The Vodka Collins swaps gin for vodka. With no juniper in the way, the drink becomes purely about lemon, sugar, and fizz — the cleanest, most transparent member of the Collins family.
Lemonade with a quiet, grown-up centre.
A Mid-Century Drink
The Vodka Collins rose with vodka itself, in the mid-twentieth century, as American drinkers turned to lighter, less assertive spirits. It is essentially spiked, sparkling lemonade — and entirely unembarrassed about being so.
Where Quality Shows
With nothing to hide behind, every ingredient is exposed. Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable, the soda must be properly cold and lively, and a clean vodka makes a real difference. There is nowhere here for a shortcut to hide.
Keep It Tall and Cold
Build it in the glass, use plenty of ice, and top with soda last. The Vodka Collins is meant to be long and refreshing; a small glass or warm soda defeats the entire purpose.
The Tom Collins Family
The classic — gin, lemon, sugar, and soda, served long and fizzy over ice.
- 2 ozGin
- 1 ozFresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ozSimple syrup
The Collins built on bourbon — tall, fizzy, with a whiskey backbone.
- 2 ozBourbon
- 1 ozLemon juice
- 1/2 ozSimple syrup
The rum Collins — light rum for the gin, a faint sugarcane warmth.
- 2 ozLight rum
- 1 ozLemon juice
- 1/2 ozSimple syrup