John Collins (Bourbon Variant)
A tall, fizzy bourbon Collins with bright lemon and gentle sweetness.
Base spirit
Whiskey
Style
Highball
Glassware
Collins glass
Technique
Shake
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.
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.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the John Collins (Bourbon Variant)
- 1Shake bourbon, lemon, and syrup.
- 2Strain into ice‑filled Collins glass.
- 3Top with soda.
- 4Garnish.
