Vodka Collins Recipe

by | Aug 21, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes

vodka collins cocktail with cucumber and rosemary garnish on ice in a tall glass, served on marble surface, refreshing Long Island vodka drink for summer, bartender craft, bartendlongisland.com

How to make a Vodka Collins

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

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

Below you’ll find bartender-tested ratios, party math, and quick tips so you can scale service without losing fizz or balance. For large events, our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator is clutch.

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.

Step-by-step

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

Bar tips

  • Fresh lemon wins. Bottled juice flattens the cocktail and the fresh citrus 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.

Variations

  • Tom Collins: Swap vodka for gin.
  • John Collins: Whiskey + lemon + soda (the 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.

Related sips

Vodka Collins FAQs

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?

Often, yes. Collins highballs are quick to build and use common well spirits and mixers.

Tom Collins vs. John Collins?

Tom Collins uses gin; John Collins traditionally uses whiskey. Vodka Collins keeps the profile extra clean by swapping the base for vodka.