As a bartender, I have seen it all. From the classic Old Fashioned to the trendy Aperol Spritz, there is always a new cocktail to try.
But there is one drink that never goes out of style: the Collins Cocktail.
The Collins Cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for over a century. It is a refreshing and fizzy drink that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you are at a bar, a party, or just relaxing at home, the Collins Cocktail is the perfect drink to quench your thirst.
But what makes a good Collins Cocktail? Is it the ingredients, the technique, or the presentation?
As a bartender, I have tried many different Collins Cocktail recipes, and I have come to the conclusion that it is a combination of all three. The best Collins Cocktails are made with fresh ingredients, a careful hand, and a creative touch.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the best Collins Cocktail recipes that I have come across during my time as a bartender.
From the classic Tom Collins to the modern Watermelon Collins, there is a Collins Cocktail for everyone. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best Collins Cocktail recipes that you can make at home.
1. Tom Collins
Tom Collins is a classic cocktail made with gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. It's a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink that looks great in a Collins glass.
The cocktail has a unique sweet and sour taste with a hint of bitterness from the gin. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness that balances out the sweetness of the simple syrup. Try it for a classic, easy-to-make summer drink.
2. Bombay Sapphire Blackberry and Meyer Lemon Tom Collins
The Bombay Sapphire Blackberry and Meyer Lemon Tom Collins is a refreshing and fruity twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. Made with Bombay Sapphire gin, blackberry puree, and Meyer lemon juice, this cocktail is perfect for those who love a sweet and tangy drink.
The sparkling water used to top off the cocktail adds a refreshing touch, making it a perfect drink for a warm summer day. The history of gin and the Bombay Sapphire distillery add an interesting backstory to this already intriguing cocktail. If you're looking for a new and exciting Collins Cocktail recipe, the Bombay Sapphire Blackberry and Meyer Lemon Tom Collins is definitely worth trying.
3. Classic Tom Collins Cocktail
The Classic Tom Collins Cocktail is a tangy and refreshing drink that is perfect for a hot summer day. Made with lemon, gin, simple syrup, and club soda, this fizzy cocktail is a timeless classic that everyone should know how to make.
Served in a tall high ball glass, the Tom Collins is a great way to keep the bubbles in the drink and enhance the overall experience. The cocktail is easy to make and can be customized to your liking by using Sprite or Gingerale instead of club soda. If you're a fan of classic cocktails, the Tom Collins is a must-try.
4. Tom Collins Cocktail
The Tom Collins Cocktail is a classic drink made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. It's refreshing and easy-to-drink, perfect for any occasion. The cocktail was named after a practical joke of the 1870s, where people would tell others that someone named Tom Collins was talking smack about them behind their backs.
While the original Old Tom gin is not available anymore, variations of it can be found from a number of distilleries. If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail, then the Tom Collins Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
5. Vodka Collins
The Vodka Collins is a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any occasion, whether it be happy hour or brunch. Made with vodka, fresh orange and lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda, this cocktail is a citrus lover's dream. It's easy to make and requires no complicated ingredients or liquors, making it a great choice for those who want a quick and easy drink.
The Vodka Collins is a great addition to any party or gathering, and is sure to impress your guests with its delicious taste and refreshing qualities. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why it's one of the best Collins Cocktail recipes out there?
6. Basil-Infused Tom Collins Cocktail
The Basil-Infused Tom Collins Cocktail is a refreshing and invigorating twist on the classic Tom Collins recipe. This cocktail is perfect for those who are looking for something special to add to their precious alone time or for those who want to impress their guests at a gathering. The basil infusion adds an extra layer of light, herbal flavor to the cocktail, making it a unique and delicious experience.
The taste is slightly sweet with a hint of tartness, making it perfect for hot summer days. The aroma brings out hints of juniper and citrus, while the feel on the tongue is light and refreshing. Overall, the Basil-Infused Tom Collins Cocktail is a timeless classic that remains one of the most popular cocktails around.
7. Cucumber Collins
The Cucumber Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins Cocktail recipe. This cocktail is perfect for those warm summer evenings when you want a fizzy drink to cool you down. The addition of pureed cucumber gives it a fresh and delicious flavor that will leave you wanting more.
The cocktail is made with gin, lemon, sugar syrup, soda water, and pureed cucumber. The drink is simple to make and is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or just want a refreshing drink on a warm summer night. If you're looking for a unique and refreshing cocktail, the Cucumber Collins is definitely worth a try.
8. Meyer Lemon Tom Collins
The Meyer Lemon Tom Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. Made with gin, Meyer lemon juice, and sugar, this cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a slightly tart and slightly sweet taste. Meyer lemons, which are a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange, give this cocktail a unique and fragrant flavor.
The addition of soda water gives it a nice fizz, making it a great option for a hot summer day. If you're not a fan of gin, you can also make this cocktail with vodka. The Meyer Lemon Tom Collins is a must-try for anyone looking for a new twist on a classic cocktail.
9. Lavender Tom Collins
The Lavender Tom Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. The addition of homemade lavender simple syrup gives this drink a unique and calming floral note. It's fizzy, light, and citrusy, making it the perfect cocktail for summer.
The Lavender Tom Collins is easy to make and even easier to drink, making it a new classic that you'll want to keep in your cocktail repertoire. If you're looking for a refreshing and elevated cocktail to enjoy on a warm summer day, the Lavender Tom Collins is definitely worth a try.
