The cocktail notebook · Gin
John Collins
Lemon-tart, gently sweet and sparkling. A sparkling sour highball made by build.
- Base
- gin
- Method
- Build
- Glass
- Highball
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. House syrup is 1:1 by mass; garnish counts are standardised.
John Collins recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 45 ml≈ 1.5 US fl oz | gin |
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | fresh lemon juice |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | simple syrup, 1:1 by mass |
| 60 ml≈ 2 US fl oz | chilled soda water |
Ice: Cubed ice. Garnish: 1 lemon slice and 1 maraschino cherry.
Learning bar service? Continue with the John Collins in module 3 of the free course →
How to make it
- Fill a highball with fresh cubed ice.
- Measure gin, lemon and syrup into the glass.
- Add measured cold soda.
- Lift gently through the drink and garnish.
Why it works: This is a built sparkling sour. Do not shake the soda; syrup concentration is a house choice that affects balance.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Flat drink
keep soda out of the shaker.
Harsh balance
verify lemon and syrup measures.
Confused order
clarify the gin style for a Tom Collins request.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Lemon-tart, gently sweet and sparkling. This is a built sparkling sour. Do not shake the soda; syrup concentration is a house choice that affects balance.
Dietary and product checks
Check exact products, declared allergens and cross-contact controls before service.
Variations
- Any adaptation needs a recorded recipe and an honest description. Explain the available gin and confirm acceptance rather than silently changing the order.
Where does the John Collins come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
Collins names can hide differences between a venue’s convention and a reference recipe. Here John Collins is the gin, lemon, sugar and soda formula, with Old Tom gin identified for Tom Collins. Ask a short clarifying question when the expected base or gin style is uncertain.
John Collins questions
What does IBA specify for a Tom Collins variation?
Use Old Tom gin.
What preparation detail matters for this order?
This is a built sparkling sour. Do not shake the soda; syrup concentration is a house choice that affects balance.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
John Collins is a required study in Essential Cocktails & Bar Foundations, module 3: Sours and long sours. Extend a sour with soda and recognise the John/Tom Collins naming distinction.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.