A Vodka Collins cocktail is one of the most refreshing drinks to serve on a hot day. Just like the gin-based John Collins, it’s super easy to whip up with a few staple ingredients and tastes like a boozy lemonade. Crisp and easy to drink, it’s best enjoyed as a pre-dinner cocktail or sipped poolside under an umbrella.
Vodka Collins
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
Add a handful of ice to a Collins or highball glass
02
Pour in the vodka, lemon syrup and simple syrup over the ice
03
Stir thoroughly and top up with club soda
04
Garnish with a slice of orange and cherry
What’s in a Vodka Collins recipe?
Making a Vodka Collins drink is easy if you build it with fabulous vodka. We’re quite partial to SKYY Vodka; it’s delicious and SKYY offers easy options for you to pimp your Vodka Collins recipe with their citrus-infused or blood orange vodka. You’ll also need a juicy lemon for squeezing, a little simple syrup, and finally, some soda water for topping up. If you’re feeling fancy, add a twist or a slice of orange on a skewer with a maraschino cherry.
Learn more: Easy Syrup Variations for Cocktail Making
How to make a Vodka Collins cocktail
Want to know how to make a Vodka Collins like the pros? The trick is to have all your ingredients icy cold, even before pouring. It’s easy to build straight in a highball or Collins glass. Simply tip in the vodka, freshly squeezed lemon, and syrup over the ice. With a good stir, you’ll chill it even further and it’s ready for a soda top-up. If you’re keeping your ABVs on the low side, your Vodka Collins is easily stretched into a longer sip with a splash of more soda.
Read next: What exactly is ABV?
Why are they called Collins cocktails?
The true origins of Collins-style drinks are not entirely cast in stone. Collins cocktails are all made with a very simple formula; gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda. We’ll go with the story of barkeeper John Collins laying claim to the John Collins drink, originally poured with Old Tom gin. This was often the reason for it being called a Tom Collins. Some say this drink was an ode to gin punches sipped in the 19th century. If you’re more of a vodka fan, then our Vodka Collins offers a tasty twist.
Gin lovers, rejoice! The Best Gin Cocktails Ever Invented
What are the different types of Collins drinks?
One can see why the Collins stable of drinks pops up in tasty and delicious variations all over the globe. They’re so easy to build straight into the glass. It’s easy to look like a pro, mixing up this kind of cocktail at home without any fancy cocktail-making kit or mad skills. Here are a few of the best Collins cocktails for you to enjoy – we’ve got one for every season:
- The OG John Collins
- The tropical Mango Gin cocktail
- Summer-ready Strawberry Gin cocktail
- Oh-so tangy Passionfruit Gin cocktail
- A Gin Rickey for a lime twist
