktail that’s both simple and flavorful. You can make a tasty version at home without breaking the bank.

Start with a mix of light and dark rum. Add fresh lime juice and a splash of orange curaçao. For sweetness, use orgeat syrup or simple syrup.

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig for a tropical touch.

While fancy bars might use premium rums, you can still make a great Mai Tai with more affordable options. The key is balancing the flavors and using fresh ingredients when possible.

15. Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea is a strong cocktail that packs a punch. It’s a mix of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec.

The cocktail gets its name from its appearance, which looks like iced tea. A splash of cola gives it this color and adds sweetness.

You can find Long Island Iced Teas at many bars. They’re often cheaper than other cocktails because they use small amounts of several spirits.

Be careful though – this drink is much stronger than it tastes. Sip slowly and enjoy responsibly.

16. Pimm’s Cup

Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing and affordable cocktail perfect for summer sipping. You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Start with Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur with a unique herbal flavor. Mix it with lemonade or ginger ale for a classic taste.

For extra flair, add fresh fruits like cucumber, strawberries, and orange slices as garnish. The cucumber pairs wonderfully with Pimm’s herbal notes.

This low-alcohol drink is great for daytime events or casual gatherings. Its modest price and simple preparation make it a budget-friendly choice for entertaining.

Understanding Drink Categories

Drinks come in many varieties. Knowing the main types can help you choose wisely. Here’s what you need to know about drink categories and common ingredients.

Alcoholic vs Non-Alcoholic

Alcoholic drinks contain ethanol. Beer, wine, and spirits fall into this group.

Beer usually has 4-6% alcohol. Wine ranges from 10-15%. Spirits like vodka or whiskey can have 40% or more.

Non-alcoholic drinks have no alcohol. This includes water, juice, soda, and milk.

Some drinks labeled “non-alcoholic” may have tiny amounts of alcohol (less than 0.5%).

Mocktails mimic cocktails without the alcohol. They use similar flavors and look like their boozy counterparts.

Popular Ingredients

Many drinks use common ingredients. Water is in most beverages. Fruit juices add flavor and vitamins. Sugar or sweeteners are common in soft drinks.

Carbonation gives fizz to sodas and sparkling waters. Coffee and tea provide caffeine. Milk and plant-based alternatives are bases for many drinks.

Alcohol comes from fermented grains, fruits, or vegetables. Mixers like tonic water or ginger ale are often added to spirits.

Herbs and spices can flavor both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Mint, cinnamon, and ginger are popular choices.

The Art of Mixing Cheap Drinks

Mixing cheap drinks can be fun and easy. With a few simple tricks, you can make tasty cocktails without spending a lot.

Balancing Flavors

Start with a cheap base spirit like vodka or rum.

Add fruit juices to bring in flavor and sweetness. Lime juice works well to balance out sweetness.

For a 2-ounce pour of liquor, use 4-6 ounces of mixer.

Try this simple mix:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• Splash of lime juice

Taste as you go and adjust. Too sweet? Add more lime. Too strong? Add more juice or soda water.

Presentation Tips

Use nice glasses to make cheap drinks look fancy. Mason jars or tall glasses work well.

Add ice to keep drinks cold and look refreshing.

Garnish with:

• Lemon or lime wedges
• Mint sprigs
• Fruit slices

Rim glasses with sugar or salt for extra flair.

Shake drinks with ice to make them frothy and cold. Serve over fresh ice in the glass.

Use colorful straws or umbrellas for a fun touch.

Remember, presentation can make a simple drink feel special.