Jacques Pepin's 2-Ingredient Cocktail Is the Simplest Way to Feel Fancy at Home

"There's one simple pleasure I look forward to most after an especially long day: enjoying a drink on my couch, likely with some takeout or instant noodles. But when I'm tired and trying to decide what beverage to sip while I unwind, I'm rarely in search of something complicated. A glass of wine is perfect, and if I'm in the mood for a cocktail, I certainly won't be making something as elaborate as a Ramos Gin Fizz."

"During the 54 years he spent dining with his wife, the French chef recalls that the pair usually enjoyed a glass of wine. "But occasionally we did what I call a Reverse Manhattan, which was just plain vermouth, a piece of lemon, and then a tablespoon of gin or vodka or scotch or something like that on top. Just a touch of it.""

Two-ingredient cocktails are ideal for unwinding after long days when a simple, low-effort beverage is preferred. A Reverse Manhattan blends mostly vermouth with a piece of lemon and a tablespoon of gin, vodka, or scotch added on top, delivering a subtle spirit note. The drink tastes more complex than a basic highball while requiring the same minimal steps. The formula mirrors a pre-dinner ritual and accommodates lighter evening routines and changing appetites, offering an elegant, approachable option for solitary meals or casual dinners with company.

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