The Vodka Collins is simple, but quite refreshing and it works well as a simple summer highball. You can easily dress this up by using flavored vodka, or flavored syrup instead.
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What is Vodka Collins?
The Vodka Collins is exactly what it sounds like – a Tom Collins, but with vodka instead of gin. It came about in an era when cocktails were just starting to incorporate vodka, same as the Cosmopolitan and the Screwdriver.
It’s a highball and it’s meant to be lighter in flavor than Tom Collins, and it might be just the right drink for those who don’t really enjoy gin.
Vodka Collins Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- club soda to top
Instructions
- Build in ice-filled Collins glass.
- Stir lightly before adding club soda.
- Add club soda to top, stir again.
Notes
When is this drink best ?
I think Vodka Collins works great as a year-round cocktail, but it might be especially good as a summer cooler because the main notes here are the lemon and simple syrup. So it’s a bit like a boozy lemonade, and that sounds like a warm season drink to me.
My thoughts on Vodka Collins
I think the Vodka Collins brought the lemon forward since vodka is far subtler than gin. You’re definitely going to feel some alcohol here, but it’s not as flavorful as Tom Collins, and this can actually make it easier to drink. Since lemon and simple syrup are the main notes here, make sure you get some really nice lemons for a good juice. Perhaps expressing a bit of lemon into the drink before serving would help things along ?
If you like Vodka Collins, you might also like…
Tom Collins – a gin, club soda, and lemon cooler
Cape Codder – the classic vodka and cranberry
Screwdriver – vodka and orange juice
Vodka Cola – a twist on the rum and coke, but with vodka instead
Vodka Tonic – a simple mix of vodka and tonic water
Caipiroska – a vodka version of a caipirinha
Vodka Gimlet – a gimlet with a vodka base
Rum Collins – a Tom Collins with rum
Vodka Press – vodka, Sprite, club soda
Vodka Lemonade – a vodka and lemonade mix
Cucumber Collins – a gin Collins with fresh cucumber
Vodka Soda – a simple vodka and club soda mix
Notes, substitutes, and tips
Classic vodka is the usual spirit here, but you can go for a flavored vodka to get more oomph in this. Citrus vodka is perhaps the best to use here, follower by raspberry, and cucumber. Or you could swap the simple syrup for a flavored syrup and get the same effect.
