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Cocktails

John Collins

John Collins is an alcoholic cocktail built on Bourbon. It leans citrus. Built and served in a Collins Glass. Expect about 14.6% ABV and roughly 173 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by How we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction
Cocktailalcoholic14.6% ABV6 ingredients

At a Glance

173 kcalCalories
14.6%ABV
5gSugar
6.3gCarbs
1.5Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderatestirred drink

Why: 6 ingredients, stirred drink, requires bar spoon

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  1. Pour all ingredients directly into Highball glass filled with ice.Pour
  2. Stir gently.Stirred
  3. Garnish.Garnish
  4. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.Add

How to Serve

Glass
Collins Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Ice
Method
Stirred
Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Citrus

Supporting notes

SweetCaramelOakSpice

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong
BodyLight – Full
SweetnessDry – Sweet
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
  • Bright and citrusy
  • Fruity and vibrant

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

  • SummerSuggested from its citrus notes.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Bourbon2 oz

Rye WhiskeyWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Use the same amount; adjust sweetener if the drink becomes too dry.
What changes
Rye whiskey can replace bourbon when a spicier, drier version is acceptable.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Lemon Juice1 oz

Lime JuiceWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Start with the same amount, then adjust sweetness if the drink tastes too sharp.
What changes
Lime juice can usually replace lemon juice, but the drink becomes sharper and more tropical.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sugar1 tsp superfine

Simple SyrupWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Use about 1/4 oz simple syrup per teaspoon of sugar as a starting point.
What changes
Simple syrup can replace sugar, but it also adds water and dissolves more easily.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Club Soda3 oz

Soda WaterGood swap
How much to use
Use the same amount.
What changes
Soda water is usually a close substitute for club soda.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What is a John Collins?
The John Collins is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 14.6%. A standard serving contains approximately 173 calories.
What does a John Collins taste like?
John Collins has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
How strong is a John Collins?
The John Collins has an ABV of approximately 14.6%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 173 kcal, 5.0g sugar, 6.3g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a John Collins typically served?
John Collins is often suggested for Summer, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a John Collins?
If you enjoy John Collins, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make a John Collins at home?
Yes. The John Collins uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Collins Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of John Collins with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.