Johnnie Collins

The Johnnie Collins is a simple yet elegant long drink, perfect for showcasing the character of a good Scotch whisky. It is a direct variation of the classic John Collins, substituting Scotch for the traditional gin or American whiskey. The result is a tall, effervescent, and perfectly balanced drink that is both thirst-quenching and sophisticated. It serves as an excellent introduction to Scotch cocktails for those who might find the spirit too intense on its own.
Johnnie Collins

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Johnnie Collins is classified as a classic cocktail, belonging to the Collins family of sours lengthened with soda water. Due to its preparation in a tall glass topped with a carbonated beverage, it is also definitively categorized as a highball drink.

Serving

This is a moderately alcoholic drink served cold over ice in a tall, slender Collins glass. Chilling the glass beforehand ensures the drink stays cold and refreshing for longer.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a natural evolution of the original 19th-century John Collins, which was made with gin or whiskey. As Scotch whisky's popularity grew in the early 20th century, it was inevitably substituted into popular recipes. The name "Johnnie Collins" is a clever and memorable pun, referencing the iconic Johnnie Walker brand of Scotch, which helped cement its identity as the definitive Scotch-based member of the Collins family.
Origin
The Johnnie Collins likely originated in the United Kingdom or the United States during the early 20th century. It is a direct descendant of the John Collins, a recipe that was first recorded in writing in 1869. This variation simply swaps the base spirit to Scotch.

Johnnie Collins

The name "Johnnie Collins" is a clever pun on the famous Johnnie Walker brand of Scotch, clearly indicating the spirit base. It is also more generically referred to as a "Scotch Collins" to differentiate it from its gin-based relatives. Both names refer to the same refreshing highball.
Original name
Johnnie Collins
Alternative name
Scotch Collins

Characteristics overview

This cocktail is defined by its refreshing, bubbly texture and a flavor profile that balances the tartness of lemon with the complexity of Scotch whisky. Its appearance is a pale, clear gold, with a crisp finish that makes it exceptionally drinkable, especially in warmer weather.
Flavor
Citrusy, Tart, Lightly Sweet, Refreshing, Malty, Smoky (depending on the Scotch)
Aroma
Lemon, Scotch (Peat, Malt, Oak), Effervescent
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet, Spirit-forward
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Lingering whisky notes
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent, Sparkling
Color appearance
Pale Gold, Light Straw, Clear, Bubbly
Texture
Light, Crisp, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, driven by a pleasant sourness from the lemon and the distinct character of the Scotch, balanced by gentle sweetness and lively carbonation. It is not a salty, spicy, or creamy drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires four simple ingredients: Scotch whisky as the base, fresh lemon juice for sourness, simple syrup for sweetness, and soda water to lengthen and add fizz.
  • Scotch Whisky60 ml / 2 oz
    A blended Scotch works wonderfully, but feel free to use a single malt for more character.
  • Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    1:1 sugar to water ratio. Adjust to taste.
  • Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Chilled soda water or club soda works best.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker and strainer for mixing and chilling the base, and a jigger for accurate measurements. A long bar spoon is useful for a final gentle stir in the glass.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients
  • Jigger to measure ingredients
  • Strainer to pour into the glass
  • Bar spoon to gently stir

Instructions

The method involves shaking the Scotch, lemon, and syrup with ice, straining it into an ice-filled Collins glass, and then topping it with soda water. A final gentle stir and garnish complete the drink.
1. Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes to chill it, and set aside.
2. Add the Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared ice-filled Collins glass.
5. Top the glass with chilled soda water.
6. Give the drink a gentle stir with a bar spoon to integrate the ingredients without losing carbonation.
7. Garnish with a lemon wheel or wedge and the optional maraschino cherry before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a lemon wheel or wedge complements the drink's citrus flavor. For a classic Collins look, a bright red maraschino cherry can be added for a pop of color.
  • Lemon wheel or wedge placed on the rim or in the drink
  • Maraschino cherry dropped into the drink (optional)

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally vegan and free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. While distilled spirits are considered gluten-free, individuals with severe celiac disease should select their Scotch brand with care.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively light cocktail in terms of nutrition, with about 160 calories per serving. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes almost entirely from the simple syrup and lemon juice.
Calories
Approximately 160 kcal / 670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Its refreshing and approachable nature makes the Johnnie Collins a versatile choice for many situations. It's perfect for a casual happy hour, a sunny afternoon gathering, or as a light aperitif to stimulate the appetite before dinner.
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer Party
  • Casual Drink
  • Pre-dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Johnnie Collins pairs excellently with savory and smoky foods that complement the Scotch base. It cuts through the richness of smoked salmon and sharp cheese beautifully. Its refreshing nature also makes it a great companion for grilled foods or simple, salty bar snacks.
  • Smoked Salmon
  • Sharp Cheeses (e.g., Aged Cheddar)
  • Grilled Sausages
  • Salty Snacks like Pretzels or Nuts

The Johnnie Collins: A Scottish Twist on a Classic Highball

The Johnnie Collins is a refreshing and sophisticated twist on the classic Collins highball, substituting Scotch whisky for the more common gin. Its brilliant simplicity allows the character of the Scotch—be it malty, floral, or lightly smoky—to shine through, perfectly balanced by tart lemon and sweet sugar. Lightened by a bubbly splash of soda water, it becomes an exceptionally accessible and drinkable cocktail. It's an ideal choice for both seasoned Scotch lovers seeking a lighter preparation and for newcomers looking for a gentle introduction to this storied spirit.

Similar Cocktails

Tom Collins

Uses Old Tom Gin (or London Dry Gin) instead of Scotch whisky.

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