Vodka Collins (also known as Joe Collins) is the go-to drink for those looking for a sweet and sour mix. Learn how to make this drink below!
Vodka Collins Recipe Breakdown
Vodka Collins is a spin on the popular Tom Collins cocktail, but instead of gin, you’re reaching for your favorite vodka bottle.
It has a refreshing taste and a simple ingredient list, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking for a no-fuss cocktail to splurge on at a dinner party.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Club soda water or sparkling water
- (Optional) Maraschino cherry or orange slice for garnish
Mixing Instructions
- Add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and mix.
- Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes and strain the mixture (a highball glass also works).
- Top with the carbonated water of your choice.
- Garnish with an orange slice or your favorite topping.
Vodka Collins Calories and Alcohol Content
Vodka Collins is an ultra-refreshing drink that packs a punch but also works well for those looking to maintain a diet.
Nutritionally, a tall glass of this drink has around 137 calories and 11 grams of carbs if you stick to the classic recipe. You can make the drink even lower in calories if you skip the simple syrup and opt for something sweeter, like fresh fruit.
The classic recipe has an estimated 10% alcohol content.
Tips for Making and Serving a Vodka Collins
It’s easy to make this your new favorite drink, particularly because it works well for any occasion. Think of this cocktail as a sparkling lemonade spiked with one or two shots of vodka.
Prep time is minimal, and this great drink lets you play around with its flavor to get new experiences.
Vodka Collins Food Pairing
The slightly sweet and sour profile coming from the vodka and lemon juice makes this a refreshing vodka cocktail, so it’s best paired with summer foods. Think fresh produce, salads, grilled meats and vegetables, and anything else you’d want on a hot day.
As the adults’ version of lemonade, this highball drink calls for light meals.
Vodka Collins Recipe Variations
Vodka Collins is one of these easy recipes that leaves a lot of room to play around. If you’re not a fan of the classic recipe, try out these variations:
- Anything from the Collins family: Tom Collins is the most known alternative that uses gin. But you should also try the John Collins, a whiskey-based refreshing cocktail.
- Vodka Tonic: Mix vodka with tonic water and squeeze some lime or lemon to get a tasty alternative cocktail.
- Vodka Soda: You can strip down the recipe and just keep the vodka and club soda to get a low-calorie drink that lets your buds focus on the flavor of the spirit. Garnish with lemon and add juice to taste if you want.
Ingredient Replacements to Try
- Sour mix: Skip the syrup and lemon juice and add your homemade sour mix.
- Lemon replacements: Use other types of fresh juice like cherry, cranberry, orange, or others. Vodka is a versatile spirit and is present in many types of cocktails, so the sky’s the limit!
Final Thoughts
A tall glass of Vodka Collins is the perfect way to unwind after a long day or cool yourself in the summer. Shake the ingredients together, add your favorite topping, and let yourself be wrapped up in the signature taste of one of the most popular cocktails around!
