As a fan of classic cocktails, I was yearning to try a summertime makeover for the timeless Tom Collins. One hot summer day, I decided to mix a strawberry Collins cocktail with a fruity riff that absolutely stole my heart. The combination of fresh strawberries, a squeeze of lime juice, and a splash of club soda resulted in a super refreshing drink that’s perfect for cooling off. Adding a bit of agave nectar and a touch of simple syrup balanced the tanginess without making it overly sweet. The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry puree, combined with the botanicals of Gin, created a slightly sweetened cocktail that tastes like a perfect drink for any occasion.
Whether you’re familiar with a Clementine & Lemon Gin Cocktail or a Passionfruit & Lime Gin Martini, you’ll find this to be an easy recipe to replicate at home. Just remember to keep a Tom Collins maker handy in the fridge, as this super refreshing concoction might become your go-to in the blazing sun. If you’ve ever tasted what’s possible with a mix of simple ingredients, including a fridge full of fresh summertime fruits, you’ll know that this is, without a doubt, the epitome of gin cocktails.
What Is A “Collins” Cocktail?
A Collins cocktail is a classic drink that perfectly balances spirit, lemon juice, simple syrup, and carbonated water to create a refreshing, fizzy delight. Originating as a Tom Collins with Gin, this recipe has evolved to include variations like the Strawberry Collins, which introduces a burst of fruity flavor. My personal favorite involves muddling fresh strawberries with Vodka, though I’m equally fond of the versions made with Rum or Tequila.
The true beauty of a Collins lies in its versatile nature; you can experiment with different liquors and flavored syrups or add exotic herbs for a more sophisticated touch. For a delicious mocktail, simply skip the booze and top with club soda the result is equally delightful. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a casual enthusiast, the Collins cocktail allows ample room for creativity and personalization.
Strawberry Collins Ingredients
Creating the perfect Strawberry Collins cocktail begins with high-quality ingredients. This invigorating drink celebrates the charming fusion of sweet and tart flavors, perfected with precise muddling and blending techniques to enhance its mouthwatering profile.
Fresh Strawberries
Start with fresh strawberries to achieve a vibrant and flavorful cocktail. By blending the strawberries into a smooth puree, you can infuse the drink with a delightful sweetness. Alternatively, an infused strawberry syrup, prepared by gently muddling the berries, will also impart a rich strawberry essence. Follow your recipe card instructions meticulously to ensure consistent results every time.
Spirit of choice
Choose a spirit that highlights the botanical notes of the drink without overpowering the balance. Gin is a popular choice for its ability to complement the tartness of the berries and sweetness of the Strawberry Collins drink. However, you can also explore other spirits that suit your palate and enhance the overall experience.
Fresh lemon juice
No Collins cocktail is complete without the zing of fresh lemon juice. The addition of lemon not only adds a touch of citrusy brightness but also elevates the classic flavors of the drink. Some prefer using fresh lime juice to achieve a similar tart and brightening effect.
Simple syrup
Crafting the perfect Strawberry Collins also relies heavily on the addition of simple syrup. This element brings sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon and strawberries. Incorporating strawberry juice into the syrup can introduce more berry flavors, making your cocktail both sweet and slightly citrusy.
Sparkling water
The final touch is the addition of sparkling water. This effervescent ingredient gives the drink its characteristic fizz and refreshing element. Using soda water ensures that your classic cocktail is bubbly and light, perfect for any occasion.
Garnishes
Don’t forget to add garnishes to your Strawberry Collins. A strawberry slice or a lemon twist brings visual appeal and an extra hint of flavor. For an aromatic touch, a sprig of fresh herbs can also be an excellent choice.
By using these carefully selected ingredients and thoughtful techniques, your Fresh & Simple Strawberry Collins Cocktail Recipe will surely impress both you and your guests.
How To Make A Strawberry Tom Collins Cocktail
Growing your own strawberries in the garden adds a fresh touch to your Strawberry Tom Collins Cocktail. Start by using a 2-in-1 juicer or citrus juicer to squeeze fresh lemon juice. Muddle some ripe strawberries with simple syrup in a Highball glass to release their sweet and tart flavors. Pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and give it a good shake.
Use a Japanese jigger to measure and add one ounce each of strawberry syrup and lemon juice. Strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and mesh sieve into a clean Collins glass. Top it off with club soda and gently stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with a lemon wedge, a sprig of mint, and a few sliced fruit bits. This delightful drink, using fresh herbs and fruits, is a sweet and refreshing summer treat best enjoyed in your Collins glass.
Strawberry Tom Collins Variations
If you ever find yourself on a warm Georgia evening looking for something refreshing to sip, let me introduce you to Strawberry Tom Collins Variations. Each variation of this classic cocktail brings out the essence of summer by incorporating staple ingredients that complement the rich flavor of strawberries.
