Ordinary Drink
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.
- refreshing
- citrusy
- slightly sweet
- effervescent
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Collins glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
Few ordinary drink recipes deliver refreshing and citrusy quite like the John Collins. It leads with bourbon and comes together in about 5 minutes. If you've searched for "brunch", this is the recipe to bookmark.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Collins glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 2 ozBourbon
- 1 ozLemon juice
- 1 tsp superfineSugar
- 3 ozClub soda
- 1Maraschino cherry
- 1Orange
Method
Preparation
- 01
Pour all ingredients directly into highball glass filled with ice. Stir gently. Garnish. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
Origin
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.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Use London Dry style gin for classic flavor profile
From James
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
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
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
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The John Collins has a flavor profile that is refreshing, citrusy, slightly sweet, effervescent. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The John Collins is ideal for brunch gatherings, outdoor picnics, casual get-togethers. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a John Collins. If you cannot source Bourbon, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular John Collins variations include Tom Collins, Pedro Collins, Vodka Collins. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The John Collins is traditionally served in a Collins glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Collins glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the John Collins is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
Other Bourbon Cocktails
Allegheny
The Allegheny is a refreshing cocktail that beautifully balances the earthy notes of rye whiskey with the herbal complexity of sweet vermouth and a hint of orange bitters. Garnished with a twist of orange peel, it offers a sophisticated blend of flavors that evoke the spirit of the Allegheny River region. Perfect for sipping on a cozy evening, this drink showcases a harmonious interplay of warmth and zest.
Kentucky B And B
The Kentucky B and B is a delightful cocktail that blends the rich flavors of bourbon with the herbal notes of Benedictine liqueur. Served over ice with a twist of lemon, this drink offers a smooth and warming experience, perfect for sipping on a cozy evening. Its harmonious balance of sweetness and depth makes it a sophisticated choice for bourbon lovers.
Raspberry Julep
The Raspberry Julep is a refreshing twist on the classic mint julep, combining muddled fresh raspberries with fragrant mint leaves and a splash of simple syrup. Served over crushed ice and topped with bourbon, this vibrant cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweetness and herbal notes, making it the perfect drink for warm summer evenings. Garnished with a sprig of mint and a few whole raspberries, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Classic Old-Fashioned
The Classic Old-Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that embodies sophistication with its simple yet rich flavors. Made with a blend of bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, Angostura bitters, and a twist of citrus, it is served over ice and garnished with an orange slice or cherry, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. This drink is a favorite for those who appreciate the art of mixology and the elegance of traditional cocktails.
Other brunch gatherings Cocktails
Yoghurt Cooler
The Yoghurt Cooler is a refreshing cocktail that combines creamy yogurt with zesty citrus and a hint of sweetness, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Served over ice and garnished with fresh mint or fruit, this drink is perfect for warm days or as a unique addition to any gathering. Its smooth texture and vibrant taste make it a standout choice for those looking to indulge in something both light and satisfying.
Vodka Lemon
Vodka Lemon is a refreshing cocktail that combines smooth vodka with zesty lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Often served over ice, it can be garnished with a lemon slice or twist for an extra burst of citrus flavor. This simple yet invigorating drink is ideal for warm days or casual gatherings.
Ace
The Ace cocktail is a refreshing blend of gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, creating a vibrant and zesty flavor profile. Garnished with a sprig of mint and a twist of lemon peel, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it the perfect drink for any occasion. Enjoy it chilled to elevate your spirits!
Bumble Bee
The Bumble Bee is a delightful cocktail that combines the sweetness of honey with the bright flavors of fresh citrus. Typically made with gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup, it offers a refreshing balance of tart and sweet, making it a perfect choice for warm evenings. Garnished with a lemon twist, this drink is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Similar Flavor Profiles
Radler
Radler is a refreshing German cocktail that combines equal parts of beer and lemonade, creating a light and zesty drink perfect for warm weather. Traditionally enjoyed by cyclists, its low alcohol content makes it an ideal choice for a leisurely afternoon. The balance of hoppy beer and sweet citrus makes Radler a delightful thirst-quencher.
Old Cuban
The Old Cuban is a sophisticated cocktail that elegantly blends aged rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and simple syrup, topped with sparkling wine for a refreshing effervescence. This delightful drink is garnished with a sprig of mint, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it an ideal choice for any celebration or a stylish evening. Its rich flavors and bubbly finish create a luxurious experience that pays homage to classic cocktail traditions.
Derby
The Derby is a refreshing classic cocktail that combines bourbon, sweet vermouth, and fresh mint, creating a vibrant and aromatic drink. Often garnished with a sprig of mint and a twist of citrus, it beautifully balances the warmth of the bourbon with herbal and fruity notes, making it a perfect choice for spring and summer gatherings. This cocktail pays homage to the Kentucky Derby, celebrating the spirit of the event with every sip.
Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a refreshing cocktail that combines gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, creating a light and effervescent drink. Served over ice, this classic concoction is known for its bright citrus flavor and bubbly texture, making it a perfect choice for warm weather or festive occasions. Garnished with a lemon slice or twist, the Gin Fizz is both invigorating and timeless.
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