The Blueberry Wodka Collins is a modern twist on the classic Collins – here, the crisp freshness of Wodka meets the natural sweetness of fresh blueberries. The drink remains light and effervescent, but the berries give it a gentle, aromatic depth. Perfect for warm days or as an elegant summer beverage. Important: Don’t just use the blueberries as a garnish – release their aroma directly in the glass – that makes all the difference.
And this is what you need for the Blueberry Wodka Collins
60 ml Wodka
30 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
1 handful of fresh blueberries (approx. 20 g)
Soda water (approx. 90 ml)
Ice cubes
Garnish: Lemon slice and 3–4 fresh blueberries
What matters
Don’t just use the blueberries as decoration – release their aroma directly in the glass. To do this, add the berries *before* the ice and lightly press them down – this distributes their juice evenly throughout the drink. Important: Don’t crush them too hard, or the seeds will turn bitter. For a more intense flavor, you can briefly warm the blueberries in a pan with a little simple syrup and lightly caramelize them. This gives the Collins a deeper, almost jam-like note.
Variations
- Blueberry Basil Collins — Add 3–4 fresh basil leaves to the blueberries in the glass and lightly press them down. The drink gains a herbal, aromatic component that pairs perfectly with the berries.
- Blueberry Gin Collins — Replace the Wodka with 60 ml London Dry Gin. The juniper note of the Gin surprisingly harmonizes well with the blueberries and makes the drink more complex.
- Blueberry Collins without alcohol — Omit the Wodka and instead use 60 ml blueberry syrup or juice. Fill up with lemon juice and soda water – remains refreshing but alcohol-free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but they release less juice than fresh ones. Let them thaw slightly and lightly crush before pressing. Alternatively, briefly warm the frozen berries in a pan with a little simple syrup until they burst.
How long does the simple syrup keep?
It keeps for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer shelf life, add a pinch of citric acid (1 per 100 ml) or Wodka (1 cl per 100 ml).
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
Yes, but without the soda water. The mixture of Wodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and blueberries keeps in the refrigerator for 1–2 days. Only add ice and soda water shortly before serving.
Why does my Collins taste too sour?
The ratio of lemon juice to simple syrup is crucial. If it’s too sour, add 5 ml more simple syrup or reduce the lemon juice by 5 ml. Always taste before adding the soda water.
