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Colonel Collins
Posted: July 18, 2026
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About
The Colonel Collins is bourbon's distinguished answer to the Tom Collins — the gin-based sparkling lemon sour that has been cooling drinkers since the 1870s. Replacing gin with bourbon transforms the drink from clean and botanical to warm and characterful, with the spirit's caramel and vanilla notes playing beautifully against the tart lemon and effervescent soda. Tall, cold, and endlessly refreshing, it's the kind of old-school drink that deserves more attention than it gets — perfectly balanced, deeply satisfying, and as appropriate for a summer porch as a formal dinner party.
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a tall Collins glass over fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently once to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a Maraschino cherry.