John Collins

The story

The John Collins is a variation of the Tom Collins, which dates back to the 19th century. It is believed to have been named after a bartender named John Collins who worked at Limmer's Old House in London. The drink became popular in the United States during the Prohibition era, where it was often made with bourbon instead of gin, solidifying its place in cocktail culture.

How it tastes

The John Collins offers a refreshing balance of sweet and tart, with the bourbon providing a rich, oaky backbone complemented by the citrus of lemon juice. It is typically served as a refreshing drink during warm weather or as a light cocktail for social gatherings.

Getting it right

The key to a successful John Collins lies in the balance of ingredients and the gentle mixing. The bourbon should be of good quality to ensure a smooth flavor, while the sugar must be well-dissolved to avoid graininess in the drink. Stirring gently helps to combine the flavors without losing carbonation.

Variations

• Tom Collins — A classic variation made with gin instead of bourbon, offering a lighter, more botanical flavor.
• Vodka Collins — Substitutes vodka for bourbon, resulting in a cleaner taste that highlights the lemon and soda.

Substitutions

• Bourbon — If bourbon is unavailable, try using rye whiskey for a spicier profile.
• Superfine Sugar — Granulated sugar can be used, but it should be stirred longer to dissolve.

Questions

What is the difference between a John Collins and a Tom Collins?

The primary difference is the base spirit; John Collins uses bourbon while Tom Collins uses gin. This results in different flavor profiles.

Can I make a John Collins without club soda?

Yes, you can substitute tonic water for club soda, which will add a slightly different flavor and sweetness.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the John Collins?

Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version by replacing bourbon with iced tea or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, and keeping the other ingredients the same.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026