Limoncello Collins Cocktail Recipe

Limoncello Collins Nutrition Facts

Calories:215

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:21g

Alcohol:16%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

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: August 23, 2024

History

Limoncello Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. It originated in Italy, where limoncello, a lemon liqueur, is a popular digestif. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the bright, citrusy flavors of limoncello and the effervescence of a Collins. It's often enjoyed during the summer months and is a favorite among those who appreciate a light, crisp cocktail.

How Limoncello Collins Tastes?

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.

Interesting facts about Limoncello Collins

  • Limoncello is a traditional Italian liqueur made from lemon zest, sugar, and alcohol. It's often served chilled as a digestif after a meal.
  • The Collins family of cocktails dates back to the 19th century and typically consists of a base spirit, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water.
  • The Limoncello Collins is a versatile cocktail that can be easily customized by adjusting the ratio of limoncello, gin, and simple syrup to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients

A few good options for Limoncello Collins are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Limoncello

  • Why 1.5 oz? Just enough to ensure a robust lemon flavor without overpowering the cocktail. Less would be too subtle; more would be overkill.
  • Purpose: Brings a zesty, sweet lemon profile that is the heart of this drink.
  • Without it: You'd have a Gin Collins sans soul. Go figure!
  • Alternatives: Try an orange liqueur for a citrus twist, but expect a sweeter, less tart experience.

Emma Rose

Gin

  • Why 1 oz? Provides botanical complexity without stealing the lemony limelight. It's a supporting actor, not the star of the show.
  • Purpose: Adds depth and an aromatic touch.
  • Without it: It'd be like a car without an engine, running on lemony fumes alone.
  • Alternatives: Vodka for a cleaner taste or tequila for a Margarita-esque statement.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

  • Why 0.5 oz? It's the fresh kick that balances sweetness; too much would be a sour overstep, too little a missed opportunity.
  • Purpose: Brightens the drink with a fresh citrus zing.
  • Without it: The cocktail would fall flat, like bread without yeast.
  • Alternatives: Lime juice could sub in for a different tangy twist.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

  • Why 0.5 oz? Sweetness should whisper, not shout. It's the gentle glue that binds.
  • Purpose: Softens the acidity and adds a silky mouthfeel.
  • Without it: Your taste buds would go on strike against the tart tyranny.
  • Alternatives: Agave could sweet-talk its way in for a more mellow sweetness.

Emma Rose

Club Soda

  • Why 2 oz? Just enough sparkle to lift your spirits, any more and you might end up in a bubbly flood.
  • Purpose: Provides effervescence and lightens the drink.
  • Without it: You'd have a still life painting rather than a vibrant cocktail.
  • Alternatives: Tonic water for a touch of bitterness, or sparkling lemonade for extra zest.

Alex Green

Ice

  • Purpose: Keeps your drink as cool as a cucumber.
  • Without it: Be prepared for a lukewarm handshake rather than a chilled embrace.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Wheel and Mint Sprig

  • Purpose: The lemon wheel brightens the visual appeal, while the mint gives an aromatic hint.
  • Without them: You miss the full sensory experience, like summer without sunshine.
  • Alternatives: Orange slice for a fruitier look, or basil for an herbal twist.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Limoncello Collins Drink

  1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
  2. In a shaker, combine the limoncello, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  4. Strain the mixture into the Collins glass over the ice.
  5. Top with club soda and gently stir to combine.
  6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Chill your glass before serving for a colder, more refreshing cocktail.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Bruschetta: The crisp, fruity notes of the Limoncello Collins complement the acidic tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.
  • Calamari: The crispness of the cocktail cuts through the fried batter, refreshing the palate between bites.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Fish: A light, white fish benefits from the bright citrus flavors without overpowering the dish.
  • Chicken Piccata: The lemon in both the dish and the drink harmonize to elevate the meal.

Desserts

  • Lemon Sorbet: The Limoncello Collins can act as a palate cleanser, enhancing the zesty flavors of this dessert.
  • Berry Tart: The sweetness of the berries combined with the tartness of the lemon creates a balanced flavor profile.

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What you could change in Limoncello Collins

  • Vodka can be used instead of gin for a smoother, less botanical flavor.
  • Lime juice can replace lemon juice for a different citrus twist.
  • Honey can be used instead of simple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Limoncello Collins with a Berry Twist

  • Ingredients: Substitute the simple syrup with raspberry syrup.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but use raspberry syrup in place of simple syrup.
  • Taste Change: Expect a berry bonanza—a sweeter and fruitier profile with a hint of tartness.
  • Sensory Experience: Like wandering through a lemon grove, you stumble upon a hidden raspberry bush.

Cucumber Limoncello Collins

  • Ingredients: Add a few slices of cucumber to the shaker.
  • Recipe: Muddle the cucumber slices in the shaker before adding other ingredients. Strain the mixture into the glass.
  • Taste Change: A refreshing spa-like twist, the cucumber introduces a cool and crisp element.
  • Sensory Experience: It’s as if your cocktail decided to take a rejuvenating dip in a crisp, cool pool.

Sparkling Limoncello Collins

  • Ingredients: Replace club soda with Prosecco or another sparkling wine.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but top with Prosecco instead of club soda.
  • Taste Change: Elevates the drink to celebratory status with a bubbly personality and a slightly drier finish.
  • Sensory Experience: Imagine clinking glasses on a sunlit Italian terrace—for a moment, life is all sparkles and lemon zest.

In case you forgot basics how to make Limoncello Collins

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 syrup

Add 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 shake

Place 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 strain

Insert 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 stir

Garnishing 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 garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Limoncello Collins

What glassware should I use for a Limoncello Collins?

Typically, a Limoncello Collins is served in a Collins glass, which is a tall, straight-sided glass. However, it can also be served in a highball glass if a Collins glass is not available.

What is the strength of the Limoncello Collins?

The strength of a Limoncello Collins can vary based on the amount and type of alcohol used, but it is generally considered a moderate-strength cocktail.

Can I make Limoncello Collins as a batch cocktail?

Yes, Limoncello Collins can easily be scaled up to make a batch cocktail. Simply multiply the individual recipe by the number of servings desired.

Can I make Limoncello Collins without gin?

Yes, you can. While gin adds a unique flavor to the cocktail, you can choose to omit it or replace it with another neutral spirit like vodka.

What main dishes pair well with Limoncello Collins?

Given its refreshing nature and high acidity, Limoncello Collins pairs well with seafood dishes, grilled vegetables, and lighter meats like chicken.

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