Duos and trios are a family of mixed drink

Mixed drink

A mixed drink is a beverage in which two or more ingredients are mixed. Some mixed drinks are alcoholic beverages that contain liquor; others are non-alcoholic.-Types:Some popular types of mixed drinks are:...

s. A duo contains a spirit

Distilled beverage

A distilled beverage, liquor, or spirit is an alcoholic beverage containing ethanol that is produced by distilling ethanol produced by means of fermenting grain, fruit, or vegetables...

 and a liqueur

Liqueur

A liqueur is an alcoholic beverage that has been flavored with fruit, herbs, nuts, spices, flowers, or cream and bottled with added sugar. Liqueurs are typically quite sweet; they are usually not aged for long but may have resting periods during their production to allow flavors to marry.The...

; a trio additionally contains a creamy ingredient. Commonly used creamy ingredients are cream

Cream

Cream is a dairy product that is composed of the higher-butterfat layer skimmed from the top of milk before homogenization. In un-homogenized milk, over time, the lighter fat rises to the top. In the industrial production of cream this process is accelerated by using centrifuges called "separators"...

 and Irish cream

Irish Cream

Irish cream is a cream liqueur based on Irish whiskey, cream, and other ingredients such as coffee, which can be served on its own or used in mixed drinks or as part of a shot or a whole shot. Irish cream is very popular in the United Kingdom and the United States. Irish cream typically has between...

.

This family of drinks is named in Gary Regan's The Joy of Mixology. There is much variation in their ingredients, but their defining feature is that they are sweet

Sweetness

Sweetness is one of the five basic tastes and is almost universally regarded as a pleasurable experience. Foods rich in simple carbohydrates such as sugar are those most commonly associated with sweetness, although there are other natural and artificial compounds that are sweet at much lower...

 due to their liqueur content.

Duos

B and B: Cognac

Cognac (drink)

Cognac , named after the town of Cognac in France, is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name, in the French Departements of Charente and Charente-Maritime....

 and Bénédictine

Benedictine

Benedictine refers to the spirituality and consecrated life in accordance with the Rule of St Benedict, written by Benedict of Nursia in the sixth century for the cenobitic communities he founded in central Italy. The most notable of these is Monte Cassino, the first monastery founded by Benedict...

Black Russian

Black Russian

The Black Russian is a cocktail of vodka and coffee liqueur and sometimes mixed with Cola. When topped with Cola, it is referred to as a Dirty Black Russian, as opposed to Clean when without it...

: Vodka

Vodka

Vodka , is a distilled beverage. It is composed primarily of water and ethanol with traces of impurities and flavorings. Vodka is made by the distillation of fermented substances such as grains, potatoes, or sometimes fruits....

 and Kahlúa

Kahlúa

Kahlúa is a Mexican coffee-flavored rum-based liqueur. It is dense and sweet, with the distinct taste of coffee, from which it is made. Kahlúa also contains sugar, corn syrup and vanilla bean.-History:...

 (coffee liqueur) (IBA Official Cocktail

IBA Official Cocktail

An IBA Official Cocktail is one of many cocktails selected by the International Bartenders Association for use in the annual World Cocktail Competition in bartending...

)
Black Nail: Irish whisky and Irish Mist
Brave Bull: Tequila

Tequila

Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands of the western Mexican state of Jalisco....

 and Kahlúa
Death in the Afternoon: Absinthe

Absinthe

Absinthe is historically described as a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage. It is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from herbs, including the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, commonly referred to as "grande wormwood", together with green anise and sweet fennel...

 and a small amount of Champagne
Dirty Mother: Brandy

Brandy

Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume and is typically taken as an after-dinner drink...

 and Kahlúa
Dubonnet Cocktail: Gin

Gin

Gin is a spirit which derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries . Although several different styles of gin have existed since its origins, it is broadly differentiated into two basic legal categories...

 and red Dubonnet

Dubonnet

Dubonnet is a sweet, wine-based aperitif. It is a blend of fortified wine, herbs, and spices , with fermentation being stopped by the addition of alcohol....

Gimlet

Gimlet (cocktail)

The gimlet is a cocktail made of gin and lime juice. A 1928 description of the drink was: "gin, a spot of lime, and soda" . A 1953 description was: "a real gimlet is half gin and half Rose's lime juice and nothing else" .For the vodka gimlet, replace gin with vodka...

: Gin and Rose's Lime (optional sweet & sour)
Godfather: Amaretto

Amaretto

Amaretto is an Italian sweet almond-flavoured liqueur. It is made from a base of apricot or almond pits, sometimes both.-Etymology:The name is a diminutive of the Italian amaro, meaning "bitter," indicating the distinctive flavour lent by the mandorla amara--the bitter almond or the drupe kernel...

 and scotch

Scotch whisky

Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland.Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky , Blended Grain Scotch Whisky, and Blended Scotch Whisky.All Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three...

Godmother: Amaretto and vodka
Green Hornet

Stinger (cocktail)

A stinger is a Duo cocktail made by adding crème de menthe to a spirit.The classic recipe is based on brandy and white crème de menthe, shaken and served in a cocktail glass. The origins of this drink are unclear, but it is mentioned in bartender's recipe books as far back as Tom Bullock's Ideal...

