John Collins Cocktail recipe
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John Collins sits in the Collins family of tall, sparkling gin sours—built long with citrus, sugar, and soda for an easy, refreshing serve. You’ll often hear it linked to 19th‑century London, where a headwaiter named John Collins is said to have popularised a gin punch-style drink that evolved into today’s template. Over time, the “Collins” format becomes a staple: bright, lengthened, and endlessly adaptable, but always anchored by spirit, lemon, sweetness, and fizz.
With gin as the backbone, you get crisp, botanical lift that plays neatly against the direct tartness of lemon juice. Sugar or simple syrup smooths the edges, rounding the citrus into a balanced, lemonade-like sweetness without dulling the gin. Soda water stretches everything into a light, effervescent sip, while a couple dashes of aromatic bitters add a subtle spiced snap that keeps the finish dry and moreish.
Serve it when you want something sessionable and upbeat—ideal for warm afternoons, casual get-togethers, or as a bright opener before dinner. If you like gin and tonic but want more citrus structure and a touch more depth, this is your lane; it’s also a friendly choice for anyone who enjoys a classic sour made longer and lighter.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Gin leads with bright lemon juice and simple syrup in a tall, fizzy frame of soda water, while a couple dashes of aromatic bitters add a dry, spiced edge that lingers after each sip. The soda water lifts and lengthens the sweet‑tart core, and the bitters keep the sugar in check, making it ideal for anyone who wants an easy, refreshing gin drink with a crisp finish.
Method
How to make a John Collins
- Gin 45ml, Lemon juice 30ml, Soda water 60ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml, Aromatic bitters Couple dashes
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- Pour all ingredients except the bitters directly into highball glass filled with ice
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- Stir gently
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- Garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry and serve
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the John Collins cocktail?
The John Collins cocktail is named after a headwaiter who worked at Limmer's Old House in London during the 19th century. The creation of the cocktail is attributed to him, and it's believed to have been first made in the 1820s. The drink became widely popular in England and eventually made its way across the globe.
Why is the John Collins cocktail stirred and not shaken?
The John Collins cocktail is stirred and not shaken to maintain the clarity and texture of the drink. Shaking can introduce air bubbles and create a cloudy appearance, while stirring gently combines the ingredients while preserving the soda water's carbonation, leading to a smooth and visually appealing cocktail.
What are some traditional garnishes for a John Collins?
A traditional John Collins is typically garnished with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry. These garnishes add a pop of color and a hint of additional flavor that complements the citrus notes of the cocktail.
How does the alcohol content in a John Collins compare to other classic cocktails?
With an alcohol content of roughly 12%, the John Collins has a relatively moderate alcohol content when compared to other classic cocktails. For instance, a Martini or a Manhattan typically has a higher alcohol content, ranging from 25% to 30%, making the John Collins a lighter option suitable for social occasions where guests might prefer a less potent drink.
What is the ideal occasion to serve a John Collins?
The John Collins, with its refreshing and moderately alcoholic profile, is perfect for serving at summer parties, outdoor barbecues, or any casual gathering. Its light and effervescent nature makes it an excellent choice for daytime events or as a welcome drink to kick off an evening.
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