Ron Collins

Name: Ron Collins
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Light Rum; 30 ml / 1 oz Lemon Juice; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Simple Syrup; Top up (approx. 120 ml / 4 oz) Soda Water

Ingredients Instructions

The Ron Collins is an elegant and straightforward highball that swaps the traditional gin of a Tom Collins for rum. This simple substitution creates a drink with a slightly sweeter and more tropical profile, blending the character of rum with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice. Topped with effervescent soda water, it's a supremely refreshing drink, perfect for warm weather or any casual occasion.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Ron Collins is classified as a classic cocktail and a long drink. It belongs to the highball family of drinks, which are characterized by a spirit base topped with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass. This drink is a direct variation of the classic Tom Collins.

Serving

This is a tall, cold long drink served over ice in a Collins or Highball glass. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it a refreshing and easy-sipping cocktail.

Serving size

Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz

Alcohol content

Approximately 10-15% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Collins glass

Glass treatment

None

Backstory

As a direct variation of the Tom Collins, which originated in the late 19th century, the Ron Collins' history is tied to the evolution of classic cocktails. Bartenders have long experimented with substituting base spirits in popular recipes. The name 'Ron Collins' likely emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a convenient and catchy way to order this rum-based version.

Origin

The Ron Collins is an American cocktail variation, likely emerging in the early to mid-20th century. It is a direct descendant of the Tom Collins, which was first recorded in writing in 1876 by Jerry Thomas. The rum version logically followed the popularity of both rum and the original Collins formula.

Ron Collins

The name 'Ron Collins' is a clever play on words, as 'Ron' is Spanish for rum, clearly indicating it as a rum-based version of the classic Collins. It is also commonly referred to more directly as a 'Rum Collins'. This distinguishes it from its gin-based progenitor, the Tom Collins.

Original name

Ron Collins

Alternative names

Rum Collins
Tom Collins with Rum

Characteristics overview

The Ron Collins is a visually simple yet inviting drink, characterized by its pale, slightly cloudy appearance and lively carbonation. Its flavor profile is a clean balance of sweet and sour, with a refreshing citrus aroma and a crisp, light texture on the palate.

Flavor

Citrusy, Sweet, Tart, Tropical, Light

Aroma

Lemon, Sugarcane, Light Rum

Taste balance

Sweet, Sour

Aftertaste

Clean, Refreshing, Short

Fizziness

Bubbly, Effervescent

Color appearance

Pale yellow, Slightly cloudy

Texture

Light, Crisp, Watery

Seasonality

Summery, Refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink has a balanced flavor intensity, where the zesty sourness and sweetness are prominent, complemented by a light alcohol presence from the rum. The high carbonation level makes it feel exceptionally light and refreshing.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

To make a Ron Collins, you will need light rum as the base spirit, freshly squeezed lemon juice for acidity, and simple syrup for sweetness. The drink is lengthened and made effervescent with a top-up of chilled soda water.

Light Rum60 ml / 2 oz
A good quality white or lightly aged gold rum works best.
Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
Adjust to taste. Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water.
Soda WaterTop up (approx. 120 ml / 4 oz)
Chilled soda water or club soda is ideal.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the rum, lemon, and syrup, along with a strainer. A jigger is recommended for accurate measurements to ensure a balanced drink.

Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
Strainer for separating ice
Jigger for measuring ingredients

Instructions

The Ron Collins is prepared by shaking rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, then straining it into an ice-filled Collins glass. The drink is finished by topping it with soda water and adding a simple garnish.

1. Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes and set aside to chill.

2. Add the rum, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.

4. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the ice-filled Collins glass.

5. Top the glass with chilled soda water, leaving a little space at the top.

6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry before serving.

Garnishing

A classic Collins garnish of a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry adds a pop of color and visual appeal. The garnish complements the drink's simple, clean character.

Lemon wheel dropped into the drink or placed on the rim
Maraschino cherry dropped into the drink

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from most common allergens, including dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.

✓ 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 most coming from the rum and the sugar in the simple syrup. The carbohydrate and sugar content is moderate and can be reduced by using less syrup.

Calories

Averagely 170 kcal / 711 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Averagely 12g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Averagely 11g

Sugar level

Occasions

With its light and refreshing character, the Ron Collins is perfectly suited for warm-weather events like summer parties, barbecues, and relaxing by the pool. It's also an excellent choice for a casual happy hour or as a simple aperitif before a meal.

Summer Parties
Poolside Lounging
Happy Hour
Barbecue
Casual Get-togethers

Pairing suggestions

The Ron Collins pairs well with light and savory foods that complement its citrusy, tropical profile. It's an excellent companion for seafood dishes, grilled meats, and classic Cuban fare. Salty and crispy snacks also work wonderfully to contrast the drink's sweet and sour notes.

Light Seafood (e.g., ceviche, grilled shrimp)
Cuban Sandwiches
Grilled Chicken or Pork
Salty Snacks (e.g., plantain chips, nuts)

Ron Collins: The Tropical Twist on a Classic Highball

The Ron Collins is the rum-lover's perfect answer to the classic Tom Collins. It's a crisp, refreshing highball that swaps gin for light or gold rum, creating a slightly sweeter, more tropical profile that is incredibly easy to drink. Being simple to make with common ingredients, it's the ideal cocktail for a hot summer day or a casual gathering. The balanced interplay of quality rum, zesty lemon, and bubbly soda water makes for a timeless and satisfying long drink.