The Vodka Collins is the clear, sparkling variant of the Tom Collins – instead of Gin, this features Vodka. The result is a slender, refreshing long drink that achieves a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity with lemon juice and soda water. Ideal for warm days or as a light aperitif. The drink thrives on the freshness of the lemon juice and the bubbly lightness of the soda water. Simple, but prepared with finesse.
And here’s what you need for the Vodka Collins
5 cl Vodka
3 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cl simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
10–12 cl chilled soda water
Garnish: Lemon slice and cocktail cherry
What matters
The Vodka Collins stands or falls with the quality of the lemon juice – freshly squeezed is essential. Those who prefer a particularly elegant touch can replace the simple syrup with a lightly cloudy, homemade syrup: simply dissolve sugar in hot water and let it steep briefly until it becomes slightly opaque. This gives the drink a softer sweetness. Temperature is also important: the soda water should be ice-cold so that the drink doesn’t become diluted. If desired, you can chill the glass with ice briefly before filling to maintain the temperature for longer. And a little trick: a splash of lemon oil from the peel added to the drink gives it an additional aromatic note.
Variations
- Raspberry Collins — Replace the lemon juice with 2 cl raspberry syrup and add 4–5 fresh raspberries. Lightly muddle the berries before topping up with soda water.
- Meyer Lemon Collins — Use Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons. The juice is milder and less acidic, so increase the amount to 4 cl and reduce the simple syrup to 1 cl.
- Cucumber Collins — Add 3 thin cucumber slices and let them steep briefly in the glass before topping up with soda water. Optionally mix in 1 cl cucumber juice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use tonic water instead of soda water?
Theoretically yes, but the taste changes significantly. Tonic water contains quinine and sugar, which gives the drink a bitter note and additional sweetness. If you want to try it, reduce the simple syrup to 1 cl or omit it entirely.
How strong is a Vodka Collins?
Due to the soda water, the drink is relatively mild, but the alcohol content depends on the amount of Vodka. With 5 cl Vodka, it’s around 10–12 % vol. Those who prefer it lighter can reduce the Vodka to 4 cl.
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
No, the Vodka Collins should be freshly prepared. The soda water quickly loses its fizz, and the drink will go flat. The ingredients (except soda water) can be prepped, but should be mixed just before serving.
