Equal Parts, Infinite Possibilities
Equal parts cocktails are a mixologist’s secret weapon: easy to remember, balanced by design, and endlessly adaptable. With just four ingredients in equal measure, they deliver complexity without complexity.
Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just starting your journey, these recipes are approachable, versatile, and nearly impossible to mess up. In fact, some of the most iconic cocktails in history — like the Last Word and Paper Plane — follow this formula.
This post brings together some of my favorite equal parts cocktails: from classics to bold originals I’ve crafted along the way. Each one includes a visual preview and links to the full recipe. Let’s explore what’s possible with just four bottles and a shaker.
🌿 Modern Classics
Paper Plane
Bourbon • Aperol • Amaro Nonino • Lemon
Created by Sam Ross. A bittersweet modern classic with incredible balance.
Last Word
Gin • Green Chartreuse • Maraschino Liqueur • Lime
The 1915 original that started it all. Bold botanicals and perfect balance.
Between the Sheets
Cognac • Dry Curaçao • Rum • Lemon
A 1920s Sidecar variation that trades sugar for sultry smoothness.
Naked & Famous
Mezcal • Aperol • Yellow Chartreuse • Lime
Joaquín Simó’s cult-favorite hybrid of the Last Word and Paper Plane.
🔥 Spicy or Bold Profiles
Spicy Dead Lady
Mezcal • Aperol • Falernum • Lime + Chili Bitters
Smoky, sweet, sour, and spicy — an equal parts flavor bomb.
Half-hour Flight
Bourbon • Aperol • Ancho Reyes • Lemon
A spicy, smoky Paper Plane variation with savory heat from Ancho.
Dangerous Dove
Pineapple-Jalapeño Tequila • Ancho Reyes • Grand Marnier • Grapefruit
Tropical, spicy, and bright — a high-octane tribute to the Paloma.
Monologue
Rum • Blood Orange Liqueur • Jägermeister • Lemon
A bold and citrusy Last Word riff featuring unexpected depth from Jäger.
🍊 Floral & Fruity Twists
Sunflower
Gin • Kumquat Liqueur • Elderflower • Lemon • Absinthe rinse
Corpse-Reviver DNA with gin, kumquat, elderflower, and an absinthe kiss — bright and elegant.
Express & Discard
Bourbon • Orange Curaçao • Maraschino Liqueur • Lemon
A citrus-forward Paper Plane twist: bourbon, curaçao & maraschino, finished with an orange-peel flourish.
Toucan
Rum • Banana Liqueur • Yellow Chartreuse • Lime
A playful take on the Yellow Bird — tropical and fruity with balance.
Sideways in Reverse
Apple Brandy • Campari • Elderflower • Lime
From Philly’s Franklin Bar. Bittersweet and complex, with a grapefruit-like twist.
Paper Crane
Shochu • Yellow Chartreuse • Yuzu Liqueur • Preserve Liqueur
A delicate, Japan-inspired riff with layers of citrus and floral notes.
🥂 Keep Exploring
Equal parts cocktails prove that simplicity doesn’t mean boring. With just four bottles and a little creativity, you can create drinks that are balanced, bold, and unforgettable.
I’ll continue updating this series as I discover and develop more. If you’ve made one of these, tag me @thejoyofdrinking or drop a comment — I’d love to hear what you think!
