Refresh yourself with this easy John Collins recipe! This cool cocktail is a summer hit with bourbon, lemon juice, and a bit of simple syrup.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
175
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice - freshly squeezed
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Club soda - to top
- Maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional
- Orange slice - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Collins Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Collins glass with ice cubes and stir them.
- Mix Ingredients: In the shaker, combine ½ oz simple syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, and 2 oz Bourbon.
- Shake: Add ice and shake until well chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your ice-filled Collins glass.
- Add Club Soda: Top with club soda, adjusting the quantity to your taste preference.
- Garnish: Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: I've experimented with different spirits in the past. Using gin instead of bourbon turns this into a Tom Collins. A good quality whiskey or rum can bring interesting twists to the drink's flavor profile if you're out of bourbon.
- Simple Syrup: If I'm out of simple syrup, I dissolve granulated sugar in equal water, heating it gently if necessary. Honey also works as a sweetener but introduces a distinct flavor note.
- Club Soda: I've replaced club soda with tonic for a slightly bitter edge or sparkling water for a milder fizz.
Making a Pitcher of John Collins:
- Scale: For a pitcher serving 8 people, you'd need 16 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup. Use a two-liter soda bottle even if you may not need all of it.
- Mix: Combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher. Stir well.
- Serve: Fill individual Collins glasses with ice, pour in the mixture, top each with club soda, garnish, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or a simple mixture of water, a dash of vanilla extract, and a touch of maple syrup for the bourbon's sweet, woody notes.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the bourbon with your non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps for a refreshing mocktail.
Making it Vegan:
- Garnish: Ensure your maraschino cherries are vegan. Some brands use coloring or preservatives that may not be vegan-friendly. Alternatively, opt for fresh cherries when in season.
- Simple Syrup: Most sugars are vegan, but some might not be due to their processing methods involving animal products. To be safe, use a certified vegan sugar for your simple syrup or substitute with agave syrup, which is vegan.
What is a John Collins Cocktail?
A John Collins Cocktail contains bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with a splash of club soda. This drink bears the name of a legendary waiter, John Collins, from London’s Limmer’s Hotel, and it’s often mistaken for its gin-based cousin, Tom Collins. The John Collins stands out with its use of bourbon, offering a sweeter, richer flavor. The cocktail is acknowledged by the IBA which categorizes it under “The Unforgettables”.
What is a John Collins Cocktail made of – The ingredients
To start making your John Collins, first assemble these ingredients:
- Bourbon: Provides the base spirit of the cocktail, adding a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Injects a tangy freshness, balancing the bourbon’s sweetness with its citrus zing.
- Simple Syrup: Offers sweetness, smoothing out the cocktail’s overall flavor profile.
- Club Soda: Adds effervescence, lightening the drink’s texture and enhancing its refreshing quality.
- Maraschino Cherry (optional for garnish): Contributes a touch of fruity sweetness and an elegant visual appeal.
- Orange Slice (optional for garnish): Adds a subtle citrus aroma and a vibrant, colorful touch to the presentation.
