Enjoy a refreshing Rye Collins with this straightforward recipe! Blend rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water for a delightful spring cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 1 minute minute
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice or twist - for garnish, optional
Highball Glass
Measuring Jigger
Shaker
Strainer
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.
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.