Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice or twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes, stir and set it aside.
- Add Simple Syrup: Add ½ oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Add Lemon Juice: Measure and add 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the mix.
- Add Rye Whiskey: Pour 2 oz Rye Whiskey into the shaker.
- Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain: Strain your drink into the highball glass over fresh ice.
- Top with Soda Water: Fill the rest of the glass with soda water.
- Garnish: Place a lemon slice or twist into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rye Whiskey: Bourbon can be a good alternative for a slightly sweeter flavor if you don't have rye whiskey. I've also tried using Canadian whisky, which offers a smoother taste.
- Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but I prefer fresh for its vibrant flavor. Lime juice can also add an exciting twist.
- Simple Syrup: You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. Honey syrup is another option for a more decadent sweetness.
Making a Pitcher of Rye Collins:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of rye whiskey, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the rye whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled highball glasses, top with soda water, garnish with a lemon slice or twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the rye whiskey with your non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is a Rye Collins?
A Rye Collins is a whiskey cocktail made of rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. It’s not difficult to make because it involves straightforward mixing steps with easily accessible ingredients. This drink offers a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins by using rye instead of gin for those who prefer the bold flavors of whiskey.

What is a Rye Collins made of – The ingredients
Use the following ingredients to create a Rye Collins:
- Rye Whiskey: Delivers a bold, spicy flavor as the cocktail’s foundation.
- Lemon Juice: Introduces a bright, tangy element to balance the whiskey.
- Simple Syrup: Adds sweetness to counteract the tartness of the lemon.
- Soda Water: Provides fizz and lightens the drink for a refreshing experience.
- Ice Cubes: Cools the cocktail and slightly dilutes it for smoother sipping.
- Lemon Slice or Twist (optional): Enhances visual appeal and adds a hint of citrus aroma.







