Two ingredients, 50/50. Drinks don’t get any easier.

What’s better than a cocktail with just two ingredients? One that’s a 50/50 split. Equal parts, baby – like yin and yang, the top of a neenish tart, or Bert and Ernie. Two parts that are different but complementary, coming together to create one (aww, how sweet). A 50/50 cocktail might sound like a “chuck-it-in-and-serve” situation, but don’t be fooled – there’s a sneaky art to these simple duo drinks. So, grab a glass, and let’s dive in to five of our favourites.

Stirring a Carajillo cocktail, made of coffee and Licor 43

1. Carajillo

We love a coffee cocktail, and this two-toned beauty is doubly delicious. Pronounced ca-ra-hiyo, the origins of the Carajillo are a bit murky – some say it was a pre-dawn pick-me-up in Spanish bars (hello, Irish Coffee), while others reckon it was invented by Spanish soldiers during Cuba's occupation. What’s not up for debate, though, is how bloody tasty this drink is. Made with 45mL of Licor 43 (that’s 43 secret herbs, spices, and fruits) and 45mL of coffee, the Carajillo hits all the right notes: complex and bittersweet. To make it, simply pour your Licor 43 over a chunk of ice, and then, using the back of a bar spoon, gently pour your cold espresso over it to create a float. The result? A stunning two-toned cocktail that’s a fab replacement for the Espresso Martini (yawn) at the start of a night out or to accompany dessert.

2. M&M

No, not America’s Smarties rip-off, we’re talking about the bittersweet, flavour-packed M&M cocktail – standing for mezcal and Montenegro. This cocktail was crafted by Marco Montefiori of Amaro Montenegro and Robert Krueger of Employee’s Only in New York. With a similar flavour profile to a Negroni, the M&M cocktail is just 40 mL equal parts mezcal and Montenegro stirred down and served over ice. It’s strong, spirit-forward, and bittersweet, so dilution is key. Taste-test as you stir to ensure the right amount of water breaks through to alleviate the sharp, bittersweet stiffness of the drink. This one makes an excellent digestif and pairs wonderfully with a hunk of hard, punchy cheese.

3. Kalimotxo

Here’s another Spanish gem – the Kalimotxo. This one’s easy, no-fuss, and perfect for a relaxed evening. Sure, some may wrinkle their noses at this equal-parts mix of red wine and cola, but we say don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Basically, it’s a stripped-back Sangria minus the fruity extras. Legend has it the Kalimotxo was born out of the need to rescue faulty or overripe red wine, and it’s as tasty as it is quirky. The wine (usually grenache or tempranillo) brings fruity complexity, while the cola adds sweetness, herby notes, and a bit of fizz. As far as duo cocktails go, this Spanish beauty is one of the easiest – just 125mL of each one over plenty of ice. Throw in a lemon slice if you're feeling fancy. It’s the perfect aperitif, especially alongside your favourite salty snack (we’re all about a big bag of chips).

Holding up a Kalimotxo, which combines Coke with red wine

4. 50/50 Martini

And now, the pièce de résistance of equal-parts cocktails – the 50/50 Martini. Just 40mL of gin, 40mL of vermouth, served as cold as you can make it – like ice cold. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. The Martini, in any form – dirty, dry, or wet – demands a little elbow grease, a bit of love, and heaps of patience. But once you nail it, the pay-off is worth it. To prep the 50/50 Martini, stir it down over wet ice (we’ve covered wet ice and stirring here). The best way to know when it’s ready is by taking a barspoon and dropping a little on the back of your hand for a wee taste-test. Once you’re happy with the dilution, grab your glasses from the freezer (naturally) and pour. Garnish with a big, meaty Spanish olive, a twist of lemon rind (pre-prepped, of course), or both. We love a 50/50 at the start of a meal or alongside oysters, but honestly, this is the kind of drink you can have any time.

Holding a French Connection cocktail, combining amaretto and Cognac

5. French Connection

Named after the 1971 film, this drink combines 45mL of amaretto and 45mL of Cognac. It’s a close cousin to the whisky-based Godfather cocktail, which, fun fact, is also named after a movie (no prizes for guessing which one). Since this drink is super sweet and fruity, make sure to stir it down properly for good dilution. Again, taste-test as you on the back of your hand. Is it tacky to sip on one while watching The French Connection with some Sharp & Crumbly Mersey Valley cheese? Maybe. Should you do it anyway? Abso-bloody-lutely.