Herbal Lemon Gin Collins

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

A classic gin Collins elevated with fresh lemon juice and fragrant herbal notes for a crisp, crowd-pleasing refresher. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 4 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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: 4 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes to the top.
  2. Step 2: Pour 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup over the ice.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Step 4: Top the glass with 3 oz club soda to add a refreshing sparkle.
  5. Step 5: Slap the fresh rosemary sprig between your palms to release its aroma and place it upright in the glass.
  6. Step 6: Garnish by floating a lemon wheel on the surface, resting against the rosemary for a vibrant presentation.
  7. Step 7: Serve with a straw and enjoy the herbal citrus combination.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbal Lemon Gin Collins take to make?

Total time is about 4 minutes (4 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Herbal Lemon Gin Collins?

Refrigerate any leftover herbal lemon gin collins in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbal Lemon Gin Collins?

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 Herbal Lemon Gin Collins 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 Herbal Lemon Gin Collins?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks 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.