Strawberry mint Collins
Strawberry Mint Collins is one of my personal favorites. I love to muddle a handful of fresh strawberries with some mint leaves to release their refreshing flavor. Adding a splash of simple syrup and garnishing with mint sprigs gives this cocktail a nice minty boost that can turn any warm day into a relaxing retreat.
Strawberry cucumber collins
On another note, the Strawberry Cucumber Collins introduces a subtle yet integral touch. This variant blends the savory and sweet through a process of muddling slices of cucumber and fresh strawberries. It’s almost like every sip takes you through a garden of flavors where the cucumber gives that cooling effect, and the strawberry adds a sweet contrast. It’s a summer essential for many, almost like a de facto Strawberry Gin Collins.
Strawberry basil tom collins
Then we come to the Strawberry Basil Tom Collins. Basil, being a go-to herb in my kitchen, really adds an exciting herbal touch to this cocktail. When I slice up a few pieces of cucumber and mix them with fresh strawberries, I also like to add a sprig of basil to my muddling process. It enriches the sweetness and lends an unexpected depth to what we think of as just a fresh Collins cocktail.
While I adore experimenting with various spirits, herbs, fruits, and even spices to create new combinations, these specific variations are staples for a reason. Each blend uniquely highlights the strawberry in ways that are delightful and memorable.
More Refreshing Summer Cocktails
Looking for more ways to refresh your taste buds? How about a passion fruit-infused Rum cocktail with a squeeze of lime? The mouthwatering flavor gets even better when you add hints of Gin, Lillet Blanc, and Elderflower Liqueur. For a more sophisticated blend, try including some fresh grapefruit. Imagine savoring this timeless drink on a warm evening at your favorite terrace.
Or perhaps you might enjoy a visual stunning color palette with a Vodka, orange juice, and grenadine concoction. This cocktail is not only delicious but also incredibly eye-catching, especially with garnishes of pineapple chunks and mint leaves to give that Caribbean beach vibe right in your backyard.
These drinks are perfect for summer backyard barbecues or just lounging around with friends, surrounded by botanicals and floral notes that make every sip an adventure
What you need for this strawberry tom Collins cocktail recipe
What you need for this strawberry tom Collins cocktail recipe: Strawberries are the star, whether you use them fresh, frozen, or defrosted. A good strawberry Collins shines with quality Gin, consider Beefeater or options from small distilleries for a unique twist on your usual martinis. Sweetness is crucial, and you have choices: Agave nectar, simple syrup, or a mix of water with granulated sugar or honey. Add a zesty note with lime juice from a fresh lime or even lemon juice. Finish your cocktails with a splash of Club soda to add that perfect sparkle. The result? A refreshing drink crafted to elevate your taste buds into a delight of balanced flavors.
Tips for making this drink
- From my personal experience, using Collins glasses makes the drink visually appealing.
- Create a smooth strawberry puree using a blender.
- Press the puree through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a seedless puree.
- Catch any remaining seeds with another sieve underneath as you pour.
- Fill up the glass with ice cubes.
- Combine gin, lime juice, and agave nectar.
- Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon.
- Top off with club soda and garnish with fresh strawberries.
- Consider using affiliate links for ingredients to get potential discounts.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Tom Collins cocktail offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing a burst of fruity freshness to any summer gathering. The perfect combination of fresh strawberries, botanical gin, and the effervescent touch of sparkling water results in a drink that is wonderfully balanced and refreshing. The versatility of the Collins cocktail allows for endless experimentation, whether you choose to enhance the flavors with herbs like basil or mint, or explore variations with different spirits such as vodka or rum.
The Strawberry Tom Collins embodies the essence of summertime relaxation, making it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned mixologists looking to create a memorable cocktail experience. Whether enjoyed on a warm evening or at a lively barbecue, this cocktail is sure to impress and become a seasonal staple. Cheers!
FAQs
What is a strawberry cocktail made of?
In a mixing glass, thoroughly muddle strawberries with the basil. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and a drizzle of honey. Stir in the vodka. Fill a Collins glass with ice and pour your mixture into the glass.
Why is the cocktail called Tom Collins?
There are two main stories for how the Tom Collins came about, some say that England was the originating country for the Tom Collins cocktail and a person named John Collins was its creator but, the majority of people believe that it originates back to the Tom Collins hoax of 1874.
What does a Collins taste like?
This refreshing drink tastes like a boozy sparkling lemonade. The lemon juice adds a citrus flavor that balances the herbal notes of the dry gin. You can adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by adding more or less simple syrup, but the traditional recipe is not overly sweet.
What cocktails use vodka?
Get the Classic Vodka Martini recipe.
1.Perfect Cosmopolitan
2.Midori Sour
3.Moscow Mule
4.Dill Pickle Bloody Mary
5.Boozy Sour Watermelon Slushies
6.Espresso Martini
What cocktail is made from gin and Collins?
Tom Collins is a gin-based cocktail made with lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. It’s served over ice in a Tom Collins glass. Tom Collins is not named after a real person.