Mediterranean Orange and Thyme Collins
A bright and aromatic gin Collins cocktail featuring fresh orange juice and thyme for a Mediterranean twist. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs gin, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 165 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz thyme simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 sprig fresh thyme sprig
- 1 wheel orange wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 1.5 oz gin, 1 oz fresh orange juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz thyme simple syrup.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is cold and frosty.
- Step 3: Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 2 oz chilled club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to blend.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 fresh thyme sprig placed upright and 1 orange wheel rested on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Orange and Thyme Collins take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Orange and Thyme Collins?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Orange and Thyme 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 Mediterranean Orange and Thyme 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 Mediterranean Orange and Thyme Collins?
Cocktails 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.
