Taste profile
Easy, sweet, balanced, and smooth.
WhiskeyAdvancedCollins glass
Cocktail guide
John Collins
John Collins combines Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Club Soda in a ordinary drink served in a collins glass. It is a strong fit for summer patio, cozy night in and feels right at home in a well-stocked cocktail rotation.
Best for
Best for summer patio, cozy night in.
Quick tags
IBA
Quick fact
A John Collins is a long drink of London dry gin, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water, which was attested in 1869, but may be older. It is believed to have originated with a headwaiter of that name who worked at Limmer's Old House in Conduit Street in Mayfair, which was a popular London hotel and coffee house around 1790–1817. It is essentially a variant of Tom Collins, evidently a latter name for the same drink.
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Ingredients
Everything in the glass.
How to make it
Build it step by step.
Language:
- 1Pour all ingredients directly into highball glass filled with ice.
- 2Stir gently.
- 3Garnish.
- 4Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
Method
Stirred
Finish
Usually finished with Lemon Juice and Maraschino Cherry.
Taste map
Strength
Easy
Sweetness
Sweet
Sourness
Balanced
Bitterness
Smooth
Read: John Collins is a advanced alcoholic cocktail for summer patio with Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Sugar.
Texture and serve cues
✓Has citrus
✓Has bubbles
-Creamy texture
-Frozen style
Glassware
Collins glass
Method
Stirred
More to know before you make it
A fuller read on the drink.
Flavor & pairing
Expect round sweetness with support from Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Sugar. Pairs nicely with richer plates, cheese boards, roasted nuts, or dessert.
Serving & context
Serve in a collins glass and aim for a advanced prep that still feels polished in the glass. John Collins sits comfortably in the whiskey cocktail tradition, with an approachable style for home bartenders.
Background
Why this cocktail keeps showing up.
A John Collins is a long drink of London dry gin, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water, which was attested in 1869, but may be older. It is believed to have originated with a headwaiter of that name who worked at Limmer's Old House in Conduit Street in Mayfair, which was a popular London hotel and coffee house around 1790–1817. It is essentially a variant of Tom Collins, evidently a latter name for the same drink.
Reference cards
Base spirit
Whiskey
Category
Ordinary Drink
Alcohol
Alcoholic
Glass
Collins glass
Method
Stirred
Garnish
Usually finished with Lemon Juice and Maraschino Cherry.
Sources and extras
View original image sourceRead the background source
Image credit: Michael Styne https://www.flickr.com/people/76148228@N00
Reference note: John Collins (cocktail)
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