This raspberry collins cocktail is a simple combination of gin, raspberries, lemon and soda that's refreshing and fruity. Perfect for summer.
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As the weather warms up, I for one am definitely feeling a cocktail now and then. While I do enjoy a beer and sometimes a glass of wine, a cocktail somehow feels that bit more special. They don't necessarily need to be complicated or take long, either. This raspberry collins cocktail is the perfect fit - easy to make, without any advance prep, and gently fruity and refreshing. Perfect for summer, in other words.
When I volunteered to host today's Foodie Extravaganza, I wasn't immediately drawn to a particular food holiday so I opened it up to a vote. It was close, but gin won. I had wondered about being a little more creative and cooking with gin, but in the end I decided to go for a twist on a classic cocktail, the Tom Collins.
What is a Tom Collins?
A Tom Collins is traditionally made with gin, lemon, simple syrup and club soda. The origins are apparently a bit unclear, but it appeared in an 1876 bartenders' guide, so it is certainly a classic.
These days some bars make it with vodka instead of gin, as I guess some prefer. But being brought up in a house where a G&T was your typical pre-dinner drink on Sundays, it had to be gin for me.
My first experience of this drink, though, wasn't the classic but a raspberry collins cocktail, and other fruity versions, at a small bar in London a few years ago.
The bar was tiny, with about as many pinball soccer/football tables as actual tables. However it was packed with character and color. Plus, they made some great cocktails. The people I was with recommended the berry Collins and I could see why.
Despite that, and especially since this is so easy to make, I haven't made it before now. In all honesty I forgot about it, apart from briefly remembering when I made a strawberry collins a little while back. But I have been getting a bit more back into cocktails recently, like my blueberry cocktail, paloma cocktail and white sangria with whiskey.
It was only a matter of time before I remembered these. I've made a slight variation by using a mix of lemon and lime, as well as honey, as I think the flavors work well, but you can go purist if you like. It will be good either way.
This raspberry collins cocktail now might have to become a bit more of a regular thing, it's got so much going for it. Easy, refreshing, and with a lovely fruitiness. Not to mention a gorgeous color. It's a highly sipable drink perfect for warmer days.
Try these other easy summer cocktails:
- Grilled peach mojito
- Strawberry collins
- Pineapple daiquiri
- Plus get more cocktail recipes in the archives.
Raspberry collins cocktail
Ingredients
- 6 raspberries
- 2 teaspoon honey (or fine sugar)
- 1 ½ fl oz gin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (or more lemon)
- 2 fl oz club soda approx, or more/less to taste (or soda water)
Instructions
- Muddle the raspberries and honey in the bottom of a tall glass (Collins/hi-ball).
- Add a few ice cubes then add the gin, lemon and lime. Stir to mix a little. Top up the glass with club soda and gently stir.
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Try these other easy cocktails:
See all the other gin-spiration for today's Foodie Extravaganza:
- Bulago Gin Breeze from Food Lust People Love
- Gin-Steamed Bratwurst with Kraut Slaw from Palatable Pastime
- Grapefruit Salty Dog with Fizz from Hardly A Goddess
- Shrimp Martini from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Amanda says
This cocktail looks so refreshing. I will be making this for berry season!
Caroline's Cooking says
It is indeed, a great way to use some fresh berries!
Beth Neels says
Raspberry is my favorite flavor in the world, I think! But gin is hands down my favorite liquor so this is a perfect combination for me!
Caroline's Cooking says
I'm a big raspberry fan as well and if you like gin, then I can definitely see this being a good drink for you!
Barrie says
I love Tom Collins- I have never made it with raspberries OR honey though so I will definitely try your version!
Caroline's Cooking says
The raspberries are a lovely addition, hope you enjoy!
Wendy Klik says
This sounds like the perfect summer cocktail. Thanks Caroline.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Wendy, it's simple but works so well!