John Collins: The Classic Cocktail You Need To Know About
The John Collins is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed in many bars and taverns since the 19th century. This delicious drink has a long history, with its origins attributed to Irishman John Collins of Limerick, who created the original concoction during the late 1800’s. The name was later adopted in England where it became popular amongst bar-goers.
The traditional recipe for a John Collins includes gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped up with club soda or sparkling water. Modern variations may include different spirits such as whiskey or vodka instead of gin and other ingredients like bitters or liqueurs can be added to give an extra kick. Regardless of how you make it though, this refreshing beverage is sure to hit the spot!
Though his exact recipe remains unknown today, one thing’s for certain – if you’re looking for a timeless classic that still tastes great today then look no further than the John Collins! With its easy-to-make recipe and rich history we think you’ll agree that this delightful cocktail deserves its place as one of the most iconic drinks around.
John Collins:
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 2 ounces London dry gin
- - 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- - 3/4 ounce simple syrup equal parts water and sugar
- - Club soda to top off the drink
- Garnish: Lemon wheel or wedge and Maraschino cherry.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds or until the tin is frosted over.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
- Top off with club soda to fill the glass, stirring gently if desired to mix in flavors of the other ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or wedge and a maraschino cherry before serving immediately!
Glassware
Typical or usual glassware used for a John Collins cocktail is a highball glass, also known as a Collins glass. Highball glasses are taller and narrower than traditional tumblers, making them the perfect size to serve up this classic beverage. The majority of these glasses hold between 10 to 12 ounces of liquid, which is the ideal amount for one John Collins drink. In addition to the tall shape, many highball glasses feature an elegant stem that elevates the entire presentation of this timeless cocktail.Flavors
The classic John Collins is a refreshing blend of sweet and tart flavors. This cocktail contains gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda water. The gin provides a strong botanical flavor that is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar syrup. A good quality lemon juice adds freshness, with its bright citrus notes complementing the herbal taste of the gin. Finally, soda water helps to add a fizzy texture and lightens up this delicious drink.
This delightful concoction has been around since the 1800s, so it’s no wonder why it’s still popular today! Its combination of simple ingredients makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for an easy way to make a tasty beverage with minimal fuss. With just four ingredients you can create this timeless classic in minutes – perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying some “me-time”, you can be sure that your John Collins will always hit the spot.
3 tips for Making Your John Collins
- When making simple syrup, use equal parts sugar and water as this will create the perfect sweetness for your cocktail.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than pre-made store bought varieties – this will provide a more vibrant flavor to your drin.