John Collins

What is the difference between a Whiskey Sour, A Tom Collins, and a John Collins Cocktail?

A Whiskey Sour combines Whiskey, usually bourbon, with lemon juice and sugar, often complemented by a dash of egg white for smoothness and a maraschino cherry for garnish. This drink presents a robust whiskey flavor with a balanced sweetness and acidity but lacks the carbonation that defines Collins cocktails.

On the other hand, Tom Collins uses gin as its base spirit, bringing an herbal and often floral character to the drink. It shares the lemon juice and sugar with the Whiskey Sour but then diverges by adding a splash of carbonated water, typically club soda, for a refreshing effervescence. It’s served in a Collins glass, taller than the typical Whiskey Sour glass, and garnished with a cherry and a lemon slice, emphasizing its lighter, more effervescent nature.

Meanwhile, a John Collins takes a different path by using bourbon as its base spirit instead of the gin found in a Tom Collins. This substitution gives the cocktail a deeper, sweeter flavor profile, resonant with the caramel and vanilla bourbon notes. Like Tom Collins, it also contains lemon juice, sugar (usually simple syrup), and club soda, and it’s served in the same style of glass with similar garnishes. The John Collins offers a middle ground between a Whiskey Sour’s robustness and a Tom Collins’s botanical lightness, making it a versatile choice for many palates.

Variations

Time to expand your Collins game? Take a pick from our selection of variations:

• Whiskey Collins: Whiskey takes the lead, mixed with lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. This combination creates a smooth, warm contrast to the bright lemon flavor.
• Vodka Collins: Vodka’s neutrality allows the crisp flavors of lemon juice, sugar, and soda water to shine in this mix. It’s a clean and refreshing choice.
• Rum Collins: Swapping gin for rum, this version introduces a sweet, slightly molasses-like flavor, combined with lemon juice, sugar, and soda for a tropical twist.
• Bourbon Collins: Bourbon adds a rich, vanilla sweetness, paired with lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. This creates a robust, warming character.
• Brandy Collins: Brandy brings a fruitier, slightly oaky touch, mixed with lemon juice, sugar, and soda. It offers a sophisticated and refreshing profile.
• Mezcal Collins: Mezcal introduces a smoky element, combined with lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. I find the rustic edge of mezcal’s smokiness intriguing and delightfully different.
• Tequila Collins: Tequila adds an agave twist, lively and vibrant, mixed with lemon juice, sugar, and soda. The subtle agave undertone adds a unique character.
• Elderflower Collins: Elderflower liqueur adds a floral, sweet note, complementing the tartness of lemon. The elderflower’s subtle sweetness, which I particularly enjoy, feels like a gentle whisper of spring.
• Peach Collins: Peach, often from liqueur or purée, adds a fruity, summery vibe, mixed with the traditional ingredients. The natural sweetness of peach and the tartness of lemon create a harmony reminiscent of a warm summer day, which I adore.

History and Origins of the John Collins Cocktail

John Collins has a rich history that takes us back to 19th-century London. The cocktail’s origin is often attributed to a head waiter named John Collins, who worked at Limmer’s Old House, a popular hotel and coffee house on Conduit Street in Mayfair, during the early 19th century.  John Collins was known for his signature drink, a gin punch made with lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, which quickly gained popularity among the establishment’s patrons.

However, confusion arises with the Tom Collins, a similar cocktail that uses gin as the primary spirit. “Tom Collins” first appeared in 1876 in “The Bartender’s Guide” by Jerry Thomas, the father of American mixology. This new drink likely evolved from the John Collins but used Old Tom Gin, a slightly sweeter predecessor to London Dry Gin, instead of the traditional genever, the original gin used in the John Collins.

Over time, as the drink crossed the Atlantic and bourbon became more accessible, people started making the Collins with bourbon instead of gin. This variation stuck, and the John Collins became known as the bourbon-based drink we enjoy today.