The John Collins cocktail is a variation of the classic Tom Collins cocktail. While the Tom Collins traditionally includes Old Tom gin, the John Collins substitutes gin with whiskey. The John Collins is a refreshing and versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round.
To make a John Collins cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
– Whiskey: The choice of whiskey is up to personal preference. Bourbon, rye, or blended whiskeys can all work well in a John Collins. Each type of whiskey will bring its own unique flavors and characteristics to the cocktail.
– Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a bright and tangy flavor in the John Collins. I highly recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice for the best results.
– Simple syrup: Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water, dissolved together. It adds sweetness to the cocktail without any granulated texture. You can easily make your own simple syrup at home by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar is fully dissolved, then allowing it to cool before using.
– Club soda: Club soda adds a refreshing fizz to the John Collins cocktail. It helps to balance the flavors and creates a lighter and more effervescent drink. You can adjust the amount of club soda to your liking, depending on how bubbly you prefer your cocktail.
– Ice: Ice is essential for chilling the cocktail and diluting it slightly, which helps to mellow the flavors. You can either shake the cocktail with ice or build it directly in a glass filled with ice.
– Optional garnishes: A John Collins can be garnished with a lemon wheel or twist, a maraschino cherry, or even a sprig of fresh mint. These garnishes add a visual appeal to the cocktail and can enhance the overall drinking experience.
Now that we have the ingredients, let's move on to the preparation:
1. Fill a Collins glass (or any tall glass) with ice. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled throughout the sipping experience.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to thoroughly combine the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared Collins glass filled with ice. If you prefer a slightly diluted cocktail, you can add the ice from the shaker directly into the glass.
5. Top off the glass with club soda, leaving some space at the top for garnishes and a stir.
6. Give the cocktail a gentle stir to mix everything together.
7. If desired, garnish the John Collins with a lemon wheel or twist, a maraschino cherry, or a sprig of fresh mint.
8. Serve and enjoy!
The John Collins is a versatile cocktail that can be modified to suit individual tastes. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can increase the amount of simple syrup. For a stronger whiskey flavor, you can adjust the whiskey-to-lemon ratio. The beauty of cocktails is that you can experiment and tailor them to your liking.
Remember, the John Collins is meant to be a refreshing and easy-drinking cocktail, perfect for casual gatherings or relaxing evenings. So sit back, sip, and savor the flavors of this classic cocktail with a whiskey twist. Cheers!