This Cherry Collins Recipe takes the bright, bubbly spirit of the classic Tom Collins cocktail and gives it a jewel-toned refresh with luscious Luxardo cherry syrup. Crisp gin and fresh lemon keep it light and refreshing. While the syrup adds just enough sweetness to balance the citrus. We originally made this cocktail to use up the overflowing stash of homemade Luxardo cherries in the fridge, and it quickly became a new favorite. With its effervescent sparkle and deep purple color, this classic cocktail reimagined is the perfect sip for your next gathering.
If you love the fruity sparkle of this cocktail, you might also enjoy the Shark’s Tooth Cocktail, which carries rich cherry notes. The Blackberry Gin Bramble is another refreshing sipper layered with fresh berry flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Collins Recipe
- Beautiful purple color – The deep, jewel-toned hue from the cherry syrup makes every glass look stunning and adds a wow factor at your next gathering.
- Easy to make – With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this cocktail comes together quickly.
- Flexible for gatherings – Perfect for serving one at a time or scaling up to make a batch, it’s a crowd-pleasing cocktail that keeps everyone refreshed and happy.
Ingredients (and Easy Swaps)
- Gin: For the most authentic take on a Cherry Collins, use an Old Tom gin, which is slightly sweeter and what the original Tom Collins cocktail is made with. A crisp London dry gin also works beautifully, with citrus and juniper notes that balance the cherry syrup and lemon. Avoid overly floral gins. Alternatively, try a smooth vodka for a cleaner, lighter version.
- Lemon Juice: use freshly squeezed lemon juice, the flavor is so much better.
- Cherry Syrup – Use the syrup from a jar of Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, or even better, our Homemade Luxardo Cherries for the richest flavor. If neither is handy, see Note 1 in the recipe card for a quick substitute using tart cherry juice, sugar, and maraschino liqueur.
- Demerara Simple Syrup – To make, combine equal parts demerara sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, then let cool. If you don’t have demerara sugar, regular simple syrup can be used instead, though the demerara adds a subtle, caramel flavor.
- Soda Water – Club soda, sparkling water, or lightly carbonated mineral water all work. Just make sure it’s chilled for maximum fizz.
FAQs and Expert Tips to Make the Best Cherry Collins Cocktail
What is a Cherry Collins cocktail?
A Cherry Collins is a refreshing variation of the classic Tom Collins, combining gin, cherry syrup, lemon juice, and soda water. It’s a fruity and fizzy drink that’s perfect for warm weather or casual gatherings.
Can I use cherry vodka instead of gin?
Yes, substituting cherry vodka will create a sweeter and fruitier version of the Cherry Collins. However, using gin adds a botanical depth that balances the sweetness of the cherry syrup.
Is this Cherry Collins recipe easy to prepare in advance for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the gin, lemon juice, demerara syrup, and cherry syrup mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For larger gatherings, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. Add soda water just before serving to maintain its fizz.
How can I adjust the sweetness of a Cherry Collins?
Adjust the amount of cherry syrup to suit your taste. Start with the recommended amount and add more or less depending on how sweet you’d like your cocktail.
Easy Cherry Collins Recipe
Equipment
- Collins Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 0.75 oz Luxardo cherry syrup from Homemade Luxardo Cherry Recipe, or to make your own see note 1
- 0.5 oz demerara simple syrup for recipe see note 2
- 3 oz soda water
- ice
- 1 lemon wedge for garnish
- 1-2 Luxardo Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Glass: fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Shake: add the gin, lemon juice, cherry syrup, and demerara simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously without ice for 15–20 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass with ice.
- Finish Drink: top with soda water and give a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge and one or two Luxardo cherries. Enjoy right away.
Best Tom Collins I’ve had in a long time!!!!!!!