Cocktail Art
American Collins
The American Collins is a vibrant, fruity twist on the classic Tom Collins. By muddling fresh blueberries with lemon juice and simple syrup, this drink gains a beautiful purple hue and a sweet, berry-forward flavor profile. Balanced by the botanical notes of gin and the effervescence of soda water, it is an exceptionally refreshing choice for warm summer afternoons.
- GlassHighball
- MethodStir
- Time3 min
- Strength≈ 10% ABV
How to make a American Collins
Stir it in a highball with ice cubes. About 3 minutes.
- Place 8 blueberries, 20 ml of fresh lemon juice, and 30 ml of simple syrup into a highball glass.
- Muddle the ingredients gently to release the blueberry juices.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in 60 ml of gin and 100 ml of soda water.
- Stir the mixture briefly to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a few blueberries.
Bartender’s tips
- For a slightly different botanical profile, you can substitute gin with genever as a traditional alternative.
- Muddle the blueberries gently to avoid pulverizing the skins, which can make the drink look cloudy.
- Ensure your soda water is chilled before pouring to keep the drink cold and preserve the carbonation.
You may also like
If you enjoy the refreshing, fizzy character of the American Collins, you might also like these similar cocktails: Gin Fizz, John Collins, Long Island Ice Tea, and Orange Fizz.
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★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsAmerican Collins questions
What kind of gin works best in an American Collins?
A classic London Dry gin works wonderfully to balance the sweet blueberries, but a modern botanical gin can also enhance the floral notes.
Can I substitute the gin to make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can replace the 60 ml of gin with a non-alcoholic botanical spirit or simply omit it for a refreshing blueberry lemonade.
How strong is the American Collins?
With 60 ml of gin and 100 ml of soda water, this cocktail has an alcohol by volume of about 10 percent, making it a light and easy-drinking option.