The John Collins is one of those cocktails that never goes out of style. Tall, bubbly, and refreshingly tart, it’s the kind of drink that feels like a celebration in a glass.
Made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a generous pour of club soda, this classic has been charming drinkers for well over a century. Once you try it, you’ll understand exactly why.
Why You’ll Love This John Collins Cocktail
This cocktail hits every note you want in a summer drink — bright citrus, a little sweetness, and that satisfying fizz that makes the whole thing feel alive in your mouth.
It’s incredibly easy to make, requires no fancy equipment, and comes together in under five minutes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just unwinding after a long day, the John Collins has you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the John Collins is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to pull this off perfectly.
- 2 oz gin (London Dry style works beautifully here)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (please, always fresh)
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- Club soda to top (about 2-3 oz)
- Ice — plenty of it
- Lemon wheel and maraschino cherry for garnish
How to Make a John Collins Cocktail
This one is so simple you’ll have it memorized after the first round. No shaking required for the final glass, but you do want to combine the base ingredients first.
Add your gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Give it a good shake for about 15 seconds until everything is cold and well-combined. Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice, then top generously with club soda. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine without losing the carbonation, then garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.
Tips for the Best John Collins
Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice will make this drink taste flat and artificial — fresh is the only way to go here.
Don’t skimp on the ice. A Collins glass packed with ice keeps the drink cold and properly diluted as you sip. Use the largest ice cubes you can find for slower melting.
Choose a quality gin. You don’t need to break the bank, but a good London Dry gin with juniper-forward botanicals will make a noticeable difference in the final drink. Bombay Sapphire, Beefeater, or Tanqueray are all excellent choices.
Top with club soda, not tonic water. Tonic adds bitterness and sweetness that will throw off the balance of this cocktail. Club soda keeps things clean and lets the lemon shine.
Variations to Try
The Collins cocktail family is a big one, and once you’ve mastered the original, you’ll want to explore all its delicious cousins.
Tom Collins: This is actually the same cocktail! The Tom Collins is made with Old Tom gin (a slightly sweeter, older style gin), while the John Collins traditionally uses London Dry gin. Today, the names are often used interchangeably, but if you want to go old-school, swap in Old Tom gin for a slightly sweeter version.
Vodka Collins: Swap out the gin for vodka and you’ve got a refreshing, crowd-pleasing variation that’s a little more neutral in flavor. Perfect for guests who aren’t gin fans.
Elderflower Collins: Replace the simple syrup with St-Germain elderflower liqueur for a floral, fragrant twist that feels incredibly sophisticated. Absolutely stunning in summer.
Bourbon Collins: Swap gin for bourbon and you’ve got something a little more Southern, a little more warming, and completely irresistible. The lemon and soda still do their magic alongside the rich bourbon notes.
What to Pair with a John Collins
The John Collins is bright and refreshing, which makes it a natural partner for light, summery foods. Think fresh seafood — oysters, shrimp cocktail, fish tacos — all of which love that zippy citrus profile.
It’s also wonderful alongside a charcuterie board, bruschetta, or any appetizer that has a bit of acid in it. The drink’s brightness plays off salty, savory flavors beautifully.
If you’re serving it at brunch, pair it with eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, or anything with a creamy hollandaise. The citrus cuts right through the richness.
John Collins Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin London Dry style recommended
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 oz club soda to top
- ice plenty of it
- 1 lemon wheel for garnish
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled and combined.
- Fill a tall Collins glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
- Top with club soda (about 2-3 oz) and gently stir with a bar spoon to combine without losing carbonation.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
The John Collins is proof that the classics are classics for a reason. Simple ingredients, perfect balance, and a refreshing fizz that never gets old — this cocktail truly has it all.
Once you try it from scratch with fresh lemon juice and a gin you love, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything else. Mix one up this weekend and see for yourself why this drink has been delighting people for generations.
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