John Collins Cocktail Recipe

Gin: A distilled alcoholic beverage made from juniper berries, providing a distinct botanical flavor.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice from lemons, adding a tart and tangy taste.

Simple syrup: A sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, used to balance the tartness of the lemon juice.

Soda water: Carbonated water that adds a refreshing fizz to the cocktail.

Lemon: A slice of lemon used as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal and aroma.

Maraschino cherry: A sweet, preserved cherry used as a garnish for a pop of color and flavor.

When preparing a John Collins cocktail, ensure that the lemon juice is freshly squeezed. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice, which can sometimes taste flat or overly acidic. Additionally, when shaking the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup together, make sure to shake vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also helps to incorporate the ingredients thoroughly, resulting in a well-balanced drink. Finally, when topping with soda water, pour it gently to maintain the carbonation and give the cocktail a refreshing effervescence.

• gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka has a neutral flavor that can mimic the base spirit in a John Collins without altering the overall taste profile too much.

• gin - Substitute with white rum: White rum provides a slightly sweeter and more tropical flavor, which can add a different but pleasant twist to the cocktail.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice provides a slightly more bitter and complex citrus flavor, which can add depth to the cocktail.

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup has a similar sweetness level and dissolves easily in cold liquids, making it a good alternative.

• simple syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup adds a richer, more floral sweetness that can complement the other ingredients well.

• soda water - Substitute with tonic water: Tonic water adds a slight bitterness and additional flavor complexity, which can enhance the cocktail.

• soda water - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water provides the same effervescence without altering the flavor profile significantly.

• lemon slice - Substitute with lime slice: Lime slices offer a similar visual appeal and a complementary citrus aroma.

• lemon slice - Substitute with orange slice: Orange slices add a sweeter citrus aroma and a pop of color.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with fresh cherry: Fresh cherries provide a more natural and less sweet garnish option.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with cocktail cherry: Cocktail cherries, such as Luxardo, offer a richer and more complex flavor compared to standard maraschino cherries.

• To keep your John Collins cocktail fresh, store the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the ingredients maintain their optimal flavors and aromas.

• For the lemon juice, use a glass container to prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in. Freshly squeezed lemon juice can be stored for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

• Simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in a clean, airtight bottle. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a month. Make sure to label the bottle with the date it was made.

• If you want to prepare the cocktail in advance, mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup together and store the mixture in a sealed container in the fridge. This mixture can be stored for up to 24 hours.

• When ready to serve, simply pour the pre-mixed ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry.

• Avoid freezing the John Collins cocktail as the soda water will lose its carbonation and the overall texture and flavor of the drink may be compromised. Instead, focus on chilling the ingredients and glassware for a refreshing experience.

• For an extra touch of sophistication, consider freezing lemon slices and maraschino cherries in ice cubes. This not only keeps your drink cold but also adds a decorative element as the ice melts.

• Pour the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture into a small saucepan.
• Gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a warm but not boiling temperature.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Fill a highball glass with fresh ice.
• Pour the warmed mixture over the ice.
• Top with soda water and stir gently.
• Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a maraschino cherry.

• Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice to chill and combine the ingredients thoroughly.

• Ice: Essential for chilling the cocktail and ensuring it is served cold.

• Highball glass: The glass in which the cocktail is served, typically tall and narrow to hold the drink and ice.

• Strainer: Used to strain the mixed ingredients from the shaker into the highball glass, ensuring no ice or pulp gets into the drink.

• Bar spoon: Used to gently stir the soda water into the cocktail without losing carbonation.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the lemon for garnish.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the lemon.

• Jigger: A measuring tool used to ensure the correct amounts of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup are added.

• Lemon squeezer: Helps extract fresh lemon juice efficiently.

• Maraschino cherry: Used as a garnish to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the cocktail.

Pre-make simple syrup: Prepare a batch of simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when making multiple cocktails.

Use fresh lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice ahead of time and keep it in a sealed container. Fresh juice enhances the flavor and saves you from squeezing lemons each time.

Chill your glassware: Keep your highball glasses in the freezer. This ensures your John Collins stays cold longer without needing extra ice.

Organize your bar tools: Have your cocktail shaker, strainer, and other tools ready and within reach to streamline the process.