John Collins cocktail in a collins glass — Soda water

John Collins Cocktail Recipe

sour refreshing easy

gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water

History

The John Collins is the London-dry cousin of the Tom Collins—gin, lemon, sugar, and soda in a tall glass. Same refreshing frame; traditionally genever or dry gin instead of Old Tom. It is a 19th-century highball that still drinks like a sparkling gin sour.

Ingredients

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Details on Privacy.

Missing a bottle? Stock your pantry to see what else you can mix.

How to make

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
  2. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass.
  3. Top with soda water, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.

Glassware

Collins glass

Taller than a rocks glass so citrus, soda, and ice have room without crowding the drink.

Buy on Amazon
Collins glass glassware

John Collins FAQ

What ingredients are in a John Collins?

A John Collins is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Amounts and pantry matching are in the ingredients list on this page.

How do you make a John Collins?

Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top with soda water, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.

What glass do you serve a John Collins in?

Serve a John Collins in a Collins glass. Taller than a rocks glass so citrus, soda, and ice have room without crowding the drink.

Can I make a John Collins with bottles I already own?

Add your spirits and mixers in Pantry. My Cocktail Pantry will show whether this John Collins is ready to mix or which ingredients you are missing.

More Gin cocktails

Browse every gin recipe in our catalog.

All Gin cocktails

More cocktails like this

Bramble cocktail in a rocks glass — Lemon juice Bramble French 75 cocktail in a flute — Champagne French 75 Gin & Tonic cocktail in a highball glass — Tonic water Gin & Tonic Gin Basil Smash cocktail in a rocks glass — Lemon juice Gin Basil Smash

Host this drink

Pin it to a menu to build a shopping list against your pantry. What you can make tonight stays on My Cocktails.

Stock your pantry All Cocktail Recipes Cocktails by spirit Home