Enjoy the Grand Collins recipe to cool off! Blend Grand Marnier, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water for a delightful spring cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 1 minute minute
- 1½ oz Grand Marnier
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice or twist - for garnish, optional
Highball Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon
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 lemon juice to the mix.
Add Grand Marnier: Pour 1½ oz Grand Marnier 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.
Substitutes:
- Grand Marnier: If you don't have Grand Marnier, I often use triple sec or Cointreau as alternatives. They both bring that orange flavor, though Grand Marnier has a richer profile due to its cognac base.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works too. I've also used lime juice for a slightly different citrus kick.
- Simple Syrup: You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. Honey syrup (honey mixed with warm water) can add a unique flavor if you're out of simple syrup.
Making a Pitcher of Grand Collins:
- Scale: To serve 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. That means 12 oz of Grand Marnier, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Grand Marnier, 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:
- Grand Marnier Substitute: Use an orange-flavored non-alcoholic spirit or simply add orange juice for that citrus note.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these substitutes to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The standard recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure any substitutes you use are also vegan-certified if needed.