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