Sloe Gin Collins

The Sloe Gin Collins is a delightful twist on the classic Tom Collins, substituting the dry gin with sweet, plummy sloe gin. This change results in a beautifully colored, fruit-forward highball that's both refreshing and easy to drink. The combination of sloe gin's rich berry notes with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the effervescence of soda water creates a perfectly balanced and visually appealing cocktail. It's an excellent choice for a warm afternoon or a casual gathering.
Sloe Gin Collins

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Sloe Gin Collins is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the 'Collins' family of long drinks, which are characterized by a base spirit, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water served in a tall glass named after the drink.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a tall Collins or Highball glass, this is a refreshing long drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Sloe Gin Collins is a direct descendant of the iconic Tom Collins, which dates back to the 19th century. As sloe gin, a liqueur made from gin and sloe drupes, gained popularity in Britain, bartenders naturally began experimenting with it in classic recipes. The substitution was simple but effective, creating a sweeter, fruitier version of the beloved Collins that has since become a staple in its own right, especially in the UK.
Origin
United Kingdom, likely emerging in the early 20th century as a variation on the American Tom Collins, which was first recorded in writing in 1876.

Sloe Gin Collins

The drink is most commonly known as the Sloe Gin Collins. Sometimes it is shortened to simply Sloe Collins, but this is less frequent.
Original name
Sloe Gin Collins
Alternative name
Sloe Collins

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a refreshing balance of sweet, plummy sloe gin and tart lemon, with a fruity aroma and a crisp, bubbly texture. Its beautiful ruby color and clean finish make it a delightful drink for any season.
Flavor
Fruity, plummy, tart, sweet, berry, refreshing
Aroma
Fruity, citrus, juniper, almond
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, fruity, slightly tart
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Deep ruby, reddish-pink, clear
Texture
Light, crisp, effervescent
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is a pleasant mix of fruity sweetness from the sloe gin and a bright sourness from the lemon, complemented by a strong fizzy carbonation. The alcohol presence is relatively mild.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need sloe gin as the base spirit, balanced with fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup. The drink is lengthened with chilled soda water.
  • Sloe Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A gin-based liqueur flavored with sloe drupes (a relative of the plum).
  • Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your sloe gin.
  • Soda WaterApproximately 120 ml / 4 oz, to top
    Also known as club soda. Must be well-chilled.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This drink is shaken, so you will need a cocktail shaker and strainer. A jigger is essential for proper proportions.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients
  • Jigger for accurate measurement
  • Strainer to pour into the glass

Instructions

The process is simple: shake the sloe gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, strain into an ice-filled glass, and then top with soda water. Finish with a quick stir and a garnish.
1. Fill a Collins or Highball glass with ice to chill it.
2. Add the sloe gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until 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. Give the drink a gentle stir with a bar spoon to integrate the ingredients.
7. Garnish with a lemon wheel and an optional cherry before serving.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh lemon wheel or wedge complements the drink's citrus notes. A maraschino cherry can be added for extra color and a touch of sweetness.
  • Lemon wheel or wedge, placed on the rim or in the drink
  • Maraschino cherry, dropped into the drink (optional)

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is also vegan, vegetarian, and caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the sloe gin and simple syrup. The exact values can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 750-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-18 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a versatile and refreshing long drink, making it perfect for summer parties, brunches, or as a relaxing afternoon sipper. Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor profile suit any casual get-together.
  • Summer party
  • Brunch
  • Afternoon drink
  • Casual gathering

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's fruity and tart profile pairs well with light and savory foods. It cuts through the richness of soft cheeses and complements the flavors of grilled chicken or light salads, making it a great accompaniment for appetizers or a light meal.
  • Light salads
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie
  • Salty snacks like nuts or pretzels

The Sloe Gin Collins: A Fruity and Refreshing Classic Twist

The Sloe Gin Collins is a vibrant and refreshing long drink perfect for any occasion. It's a simple yet elegant twist on the classic Tom Collins, replacing standard gin with the sweet, fruity character of sloe gin. The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail where tart lemon and fizzy soda water lift the rich plum and berry notes, creating an easy-drinking and visually stunning highball. It's an accessible classic that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Similar Cocktails

Tom Collins

The original classic, made with London Dry Gin instead of sloe gin.

Sloe Gin Sour

Contains sloe gin, lemon, and sugar, but is served shaken 'up' in a coupe or sour glass, often with egg white and without soda water.

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