John Collins
The bourbon-based cousin of the Tom Collins; whiskey, lemon, sugar and soda make a refreshing highball whose spirit base batches easily ahead of soda topping.
Set servings & plan this recipe →
How to make it
Built in the glass · Medium · about 2 minutes
- 1
Add the bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup to the collins glass and fill with ice.
- 2
Top with the soda water.
- 3
Stir gently to combine.
- 4
Garnish with lemon wheel and cherry.
Tools you'll need
Making a batch for a party?
This example makes 12 servings with added water at 0% of the full recipe volume before dilution. This is a planning assumption; water from ice at service is not predicted. Edit this recipe and create a purchase sheet →
| Ingredient | × 12 | mL |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon | 24.0 oz | 710 |
| Lemon juice | 12.0 oz | 355 |
| Simple syrup | 6.0 oz | 177 |
| Soda water | 24.0 oz | 710 |
BatchPour tools produce estimates for planning purposes only. Actual dilution, ABV, and ingredient yields vary by technique, ice temperature, and produce. Always taste and adjust. Drink responsibly.
If you like the John Collins, try…
Old Fashioned
whiskeyWhiskey, sugar, bitters — the original cocktail, built in the glass.
Whiskey Sour
whiskeyBourbon, lemon, and sweetener — the essential American sour.
Manhattan
whiskeyRye, sweet vermouth, bitters — the stately stirred classic.
Penicillin
whiskeyScotch, lemon, honey-ginger, peaty float — a modern classic.
John Collins FAQ
What's in a John Collins?
A classic John Collins is made with bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water. It's built in the glass and served in a collins glass.
What is the ABV of a John Collins?
The listed ingredients calculate to approximately 14.5% ABV before added water or ice melt, with approximately 1.33 US standard drinks per serving. Water lowers the concentration but does not change the alcohol quantity.
Should I shake or stir a John Collins?
Neither — the John Collins is built right in the glass, so no shaker or mixing glass is needed.
How do I batch John Collinss for a party?
Scale each ingredient by your number of servings. Open this recipe in the batch planner to choose added water, package sizes and ingredients to hold for service. Preset water percentages are planning assumptions applied to all recipe liquid before dilution, not predictions of ice melt.