10. Rosemary Collins
The Rosemary Collins cocktail is a refreshing and delightful twist on the classic Tom Collins. With the addition of rosemary simple syrup and garnish, this cocktail has a unique taste that is perfect for warm summer afternoons. The herbaceous quality of gin combined with the freshness of lemon and a bit of sugar makes for a great flavor that is sure to satisfy.
It's important to note that the rosemary should only be a gentle presence, as too much can become almost medicinal. Overall, the Rosemary Collins is a great choice for those looking to change up their summer cocktail game.
11. Grapefruit Strawberry Collins
The Grapefruit Strawberry Collins is a fruity and refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This cocktail features grapefruit-infused vodka and muddled strawberries, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. What sets this cocktail apart is the use of every part of the grapefruit, from the infused vodka to the candied peel garnish.
The sugared rim adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the grapefruit. This cocktail is perfect for a summer day or a fun twist on a classic cocktail. If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful Collins cocktail, the Grapefruit Strawberry Collins is definitely worth a try.
12. The Backyard Collins
The Backyard Collins is a refreshing take on the classic Tom Collins cocktail, perfect for hot summer days. Created by Genevieve Brazelton, a former bartender and creator of The Bitter Housewife bitters, this cocktail features a citrus-rosemary simple syrup and The Bitter Housewife Cardamom Bitters, which add a touch of spice and complement the citrus flavors.
The gin is not overpowering, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter cocktail. The Backyard Collins is a must-try for anyone who loves citrus drinks and wants to enjoy a cool cocktail on their front porch or backyard.
13. Fresh Strawberry Tom Collins
The Fresh Strawberry Tom Collins is a fruity and refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This cocktail features a homemade strawberry puree that is slightly sweetened with agave nectar and a squeeze of lime juice.
The puree is then mixed with gin and club soda, creating a subtly flavored and perfectly refreshing drink. The cocktail is served in a tall Collins glass, making it perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. If you're a fan of gin cocktails and looking for a new twist on a classic, the Fresh Strawberry Tom Collins is definitely worth a try.
14. Pear Collins Cocktail
The Pear Collins Cocktail is a refreshing and floral twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for those who prefer real fruit over sugary drinks. The homemade pear puree made with just a touch of honey and lemon juice adds a unique sweetness to the cocktail.
The botanical notes of gin are highlighted by the fresh thyme sprig garnish. The cocktail is simple to make and can be made ahead by storing the pear puree in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you're looking for a fall-inspired cocktail with a twist, the Pear Collins Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
15. Rose and Cucumber Collins
The Rose and Cucumber Collins is a refreshing and delicate cocktail that is perfect for sipping on hot summer evenings. This fizzy drink features a homemade rosewater syrup that is perfectly balanced with the subtle floral notes of cucumber and aromatic gin.
The recipe includes a mocktail version for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option. The Rose and Cucumber Collins is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves a light and perfumed drink.
16. Blood Orange Spritzer
The Blood Orange Spritzer is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This cocktail can be made with gin or vodka, and it features blood orange and bitters instead of lemon juice. The non-alcoholic version is just as delicious, combining bubbles and fruit juice with a bit of simple syrup to balance it out.
The drink is best served in a Collins glass or highball glass, but any glass will do. The Blood Orange Spritzer is perfect for those who want a light and refreshing drink that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
17. Limoncello Gin Collins
The Limoncello Gin Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. With the addition of limoncello and mint simple syrup, this cocktail has a prominent lemon flavor that is perfectly balanced with a hint of mint. The fizzy and light texture of the drink makes it a perfect choice for a hot summer day.
The Limoncello Gin Collins is easy to make and can be garnished with a lemon wheel and fresh mint to add a touch of elegance. If you're a gin lover looking for a new cocktail to try, the Limoncello Gin Collins is definitely worth a shot.
18. Vampire Collins Cocktail
The Vampire Collins Cocktail is a perfect drink for Halloween parties. This spooky twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail is sure to be a hit with your guests. The cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, but what makes it unique is the addition of raspberry puree, which gives it a blood-red color.
This drink can be made kid-friendly by omitting the gin and adding lemonade instead. The Vampire Collins Cocktail is a fun and creative way to get into the Halloween spirit and impress your guests with your mixology skills.
19. Rose Hibiscus Tom Collins Cocktail
The Rose Hibiscus Tom Collins Cocktail is a sweet, sour, and floral drink that is perfect for Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, or any day that ends in a Y! This cocktail recipe has a twist on the classic Tom Collins by adding a rose and hibiscus syrup to flavor the cocktail and choosing a pink gin.
The syrup only takes a few minutes to whip up and makes enough for at least 10 cocktails. The cocktail is garnished with a rose petal, making it a visually stunning drink. The combination of flavors in this cocktail is unique and refreshing, making it a must-try for anyone who loves floral and fruity drinks.
20. Honey Tangerine Collins Cocktail
The Honey Tangerine Collins Cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. Made with sweet tangerine juice, lemon juice, gin, simple syrup, and soda water, this cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy sweet and refreshing lemon cocktails.
It's a great summer drink, but can also be enjoyed during winter citrus season. The Honey Tangerine Collins Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves citrus and wants to try something new.