: Brandy

Brandy

Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume and is typically taken as an after-dinner drink...

 and green crème de menthe

Crème de menthe

Crème de menthe is a sweet, mint-flavored alcoholic beverage. Its flavor is primarily derived from Corsican mint. It is available commercially in a colorless and a green version...

French Connection

French Connection (cocktail)

A French connection is a cocktail made with equal parts Cognac and Amaretto liqueur.-Recipe:Ingredients:*35 ml Cognac*35 ml Amaretto liqueurMixing Instructions:Pour all ingredients directly into a snifter with ice cubes. Stir gently....

: Amaretto and Cognac

Royal Widow: Crown Royal

Crown Royal

Crown Royal is a blended Canadian whisky, 40% alcohol by volume, 80 proof. The brand is currently owned by Diageo, who purchased it when the Seagram portfolio was dissolved in the year 2000. It is the top-selling Canadian whisky in the United States....

 (Canadian whiskey) and amaretto
Rusty Nail: Scotch and Drambuie

Drambuie

Drambuie is a sweet, golden colored 80-proof liqueur made from malt whisky, honey, herbs, and spices.Produced in Broxburn, West Lothian, Scotland, it is served straight, on the rocks, or added to mixed drinks such as the Rusty Nail....

 (IBA Official Cocktail)
Stinger

Stinger (cocktail)

A stinger is a Duo cocktail made by adding crème de menthe to a spirit.The classic recipe is based on brandy and white crème de menthe, shaken and served in a cocktail glass. The origins of this drink are unclear, but it is mentioned in bartender's recipe books as far back as Tom Bullock's Ideal...

: Brandy

Brandy

Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume and is typically taken as an after-dinner drink...

 and white crème de menthe
Vodka Gimlet

Gimlet (cocktail)

The gimlet is a cocktail made of gin and lime juice. A 1928 description of the drink was: "gin, a spot of lime, and soda" . A 1953 description was: "a real gimlet is half gin and half Rose's lime juice and nothing else" .For the vodka gimlet, replace gin with vodka...

: Vodka and Rose's Lime (optional sweet & sour)
Vodka Stinger

Stinger (cocktail)

A stinger is a Duo cocktail made by adding crème de menthe to a spirit.The classic recipe is based on brandy and white crème de menthe, shaken and served in a cocktail glass. The origins of this drink are unclear, but it is mentioned in bartender's recipe books as far back as Tom Bullock's Ideal...

: Vodka and white crème de menthe
Widow's Cork: Jameson Whiskey and amaretto

B and B

A "B and B" is made from equal parts of cognac

Cognac (drink)

Cognac , named after the town of Cognac in France, is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name, in the French Departements of Charente and Charente-Maritime....

 (brandy

Brandy

Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume and is typically taken as an after-dinner drink...

) and Bénédictine

Benedictine

Benedictine refers to the spirituality and consecrated life in accordance with the Rule of St Benedict, written by Benedict of Nursia in the sixth century for the cenobitic communities he founded in central Italy. The most notable of these is Monte Cassino, the first monastery founded by Benedict...

. It is typically served on the rocks, but may also be served straight. The producers of Bénédictine market this cocktail ready-mixed under the label "B & B."

Chris Robinson  of the Black Crowes mentions "B & B and a little weed" in "Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye."

Brave Bull

A Brave Bull is made by mixing tequila and Kahlúa.

Dirty Mother

A Dirty Mother is made by mixing brandy and Kahlúa

Kahlúa

Kahlúa is a Mexican coffee-flavored rum-based liqueur. It is dense and sweet, with the distinct taste of coffee, from which it is made. Kahlúa also contains sugar, corn syrup and vanilla bean.-History:...

.

Rusty Nail

A Rusty Nail is made by mixing Drambuie

Drambuie

Drambuie is a sweet, golden colored 80-proof liqueur made from malt whisky, honey, herbs, and spices.Produced in Broxburn, West Lothian, Scotland, it is served straight, on the rocks, or added to mixed drinks such as the Rusty Nail....

 and Scotch

Scotch whisky

Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland.Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky , Blended Grain Scotch Whisky, and Blended Scotch Whisky.All Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three...

. Many prefer less Drambuie to decrease the sweetness of the drink. Scotch has a fairly biting and hot taste that is counterbalanced by the honeyed, herbal overtones of the Drambuie. A Rusty Nail can be served in an old-fashioned glass on the rocks, neat, or "up" in a stemmed glass. It is most commonly served over ice. A Rusty Nail served without ice is sometimes called a Straight Up Nail. The Canadian version of the drink is called a "Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland (politician)

Donald Sutherland, PC was a Canadian politician.Born in Zorra Township, Canada West, he was first ran for the Canadian House of Commons in the riding of Oxford South in the 1908 federal election. He was defeated but was elected in the 1911 federal election. A Conservative, he was re-elected in...

" and substitutes rye whiskey for Scotch.

