John Collins (bourbon Variant)


A tall, fizzy bourbon Collins with bright lemon and gentle sweetness.


Base spirit
Whiskey
Style
Highball
Glassware
Collins glass

The Bourbon John Collins shakes bourbon with lemon and simple syrup before topping with soda water for a refreshing long drink. It drinks cleaner and lighter than many whiskey cocktails, with fizzy length and crisp citrus over a mellow bourbon base.


A Bourbon John Collins in a tall Collins glass with lemon wheel.

Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 0.75 oz simple syrup
  • Soda water

Did you know?

Collins drinks evolved from 19th‑century punch culture; bourbon versions became common as regional preferences shaped spirit choice.

Source:Collins family histories; Imbibe

Bartender's Note

Do not oversweeten—the Collins is meant to be bright and dryish.

How to make the John Collins (bourbon Variant)

  1. 1Shake bourbon, lemon, and syrup.
  2. 2Strain into ice‑filled Collins glass.
  3. 3Top with soda.
  4. 4Garnish.

Drinks similar to John Collins (bourbon Variant)