Citrus-Tech Collins Shake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, zesty cocktail combining bright citrus flavors with a smooth vodka base, perfect for a light, invigorating sip. This cocktails & beverages-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes blends vodka, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice into a quick blender drink — a fast breakfast, a pre-workout pour, or an afternoon energy boost, with nothing to wash up but the pitcher. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works as a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-gym refuel, or a snack that holds you to the next meal. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Beverages cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup.
  2. Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into a tall Collins glass filled halfway with fresh ice cubes.
  4. Step 4: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to blend without losing fizz.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with a thin spiral strip of orange peel twisted over the surface to release oils, then place it on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Tech Collins Shake take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Almost all of that is prep — once everything is in the blender it is under a minute to smooth. Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead so mornings are just dump-and-blend.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Tech Collins Shake?

Smoothies are best within a few minutes of blending, but they keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours — fill it to the top so there is no air gap and shake before drinking, since separation is normal. For longer storage, freeze in an ice-cube tray and re-blend with a splash of liquid. Never reheat.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Tech Collins Shake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Tech Collins Shake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Tech Collins Shake?

Cocktails & Beverages quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.