Tall, cool, and endlessly refreshing—the John Collins cocktail is everything a Los Angeles cocktail should be. A sparkling combination of gin, lemon, sugar, and soda water, it’s like the Gin Fizz’s laid-back, taller cousin. Light on the alcohol but big on flavor, it’s the kind of cocktail that shines at sunny brunches, poolside parties, and any upscale event across Los Angeles County.
Whether you’re hosting a wedding in Santa Monica, a tech mixer in Playa Vista, or a birthday bash in Studio City, the John Collins cocktail is the drink that keeps the vibe flowing without overwhelming your guests.
Ingredients for The John Collins Cocktail (One Serving)
- 2 oz London Dry Gin
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- Soda Water (to top)
- Ice
- Lemon wheel or cherry (garnish)
- Collins or highball glass
Local Angle: For extra local flair, use gin from Greenbar Distillery (DTLA) or Amass (Los Angeles)—both sustainable, SoCal-born spirits with a modern botanical twist.
How to Make the Perfect John Collins
- Fill your glass with ice.
A tall Collins glass is traditional, but any highball glass will work. Fill with large, clear ice cubes to reduce dilution. Ideal for the John Collins Cocktail. - Add the gin, lemon, and syrup.
Pour in 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup. - Stir briefly.
Give it a quick stir to integrate the base ingredients. - Top with soda water.
Add 2–3 oz soda water, or more depending on your taste. Stir gently once more. - Garnish.
Add a lemon wheel, a cherry, or both. We also offer edible flower upgrades for high-end events.
Why the John Collins Is Perfect for LA
Los Angeles weather demands cocktails that are light, fizzy, and refreshing. The John Collins cocktail checks every box—especially when guests want something citrusy that’s not overly boozy.
You’ll find this drink in:
- Brunch buffets in Pasadena
- Backyard weddings in Encino
- Fashion shows in West Hollywood
- Influencer events in Beverly Hills
The John Collins Cocktail also pairs incredibly well with LA’s favorite cuisines—tacos, sushi, ceviche, poke, and Mediterranean small plates.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a John Collins cocktail and a Tom Collins?
Technically, the Tom Collins uses Old Tom Gin (a sweeter, older style), while the John Collins uses London Dry Gin. In practice, most bars today serve the John Collins cocktail version by default.
Can I substitute the spirit?
Yes! Swap the gin for bourbon to make a Whiskey Collins, or vodka for a Vodka Collins. Party Shakers can create a full “Collins Bar” at your event with multiple variations.
Can the John Collins Cocktail be served in large batches?
Absolutely. We batch the gin, lemon, and syrup ahead of time and top with soda on-site for ultimate freshness—served at scale across all Los Angeles events.
Hire Party Shakers for a Collins Bar in LA
Want to serve your guests a cocktail that’s easy to drink and hard to forget? The John Collins cocktail is the perfect mix of refreshing, classy, and crowd-pleasing.
Let Party Shakers bring it to life with:
✅ Custom-branded Collins menus
✅ Pre-batched service with soda add-on at the bar
✅ Available across LA County: Culver City, Pasadena, Malibu, Burbank, and more
✅ Optional garnish bars, photo booths, and poolside mixology upgrades
Get The John Collins Drink today!