John Collins Cocktail Recipe

Gin: A clear spirit made from juniper berries, giving the drink its classic flavor.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for the best bright and tangy taste.

Simple syrup: A sweet liquid made from sugar and water that balances the tartness.

Soda water: Adds fizz and lightness to the cocktail.

Lemon slice: Used as a fresh garnish to make the drink look inviting.

Maraschino cherry: A sweet, colorful garnish that adds a fun touch.

Shaking a cocktail might seem simple, but there’s a little trick to getting it just right. When you fill your cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, you want to make sure everything mixes well and gets nice and cold without watering down your drink too much. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Fill the shaker about halfway with fresh, cold ice. Too little ice means your drink won’t chill properly, and too much makes it hard to shake.
2. Add your ingredients — the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup — right on top of the ice.
3. Put the lid on tight so nothing spills out.
4. Hold the shaker with both hands, one on top and one on the bottom, and shake firmly up and down for about 10-15 seconds. You want to feel the shaker get cold and a little frosty on the outside.
5. When you’re done, strain the mixture into your glass filled with fresh ice.

Shaking this way helps mix the flavors evenly and cools the drink quickly, making it taste fresh and balanced. If you don’t shake long enough, the lemon juice and simple syrup might not blend well with the gin, and your cocktail could taste uneven or warm.

I remember the first time I tried shaking a cocktail, I didn’t put enough ice in the shaker. The drink ended up too warm and a bit watery because the ice melted too fast. Now, I always make sure to use plenty of ice and shake until the shaker feels really cold. It makes a big difference and gives you that perfect, refreshing John Collins every time!

• gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka has a neutral flavor that can mimic the base spirit without altering the overall taste profile too much.

• gin - Substitute with white rum: White rum provides a slightly sweeter and more tropical flavor, which can add a different but pleasant twist to the cocktail.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it will impart a slightly different taste.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice provides a more bitter and complex citrus flavor, adding a unique twist to the drink.

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and provides a slightly different but pleasant sweetness.

• simple syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup (honey diluted with water) offers a richer and more complex sweetness.

• soda water - Substitute with tonic water: Tonic water adds a slight bitterness and additional complexity to the cocktail.

• soda water - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water provides the same effervescence without altering the flavor profile.

• lemon slice - Substitute with lime slice: Lime slices offer a similar visual appeal and a complementary citrus aroma.

• lemon slice - Substitute with orange slice: Orange slices provide a sweeter citrus aroma and a vibrant color contrast.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with fresh cherry: Fresh cherries offer a more natural flavor and a less processed appearance.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with brandied cherry: Brandied cherries provide a richer, more complex flavor with an added touch of sophistication.

• To store the John Collins cocktail, prepare the base mixture by combining gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a sealed container. This mixture can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours to maintain its freshness and flavor.

• If you wish to prepare the cocktail in advance, avoid adding the soda water until just before serving. This ensures the drink retains its effervescence and doesn't go flat.

• For freezing, pour the base mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. These cocktail cubes can be stored for up to one month.

• When ready to serve, place the frozen cubes in a highball glass, top with soda water, and stir gently. This method not only chills the drink but also gradually releases the flavors as the cubes melt.

• Always store garnishes like lemon slices and maraschino cherries separately in the refrigerator. Keep the lemon slices in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. The maraschino cherries should be stored in their original syrup in a sealed jar.

• For an extra touch of freshness, consider making a batch of simple syrup ahead of time. Store it in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to a month. This ensures you always have a key ingredient ready for your John Collins cocktail or any other cocktail that calls for a touch of sweetness.

• First, ensure that your leftover John Collins cocktail is stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• When you're ready to enjoy your cocktail again, avoid using a microwave as it can alter the delicate balance of flavors. Instead, follow these steps:
  • Pour the cocktail into a cocktail shaker filled with fresh ice. This will help to chill the drink and slightly dilute it, bringing back its original taste.
  • Shake the cocktail gently for about 10-15 seconds. This will help to mix the ingredients evenly and restore the carbonation from the soda water.
  • Strain the cocktail into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
  • If the soda water has lost its fizz, top off the cocktail with a splash of fresh soda water to revive its effervescence.
  • Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a maraschino cherry to enhance the presentation and flavor.

Enjoy your rejuvenated John Collins cocktail!

• Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice to chill and combine the ingredients.

• Highball glass: The glass in which the cocktail is served, filled with ice and topped with soda water.

• Strainer: Used to strain the mixed ingredients from the cocktail shaker into the highball glass, ensuring a smooth drink without ice chunks.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to accurately measure the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

• Bar spoon: Used to gently stir the soda water into the cocktail after it has been poured into the highball glass.

• Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the lemon for garnish.

• Ice scoop: Used to fill the cocktail shaker and highball glass with ice.

Pre-make simple syrup: Prepare a batch of simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time.

Use fresh lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice in advance and keep it in a sealed container for quick access.

Organize your bar tools: Keep your cocktail shaker, jigger, and other tools in one place for easy reach.

Pre-cut garnishes: Slice lemons and have maraschino cherries ready to go before you start mixing.

Batch cocktails: If making multiple drinks, scale up the recipe and mix in a larger container, then pour into individual glasses.