Sure, you could make a G&T, but doesn’t Campari and IPA sound so much more fun?

No shade to complicated drinks – the ones with a million steps that involve seven types of strainers or juicing the flesh of Davidson’s plums with nothing but your elbows. They’re great and we appreciate them, but sometimes, those really nifty two-ingredient wonders catch you by surprise. Not just because they’re so easy to make, but also because the two elements in the cocktail just connect and complement each other so well. It’s kind of like salt and pepper, yin and yang, or Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. So, if you’re looking for a no-fuss, super-yum cocktail, check out these two-ingredient winners.

A bottle of Campari and a can of IPA, and the cocktail that mixes the two.

1. Campari and IPA

Beer in a cocktail is a baller move. And this little two-ingredient beauty is super delish. It’s kind of reminiscent of an Americano — playing off that Campari and bubbles vibe – but instead, switches out the soda for beer and omits the sweet vermouth. You end up with this light, bubbly, bitter drink that is perfect for sipping or enjoying as an aperitif before dinner. Of course, your choice of beer will change the flavour. We opt for a bright and fruity, West Coast-style IPA. Again, super simple to make, requiring only a Collins glass and ice. Pour 45mL of Campari over the ice and top with beer (about half a bottle is ideal) – or float your Campari on top of the beer for a lovely layered effect. A fancy little lemon twist garnish doesn’t go astray, either.

Try mixing: Campari and Pirate Life Brewing IPA.

2. Calvados and Cider

This one is a no-brainer. Want to know why? Both these ingredients are made with apples. So, if you don’t like apples, maybe this isn't the drink for you. But if a whole new level of apple goodness sounds like your idea of heaven, this two-ingredient cocktail is a cinch to make. Just build it in a Collins glass with a load of ice and, hey presto, you’re done. Again, there is some leeway with how you want this drink to taste. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, opt for a sweeter-styled cider and a touch more ice. If you like something a bit drier, go for dry-styled cider and less ice. In terms of measurements, start with a ratio of one part Calvados to three parts cider, and adjust from there to your taste.

Try mixing: Christian Drouin Calvados and CBCo Brewing Bertie Apple Cider.

3. Dark ’N’ Stormy

Now, we’re cheating a little bit with this one. In its simplest form, a Dark ’N’ Stormy is made with just rum, or spiced rum, and ginger beer but, traditionally, the recipe calls for a hit of lime as well. If you’re like us and limes are a staple in your fruit bowl, then go right ahead and include it, but know that in a pinch you can make a delicious beverage with just the two bottles. There are a few ways to serve up a Dark ’N’ Stormy. The first is to shake the lime and rum with ice, strain into a glass and top with ginger beer. The second is to simply pour all your ingredients into a glass with ice and stir. The third is to pour your ginger beer into a glass filled with ice and float the rum, which means pouring the rum over the back of a spoon so the alcohol sits on the top.

Try mixing: Red Leg Spiced Rum and Strangelove Hot Ginger Beer.

A Dark ’N’ Stormy with a bottle of spiced rum and ginger beer.

4. Classic Martini

The most important two-ingredient tipple (unless you like things dirty) is the Vodka or Gin Martini. It is the king of cocktails – sophisticated, suave, complex and oh-so delicious. While our other two-ingredient wonders are super easy to make, the Martini requires some patience and practice to perfect – mainly because it's up to your own tastebuds. If you like a Martini wet, then add more vermouth. If a dry Martini is more your speed, then back off on the vermouth. If wet and dry mean nothing to you, first read our article on Martini terminology. But one consistent with the Martini is dilution, which comes from stirring your ingredients with ice. Get this right and the Martini should be the best drink you’ve ever had.

Try mixing: Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin with Noilly Prat French Dry Vermouth.

A Mulberry Gin Spritz, made from sparkling rosé and mulberry gin.

5. Mulberry Gin Spritz

Dark berry meets crisp gin meets bubbly rosé – this simplified spritzer is too easy for how good it tastes. Our colleague gave us the hot tip on this beautifully gothic-looking beverage and it’s safe to say this sweet, zippy cocktail is foolproof. Take 10mL of mulberry gin (made in the style of traditional English sloe gin), and simply top with sparkling. The gin adds a sharpness, but also a natural sweetness from the mulberries, while the rosé keeps it light, spritzy and fun. It’s not a serious drink, but it looks elegant as hell and it’ll keep you and your guests happy. For a tad more complexity, try squeezing in a little lemon juice and a couple dashes of bitters.

Try mixing: Kangaroo Island Spirits Mulberry Gin and Grant Burge Rosé Brut.