VODKA COLLINS
The Vodka Collins: A Vodka Take on a Classic Highball
The Vodka Collins emerged as a variation of the Tom Collins, a classic gin cocktail dating back to the 1870s. As vodka gained popularity in America during the 1950s and 1960s, bartenders began substituting it into established cocktail templates like the Collins formula, according to Liquor.com.
The cocktail follows the classic Collins template of spirit, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Using vodka instead of gin creates a cleaner, more neutral profile where lemon's brightness takes center stage without gin's botanical complexity, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Vodka Collins belongs to the broader "Collins" family of cocktails that became popular templates for showcasing various base spirits in tall, refreshing formats. The drink remained a staple variation throughout the 20th century, appreciated for its simplicity and accessibility, according to Punch.
RECIPE:
2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
2-3 oz soda water
Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
Method:
Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a Collins glass filled with ice.
Stir briefly to combine.
Top with soda water and stir gently.
Garnish with lemon wheel and cherry.