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The Amaretto Collins is an elegant, citrusy long drink that applies the classic Tom Collins template — spirit, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda — to Amaretto Di Saronno, creating an almond-forward Collins that is refreshing, approachable, and beautifully balanced. The amaretto replaces both the gin and the simple syrup of the original Collins, acting as spirit and sweetener in one while the lemon juice and club soda provide tartness and effervescence.

The Collins Family

The Collins is one of the great foundational cocktail families — a class of tall, built cocktails consisting of spirit, citrus juice, sweetener, and carbonated water, served in a tall glass (a Collins glass) over ice. John Collins (gin, lemon, sugar, soda) is the original; Tom Collins (with Old Tom gin) is the most famous American adaptation; the Whiskey Collins and other spirit-specific Collinses follow the same template. The Amaretto Collins adapts the format for the Italian almond liqueur — using the amaretto as both the spirit foundation and the sweet element, creating a Collins that is slightly lower-proof than the gin version but with a distinctively warm, nutty character that sets it apart. Compare also with the John Collins to see how the template works with gin. For more long-format amaretto drinks, see the Amaretto Fizz and the full Amaretto Di Saronno collection.

Flavor Profile

The Amaretto Collins is bright, tart, and refreshing — a long drink that showcases amaretto's almond sweetness in its most accessible, summery format. Lemon juice provides clean tartness; the amaretto provides sweetness and almond-cherry-vanilla character; and the club soda adds effervescence that lightens and extends the drink. The overall effect is of a sophisticated Italian lemonade — the almond note from the amaretto gives the lemon a warm, nutty counterpart that makes the drink more interesting than a simple citrus soda. It is an excellent warm-weather cocktail and an ideal aperitif or early-evening drink for guests who want something refreshing and lightly alcoholic. According to MyBartender's Amaretto Collins page, the standard ratio is 2 oz amaretto, 1 oz lemon juice, and 3–4 oz soda water.

How to Make and Serve

Shake amaretto and lemon juice with ice and strain into a Collins glass or highball over fresh ice. Top with club soda and stir gently once. Garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry — the classic Collins presentation. Liquor.com's Collins cocktail guide provides context for the broader Collins family. See MixDrinkEnjoy's cocktail techniques guide for building long drinks.