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John Collins

Tom Collins gone bourbon

Glass Collins
Method Built
Garnish Lemon Slice and Maraschino Cherry

A tall, refreshing cooler built on London dry gin, extended with soda for a long, easy-drinking experience. The Collins family's most distinguished member — crisp where the Tom Collins leans sweet.

Ingredients

Method

Pour gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup directly into a collins glass filled with ice. Stir briefly to combine. Top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry.

Created by John Collins, head waiter at Limmer's Hotel on Conduit Street, London. The drink's origins are documented as emerging in the mid-to-late 1800s, though Limmer's Hotel's own timeline is historically contested. Harry Johnson's 1882 Bartenders' Manual documents the recipe using Holland gin. Per Difford's Guide #1069. IBA The Unforgettables list.

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