Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol:14%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The John Collins cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 19th century. It was named after a popular London bartender, John Collins, who worked at Limmer's Hotel. The drink became popular in the United States in the early 20th century and has been a staple in cocktail bars ever since.
The John Collins is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and sour cocktail with a hint of bitterness. It has a light, effervescent texture and a balanced flavor profile.
The whiskey is the soul of the drink, providing a deep and rich flavor that underpins the other ingredients. If you pour too little, you'll lose that warm embrace; too much, and your drink might become too strong and overshadow the other flavors.
Lemon juice adds a zesty tang, brightening the drink and giving it a refreshing edge. Imagine a day without sunshine – that's your Collins without lemon. Losing this would mean the cocktail becomes flat and loses its refreshing kick.
It’s the sweet whisper that balances the tartness of the lemon. If the whiskey gives the drink its heart, the simple syrup is surely its sweet smile. Not enough, and the drink might be too sharp; too much, and you're in candied territory.
This is what gives your John Collins its effervescence and lightness, lifting it from a flat tasting experience to a sparkling sensation. Too little and your drink feels heavy; too much and you’re in a bubbly water down situation.
Like the cherry on top, it's not just a garnish; it’s a tiny fruit punch of flavor. Omitting it won't ruin the drink, but why miss out on the fun?
Garnishing with an orange slice adds aromatic oils to the mix and a sunny, inviting appearance. Leaving the orange slice out would be like going to a party dressed in beige – technically fine, but why not add some color?
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
Explore all drinks starting with J here
Switch out the whiskey for bourbon to give it a sweeter, more vanilla and oaky profile. You'll want to slightly increase the lemon to balance bourbon’s sweetness.
Replace simple syrup with honey syrup for an earthy sweetness. This will make your cocktail more aromatic and give it a richer mouthfeel.
Muddle a few raspberries or blackberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. It’ll introduce a fruity twist and an attractive color that's sure to impress.
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
The type of whiskey used in a John Collins cocktail can greatly impact the flavor. For a smooth, rich flavor, consider using a bourbon. For a spicier, bolder flavor, a rye whiskey would be a good choice.
It's a versatile drink suitable for most occasions. You could enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon drink on a hot day, or as part of a cocktail hour in the evening.
Since the cocktail has a refreshing, slightly sweet, and sour taste, it is best paired with salty or spicy foods. Try it with nuts, pickles, or spicy chicken wings.
You can, but it will alter the flavor of the cocktail. Lemon juice gives a bright, tart flavor that complements the whiskey's flavors, while lime juice will make the drink taste more tangy.
A John Collins is traditionally served in a Collins glass, which is tall and narrow, and allows for plenty of room for ice and garnishes.
Fred Collins Fizz is a refreshing, citrusy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness. The combination of lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup creates a balanced flavor profile, while the club soda adds a pleasant fizziness.
Limoncello Collins is a light, refreshing, and citrusy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of limoncello, gin, and lemon juice creates a zesty and tangy flavor profile, while the club soda adds a pleasant effervescence. The simple syrup balances the tartness, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable drink.
The Chilton cocktail is a delightful combination of sour, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The lemon juice provides a bright and zesty taste, while the club soda adds a subtle sweetness and effervescence. The vodka gives the drink a smooth and clean finish.
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
The Aperol Spritz has a refreshing, bittersweet taste with a hint of citrus. It is light, effervescent, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Rusty Nail is a smooth, sweet, and slightly spicy cocktail with a strong, warming whiskey backbone. The honey and herbal notes from the Drambuie complement the smoky, peaty flavors of the Scotch.
The New York Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a smooth whiskey base, tangy lemon, and a hint of red wine.
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and citrusy cocktail. It has a strong whiskey flavor, balanced by the tartness of lemon and the cooling effect of fresh mint.