Trios

ABC Cocktail: Amaretto

Amaretto

Amaretto is an Italian sweet almond-flavoured liqueur. It is made from a base of apricot or almond pits, sometimes both.-Etymology:The name is a diminutive of the Italian amaro, meaning "bitter," indicating the distinctive flavour lent by the mandorla amara--the bitter almond or the drupe kernel...

, Baileys Irish Cream

Baileys Irish Cream

Baileys Irish Cream is an Irish whiskey and cream based liqueur, made by Gilbeys of Ireland. The trademark is currently owned by Diageo. It has a declared alcohol content of 17% alcohol by volume...

, and Cognac

Cognac (drink)

Cognac , named after the town of Cognac in France, is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name, in the French Departements of Charente and Charente-Maritime....

Alexander

Alexander (cocktail)

The Alexander is a gin cocktail consisting of gin, Chocolate Liqueur , and Cream.-Recipes for Mixed Drinks, by Hugo Ensslin, 1915:Alexander Cocktail*1/3 El Bart gin*1/3 Crème de Cacao*1/3 Sweet Cream...

: equal parts gin

Gin

Gin is a spirit which derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries . Although several different styles of gin have existed since its origins, it is broadly differentiated into two basic legal categories...

, crème de cacao, and half and half

Half and half

Half and half refers to various beverages or liquid foods made of an equal-parts mixture of two substances, including dairy products, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks...

, mixed in a cocktail shaker

Cocktail shaker

A cocktail shaker is a device used to mix beverages by shaking. When ice is put in the shaker this allows for a quicker cooling of the drink before serving....

 with ice, and poured into a cocktail glass. Sometimes topped with grated nutmeg

Nutmeg

The nutmeg tree is any of several species of trees in genus Myristica. The most important commercial species is Myristica fragrans, an evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas of Indonesia...

 or cinnamon

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is used in both sweet and savoury foods...

. The Alexander is the ancestor of the Brandy Alexander.
Appletini

Appletini

An apple martini is a cocktail containing vodka and one or more of apple juice, apple cider, apple liqueur, or apple brandy. Optionally, vermouth may be included, as in a regular martini...

 or Apple Martini: vodka

Vodka

Vodka , is a distilled beverage. It is composed primarily of water and ethanol with traces of impurities and flavorings. Vodka is made by the distillation of fermented substances such as grains, potatoes, or sometimes fruits....

, apple liqueur, and Cointreau

Cointreau

Cointreau is a brand of triple sec produced in Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, France. It is drunk as an apéritif and digestif, and is a component of several well-known cocktails. It was originally called "Curaçao Blanco Triple Sec".-Production:...

 (IBA Official Cocktail

IBA Official Cocktail

An IBA Official Cocktail is one of many cocktails selected by the International Bartenders Association for use in the annual World Cocktail Competition in bartending...

)
Bloody Aztec: tequila

Tequila

Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands of the western Mexican state of Jalisco....

, cream, crème de cacao, and red food coloring

Food coloring

Food coloring is a substance, liquid or powder, that is added to food or drink to change its color. Food coloring is used both in commercial food production and in domestic cooking...

Brandy Alexander: Brandy, dark crème de cacao, and cream or half-and-half
Chocolate Martini: Vodka, chocolate liqueur, and cream or half-and-half
Cognac Alexander: Cognac, dark crème de cacao, and cream or half-and-half
Colorado Bulldog (aka .357): Vodka, Kahlúa, cream, and a splash of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...

, optionally garnished with hazelnuts
Dirty White Mother: brandy, Kahlúa, and cream
Godchild or Goddaughter: Amaretto

Amaretto

Amaretto is an Italian sweet almond-flavoured liqueur. It is made from a base of apricot or almond pits, sometimes both.-Etymology:The name is a diminutive of the Italian amaro, meaning "bitter," indicating the distinctive flavour lent by the mandorla amara--the bitter almond or the drupe kernel...

, vodka and cream or half-and-half
Irish Flag: green crème de menthe

Crème de menthe

Crème de menthe is a sweet, mint-flavored alcoholic beverage. Its flavor is primarily derived from Corsican mint. It is available commercially in a colorless and a green version...

, Baileys Irish cream, and whiskey, layered in a shot glass

Shot glass

A shot glass is a small glass designed to hold or measure spirits or liquor, which is either drunk straight from the glass or poured into a mixed drink....

Mudslide: vodka, Kahlúa, Irish cream, and cream
Panama: Cognac, white crème de cacao, and cream; garnish with nutmeg if desired. The drink was popular during the early 20th century. It is sometimes confused with the "Brandy Alexander

Brandy Alexander

Brandy Alexander is a sweet, brandy-based cocktail consisting of cognac and crème de cacao that became popular during the early 20th century.It was supposedly created at the time of the wedding of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles, in London, in 1922...

", which is made with dark instead of white crème de cacao.
White Russian

White Russian (cocktail)

A White Russian is a sweet cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueurs , and cream served with ice in an Old Fashioned glass...

: Vodka, Kahlúa, and cream (IBA Official Cocktail)