John Collins
The John Collins is a refreshing classic cocktail that combines gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, served over ice in a tall glass. Garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry, this drink offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a perfect choice for warm weather. Its effervescent nature and zesty flavor profile have made it a timeless favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 ozBourbon
- 1 ozLemon juice
- 1 tsp superfineSugar
- 3 ozClub soda
- 1Maraschino cherry
- 1Orange
Pairs Well With
- Smoked salmon sandwiches
- Lemon chicken
- Caesar salad
- Grilled vegetable skewers
- Lemon tart
Preparation
Pour all ingredients directly into highball glass filled with ice. Stir gently. Garnish. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
Best Enjoyed
Pro Tips
Use London Dry style gin for classic flavor profile
Fresh lemon juice is essential - never use sour mix
Simple syrup should be equal parts sugar and water
Shake vigorously with ice before straining
Top with quality soda water and stir gently for even carbonation
History & Origins
The John Collins represents a foundational family of collins-style cocktails, emerging from 19th-century American bartending traditions and named after a specific head bartender of that era. This gin-based drink became a template for countless variations like the Tom Collins, embodying the principles of balance and refreshment central to classic cocktail design. The John Collins represents the systematization of cocktail recipes during the golden age of American saloon culture.
Variations
Tom Collins
A gin variation that became more popular than the original
Pedro Collins
A rum-based version using white rum instead of gin
Vodka Collins
A modern adaptation using vodka as the spirit base
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