Choose a Bold Bourbon for This John Collins Recipe
The John Collins is a popular mixed drink that every bartender should know. This refreshing whiskey highball is easy to make at home as well.
www.thespruceeats.comHere are the latest widely covered updates about the John Collins cocktail.
- What it is: The John Collins is a citrusy, bubbly whiskey (or gin) highball made with lemon juice, sugar, and club soda, traditionally served in a Collins or highball glass over ice. This classic combines bright lemon with a light, refreshing finish from soda water.[1][4]
- Common variations: Bourbon or rye whiskey is typical today, though gin versions exist; some recipes emphasize a stronger lemon punch or a drier finish depending on the whiskey choice and sweetness level.[2][4]
- Popular guidance for making it: Shake the spirit with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, strain over ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry for color.[4][1]
Illustration example (1 drink, approximate profile):
- Ingredients: 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye), 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, top with club soda
- Method: Shake the first three ingredients with ice, strain into a Collins glass filled with ice, top with club soda, garnish with lemon and cherry
- ABV: ~8–12% depending on whiskey and soda proportion
If you’d like, I can tailor a John Collins recipe to your preferred whiskey type (bourbon vs rye), sweetness level, or garnish, and provide a concise, step-by-step prep for Prague-friendly access to ingredients.