What ingredients are in a Vodka Collins?

Vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Built tall over ice and garnished with a lemon wheel (and optional cherry).

What’s the difference between a Vodka Sour and a Vodka Collins?

A Vodka Sour is shaken (vodka, lemon, sugar) and served up or on the rocks. A Vodka Collins takes that same base and lengthens it with club soda in a tall Collins glass.

Is a Vodka Collins a well drink?

Yes—many bars treat Collins highballs as well drinks because they’re quick to build and use common well spirits and mixers.

What’s the difference between a Tom Collins and a John Collins?

Tom Collins uses gin; John Collins traditionally uses whiskey. A Vodka Collins swaps the base for vodka to keep the profile extra clean.

Vodka Collins (Easy, Refreshing, Bubbly)

Crisp, tall, and citrus-forward, the Vodka Collins is a highball built with vodka, fresh lemon, simple syrup, and sparkling soda. It’s the vodka spin on the classic Tom Collins—clean, refreshing, and perfect for crowds.

About This Vodka Collins

We first batched Vodka Collins for a waterfront engagement party on Long Island—guests wanted something as easy-drinking as a spritz but with a bright lemon snap. Swapping gin for vodka keeps the profile ultra-clean, which makes it a great gateway highball for spritz and seltzer fans.

Pro link: Planning highballs for 50+ guests? Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate vodka, citrus, and soda by headcount.

Ingredients

2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1)
3–4 oz chilled club soda (to top)
Ice
Garnish: lemon wheel and cherry (optional)

Simple syrup tip: Shake equal parts sugar and hot water in a jar until dissolved, then chill.

Steps

Build: In a Collins glass filled with ice, add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Top: Add club soda to fill; give a brief, gentle stir to integrate without killing bubbles.
Garnish: Lemon wheel and cherry. Serve immediately.

Bar Tips

Fresh lemon wins: Bottled juice flattens the cocktail—fresh is noticeably brighter.
Fizz matters: Use cold soda and add it last to keep the highball lively.
Collins vs. Sour: A Vodka Sour is shaken and served up/rocks; a Vodka Collins is built tall with soda.

Flavor Pairings

Great with: light seafood, crudités, caprese skewers, lemony pastas.
Related recipes: try our Cucumber Gin Cooler or classic Spicy Margarita for citrus lovers.

Variations

Tom Collins: Swap vodka for gin.
John Collins: Traditionally whiskey + lemon + soda (think whiskey collins).
Raspberry Collins: Replace simple syrup with raspberry syrup; garnish with fresh berries.
Low-ABV Collins: Use 1 oz vodka and extra soda for a lighter serve.

Party Batch (8 drinks)

2 cups (16 oz) vodka
1 cup (8 oz) fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup (6 oz) simple syrup
1 liter chilled club soda (add to glasses)

Combine vodka, lemon, and syrup in a pitcher and chill 2–4 hours. To serve, pour 3–4 oz mix over ice and top each glass with soda.

When to Serve

Perfect for brunches, beach rentals, backyard BBQs, and weddings where you need an easy, consistent vodka cocktail that crowds love.

See more Cocktail Recipes or browse our seasonal roundup: Summer Cocktail Recipes.

Vodka Collins Recipe