This lemon vodka Collins is such a great mixed drink for summer since it’s refreshing, bubbly, and served chilled! With just 4 ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make, and tastes like sparkling lemonade with a boozy kick. You can adjust it just the way you like, which is always a win for me!
What is a Lemon Vodka Collins?
A lemon vodka Collins is a refreshing, citrus-forward cocktail that is a vodka-based twist on the classic Tom Collins. Instead of gin, this version uses vodka, along with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda to create a light, bubbly, and slightly sweet cocktail.
It’s served over ice in a Collins glass and garnished with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry for a traditional finish!
This cocktail is perfect for warm weather, brunches, or casual get togethers, offering a crisp and balanced combination of sweet, tart, and fizzy elements!
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces Ciroc Limonata vodka (or similar)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
- 3 ounces soda water or club soda (or to taste)
- Fresh lemon slice and maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- This is a great use for Ciroc Limonata vodka, which features Sicilian lemon and lime flavors which really enhance the drink. However, you can use any plain, lemon (citron), or lemonade flavored good vodka instead (or substitute dry gin for herbal notes, tequila, or Bourbon whiskey for a John Collins variation). With plain liquor, use 1 ½ ounces and add ½ ounce of Italian limoncello liqueur for flavor!
- Fresh lemon juice is truly the best for flavor, but you can use bottled if needed. You can also substitute prepared sour mix or lime juices if preferred
- You could substitute unsweetened sparkling water instead of the club soda if preferred
Step By Step Instructions
- To a Collins glass (or similar highball glass), pour in the vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice, and stir to combine
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, then top with cold club soda
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and maraschino cherry if desired, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
A lemon vodka Collins is light, citrusy, and refreshing, making it a great match for a variety of foods! Here are some of my favorite pairings options:
Appetizers & Snacks
- Bruschetta with Fresh Tomatoes & Basil – The acidity of the lemon pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy tomatoes!
- Shrimp Cocktail or Ceviche – The bright, citrusy notes of the drink enhance seafood flavors. Use some extra lemon juice from the drink in my Air fryer Shrimp Cocktail’s homemade cocktail sauce!
- Goat Cheese Crostini with Honey – The creamy, tangy cheese balances the tartness of the cocktail
- Crispy Calamari – The crisp texture and mild seafood flavor pair well with the fizzy, citrusy drink. Try my Air Fryer Frozen Calamari for a quick option!
Main Dishes
- Grilled Chicken or Fish – Lemon-infused dishes, like lemon herb chicken or grilled salmon, complement the cocktail perfectly. Try my Air Fryer Lemon Chicken for easy preparation!
- Light Pasta Dishes – Pasta with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs (like a lemony shrimp scampi) works well
- Mediterranean Mezze Platter – Hummus, tzatziki, olives, and pita balance the fresh and zesty flavors of the drink. My Roasted Beet Hummus is a gorgeous choice for the center!
- Sushi or Poke Bowls – The clean flavors of sushi and the citrus from the drink create a perfect match. Try my Air Fryer Sushi Bake!
Desserts
- Lemon Bars or Shortbread Cookies – Reinforce the citrus notes with a buttery, slightly sweet contrast
- Berry Parfait or Cheesecake – The creamy richness of cheesecake balances the tartness of the drink
- Pavlova with Fresh Fruit – The airy texture and fruity flavors complement the light, bubbly cocktail
Recipe FAQs
What Makes a Cocktail a Collins?
A cocktail is considered a Collins when it follows the classic formula of spirit, citrus juice, sweetener, and carbonated water, served over ice in a tall Collins glass. The drink is typically light, refreshing, and fizzy, making it perfect for warm weather.
While the original Tom Collins used gin, many variations exist using different base spirits like vodka, whiskey, or rum.
What Is the Difference Between a Vodka Sour and a Vodka Collins?
A vodka sour and a vodka Collins share some ingredients but differ in preparation and texture. A vodka sour consists of vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sometimes egg white, giving it a velvety, smooth texture.
A vodka Collins, on the other hand, omits the egg white and adds club soda, making it lighter, fizzier, and more refreshing.
What Is the Difference Between a John Collins and a Tom Collins?
The main difference between a John Collins and a Tom Collins is the base spirit. A Tom Collins is made with gin, while a John Collins uses whiskey (typically bourbon or rye).
Both drinks follow the same basic formula of citrus juice, sweetener, and club soda, but the whiskey version has a richer, slightly spicier profile compared to the bright, botanical flavors of the gin-based Tom Collins.
Tips For the Best Vodka Collins
- To adjust the sweetness of the drink, use more or less simple syrup as needed. If you added too much, you can add a little extra club soda to dilute it a bit!
- This drink is not too strong as written based on the ratio of mixers to alcohol. If you want a stronger drink, add more vodka or reduce the amount of club soda!
- While a Collins does not have to be shaken, you can shake it if you prefer. Add everything except the club soda to a shaker along with a couple ice cubes, then shake 15-20 seconds and strain over ice. Finish with the club soda
Serving and Presentation Tips
- You can scale for the desired number of servings and mix the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup together up to a day in advance. Store in a large pitcher in the refrigerator until ready to serve – add ice to individual glasses, fill halfway with the vodka mixture, then top with club soda and enjoy!
- This recipe is typically served in a Collins glass, which is a tall, somewhat thin glass. If you don’t have one, try a white wine glass (regular or stemless), a mason jar, juice glass, or a lowball (rocks-style) glass instead
Final Thoughts
This lemon vodka Collins has just a few simple ingredients, but it’s still such a great cocktail! With a mix of fresh lemon, citrus vodka, a splash of simple syrup, and a bubbly finish, it’s the perfect combo of sweet, tart, and refreshing – like a grown-up lemonade!
I love to serve it for summer BBQs in particular, but it’s a great mixed drink option for pool parties, beach days, picnics, or just lounging in the sun, Plus, it’s so easy that it’s perfect for low-stress entertaining!
Katie’s tip
If you’re looking for more great lemonade-inspired cocktails for the summer, check out all of my Ciroc Limonata Drinks for some inspiration!
Easy Lemon Vodka Collins Recipe
Equipment
- Collins glass (or similar)
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Ciroc Limonata vodka (or similar)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
- 3 ounces club soda (or to taste)
- Fresh lemon slice and maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- To a Collins glass, add the vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice, stirring to combine2 ounces Ciroc Limonata vodka, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, then top with cold club soda3 ounces club soda
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and maraschino cherry if desired, and enjoy!Fresh lemon slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Notes
- This is a great recipe for Ciroc Limonata vodka, which features Sicilian lemon and lime flavor. However, you can use any plain, lemon (citron), or lemonade flavored vodka instead (or substitute gin, tequila, or Bourbon whiskey for a John Collins variation). For a plain liquor, use 1 ½ ounces and add ½ ounce of limoncello liqueur for flavor!
- Fresh lemon juice is truly the best for flavor, but you can use bottled in a pinch. You can also substitute prepared sour mix or lime juice
- You could substitute unsweetened sparkling water instead of the club soda
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any adjustments or garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
