The John Collins replaces the gin of a Tom Collins with bourbon, combining the whiskey with lemon juice, superfine sugar, and club soda in a tall Collins glass. Also known as the Bourbon Collins, it keeps the family's refreshing, effervescent template while introducing the caramel and vanilla depth of American whiskey. Built over ice, stirred gently, and finished with a maraschino cherry, an orange, and a dash of Angostura bitters, it sits at a modest 7.6 percent ABV. The variation belongs to the long-established Collins lineage of tall, citrus-and-soda highballs.
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John Collins
Bourbon Collins
Ingredientes
- Bourbon 2 oz
- Lemon Juice 1 oz
- Sugar 1 tsp superfine
- Club soda 3 oz
- Maraschino cherry 1
- Orange 1
Instruções
Pour all ingredients directly into highball glass filled with ice. Stir gently. Garnish. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
O John Collins é um clássico coquetel Collins americano que substitui o bourbon pelo gin de um Tom Collins, combinando-o com suco de limão, açúcar superfino e água com gás em um copo Collins alto. Também conhecido como Bourbon Collins, preserva o caráter refrescante e efervescente da família Collins enquanto adiciona a profundidade de caramelo e baunilha do uísque americano. É decorado com uma cereja maraschino e laranja.
History & Origins
The Collins cocktail family originated in 19th-century Britain, named for a waiter at Limmer's Hotel in London, before evolving into numerous regional variations across the United States. The John Collins — using bourbon rather than gin or Old Tom gin — became particularly popular in the American South and Midwest, where bourbon was the spirit of choice. It appears in IBA documentation as a recognized style.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Lemon citrus, bourbon's caramel-vanilla, and the light herbal note of the soda. Palate: Refreshing and effervescent — bourbon's richness is brightened by lemon's tartness, sweetened by the sugar, and lifted by the soda's carbonation. Finish: Clean and citrusy, with a warm bourbon tail and a faint maraschino sweetness.
Pro Tip
Use superfine sugar for instant dissolution, and add the soda over the back of a spoon to preserve carbonation; garnish with both orange and cherry.
Técnicas Utilizadas
Compare John Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a John Collins differ from a Tom Collins?
A John Collins is made with bourbon whiskey, while a Tom Collins uses gin. Both cocktails share the same Collins formula: spirit, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water served in a tall Collins glass with ice. The bourbon gives the John Collins a warmer, richer flavor compared to the botanical brightness of a Tom Collins.
What are the ingredients in a John Collins?
A John Collins contains bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. It is built in a Collins glass over ice, topped with soda, and garnished with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. The proportions follow the classic Collins ratio of approximately 2:1:0.75 spirit to citrus to sweetener.
What is the history of the John Collins cocktail?
The Collins cocktail family dates to the 19th century, with the Tom Collins documented as early as the 1870s. The John Collins name is associated with a bourbon-based variation that gained popularity in the United States as bourbon became a widespread American spirit. It is a well-established classic found in numerous bartending references.
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