Michael Collins

The Michael Collins is a simple yet elegant cocktail that showcases the smooth character of Irish whiskey. It is the Irish counterpart to the gin-based Tom Collins and the London Dry Gin-based John Collins. The drink is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spirited, topped with effervescent soda water to create a thirst-quenching and highly drinkable long drink suitable for any time of day.
Michael Collins

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Michael Collins is classified as a classic long drink cocktail. It belongs to the renowned Collins family of cocktails, which are characterized by a base spirit, citrus, sugar, and soda water served tall over ice. This specific version distinguishes itself by using Irish whiskey as its base.

Serving

This is a tall, cold, and effervescent drink served in a Collins or Highball glass filled with ice. Its alcohol content is relatively moderate, making it a refreshing and easy-sipping cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins glass or Highball glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This cocktail is named in honor of Michael Collins, the famous Irish revolutionary leader. The name is a patriotic Irish twist on the pre-existing "John Collins" cocktail, which was traditionally made with London Dry Gin. By substituting the English spirit with Ireland's native whiskey, the drink became a symbol of Irish identity in the cocktail world during the early 20th century.
Origin
The exact origin is not precisely documented, but the drink emerged in the United States in the early 20th century. It was created as a direct variation of the popular John Collins and Tom Collins cocktails. The choice of Irish whiskey and the name "Michael Collins" reflects the influence of Irish-American culture during that era.

Michael Collins

The Michael Collins is most famously known as the Irish version of the Collins cocktail. The name "Irish Collins" is a direct reference to its key ingredient, Irish whiskey. It is sometimes generically referred to as a "Whiskey Collins," although that name could also apply to versions made with other types of whiskey.
Original name
Michael Collins
Alternative names
  • Irish Collins
  • Whiskey Collins

Characteristics overview

The Michael Collins boasts a refreshing citrus aroma and a balanced sweet and sour flavor profile, underpinned by the smooth notes of Irish whiskey. Its light, bubbly texture and clean finish make it an exceptionally crisp and invigorating drink.
Flavor
Citrusy, Sweet-tart, Refreshing, Whiskey, Light
Aroma
Lemon, Irish whiskey, Grain
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Short
Fizziness
Effervescent, Bubbly
Color appearance
Pale yellow, Lightly cloudy, Clear with bubbles
Texture
Light, Watery, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, with a perfect balance between the sweetness of the syrup and the tartness of the lemon. The alcohol presence is mild, and the high carbonation keeps the drink light and refreshing.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need four simple ingredients for this cocktail: a good quality Irish whiskey as the base, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup for sweetness, and chilled soda water for fizz.
  • Irish Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A smooth, unpeated Irish whiskey works best.
  • Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Use a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio. Adjust to taste.
  • Soda Water90-120 ml / 3-4 oz, to top
    Chilled soda water or club soda works best.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

A cocktail shaker is needed to mix and chill the whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup. You will also need a strainer to pour the mix neatly into the serving glass.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine the base ingredients.
  • Strainer to pour the shaken mixture without ice shards.

Instructions

The process is straightforward: shake the whiskey, lemon, and syrup with ice, strain into an ice-filled tall glass, and then top with soda water. A quick stir and a simple garnish complete the drink.
1. Fill a Collins or Highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
2. Add the Irish whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted and cold.
4. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the ice-filled Collins glass.
5. Top the glass with chilled soda water.
6. Give the drink a gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients lightly.
7. Garnish with a lemon wheel and an optional maraschino cherry.

Garnishing

A classic Collins garnish of a fresh lemon wheel and a bright red maraschino cherry provides a perfect visual contrast and a hint of extra flavor.
  • Lemon wheel or wedge, placed on the rim or in the drink.
  • Maraschino cherry, dropped into the drink (optional, but classic).

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegan, vegetarian, and free from dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. However, as whiskey is derived from gluten-containing grains, it is not considered gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is relatively low in calories, with its primary caloric and sugar content coming from the simple syrup and the alcohol itself. The carbohydrate count is moderate for a mixed drink.
Calories
Averagely 180 kcal / 753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Its refreshing nature makes the Michael Collins ideal for warm weather, summer parties, and outdoor gatherings. It's also a perfect choice for a casual brunch, a relaxed happy hour, or as a festive tribute on St. Patrick's Day.
  • Summer Parties
  • Casual Get-Togethers
  • Brunch
  • Happy Hour
  • St. Patrick's Day

Pairing suggestions

The Michael Collins's crisp and citrusy profile pairs beautifully with salty and fried foods, cutting through the richness. It complements light appetizers, grilled white meats, and seafood wonderfully. Its refreshing character makes it a versatile companion for many dishes, especially in a casual setting.
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or nuts
  • Fish and chips
  • Light appetizers and canapés
  • Grilled chicken or fish

The Michael Collins: A Refreshing Irish Twist on a Classic

The Michael Collins is a classic and invigorating long drink that offers a refreshing taste of Ireland. By swapping gin for smooth Irish whiskey in the traditional Collins formula, it creates a cocktail with a bit more depth and character while retaining the bright, citrusy effervescence that makes the family so beloved. Easy to make and even easier to drink, it's a testament to the idea that simple, quality ingredients can create a truly exceptional beverage. It is a perfect choice for those who enjoy whiskey but are looking for a lighter, more refreshing option than a spirit-forward cocktail.

Similar Cocktails

Tom Collins

The original classic, made with Old Tom Gin (or London Dry Gin).

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