Every holiday season seems to have that one drink everyone looks forward to, and for me, the Christmas Collins has become that go to favorite. It blends bright pomegranate, herbal rosemary, and crisp gin into a drink that feels refreshing while still fitting the cozy spirit of Christmas cocktails. I first made it for a small December get together, and it quickly disappeared from the table long before the food did.

The charm of this holiday recipe comes from how simple it is to build while still feeling polished enough for parties. I love that the club soda gives it a light, bubbly finish that pairs well with heavier winter dishes. It is the type of drink you can casually sip while decorating the tree or serve at a holiday dinner without any fuss. Even people who normally avoid gin tend to enjoy the clean balance of citrus, berry, and herbs.

What makes it especially fun is how pretty it looks in the glass. The ruby tone from the pomegranate juice and the fresh rosemary immediately bring out that holiday feel. It is a perfect choice when you want something festive but not overly sweet, and it fits beautifully into a winter cocktail lineup. Whether you are hosting a crowd or making one for yourself after a long day of shopping, this drink feels like a little celebration in a glass.

Why You’ll Love This

The Christmas Collins is everything you want in a winter cocktail: refreshing, lightly sweet, and easy to dress up for the season. It brings together flavors that feel familiar around the holidays but keeps the drink crisp and bright instead of heavy.

I love serving it because it works well for almost any occasion, from brunch to dinner to late night gatherings.

Here are some of the reasons this drink always wins people over:

Simple ingredients that blend smoothly without overpowering one another.
A sparkling finish that keeps the drink light and refreshing.
A festive color that makes it perfect for Christmas cocktails and holiday photos.
Quick prep time, which helps when entertaining or hosting a larger group.
A balanced mix of citrus, berry, and herbal notes that appeal to many tastes.
Easy to adjust if you prefer sweeter or more tart drinks.

All these features make the Christmas Collins a reliable holiday drink that fits into any winter celebration. It is fun to serve, easy to enjoy, and always leaves guests wanting more.

Ingredients

This cocktail works well because the ingredients are straightforward and complement each other without overwhelming the palate. The gin brings a clean botanical base, while the pomegranate adds a burst of fruit that feels bright for winter.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing the right gin can enhance this holiday recipe and bring forward the drink’s floral and citrus notes. You do not need a premium bottle, but picking a brand with a clean, balanced flavor helps everything blend well. If you want to experiment or adjust the drink to suit your taste, there are several great swaps available.

Here are some options to consider:

Beefeater Dry Gin offers a classic flavor that pairs nicely with citrus and herbs.
Hendrick’s Gin brings soft floral notes that work well with the pomegranate.
Bombay Sapphire has a smooth profile that blends easily into bubbly cocktails.
Tanqueray creates a crisp finish that highlights the lime and rosemary.
Non alcohol gin alternatives work well if you want a zero proof version while keeping the same flavor profile.
Honey syrup can replace rosemary syrup if you prefer a warmer sweetness.

These choices let you customize the drink while keeping the holiday flavors intact.

Equipment and Glassware

The Christmas Collins is easy to make because it requires only basic bar tools. A Collins glass helps show off the bright color and makes room for the bubbles. You do not need anything fancy, but using the right glass gives the drink a polished look that fits well with festive gatherings.

Helpful tools include:

Collins glass
Bar spoon for stirring
Jigger for measuring
Ice
Citrus juicer

A tall, narrow glass works best because it highlights the bubbles and keeps the drink cold. If you do not have a Collins glass, a highball glass works just as well.

How to Make It

This drink comes together in just a few steps, which makes it great for hosting or making a quick cocktail during the holiday season. Preparing the garnishes ahead of time helps the process move even more smoothly, especially if you plan to serve several drinks in a row.

Fill your Collins glass with ice.
Pour in the gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Top with club soda and stir lightly to keep the bubbles intact.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds, a rosemary sprig, and a lime wedge.

If you prefer a sweeter version, add a small splash of extra rosemary syrup. For a tarter drink, increase the lime juice slightly.

Pro Tips

Small adjustments can make the Christmas Collins even more enjoyable. These tips help you get a clean, crisp flavor and a festive presentation that stands out on any holiday table. Once you try a few of them, you will start to build your own favorite version of the drink.

Use chilled club soda to help maintain the bubbles.
Try clear ice for a cleaner look and slower dilution.
Fresh rosemary adds a more fragrant aroma compared to dried versions.
Taste before topping with soda so you can adjust sweet or tart flavors.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest finish.
Stir gently after adding soda to avoid losing carbonation.
Prep pomegranate seeds ahead of time to save effort during busy gatherings.

Experimenting with these tips will help you find your ideal balance. Each batch teaches you something new about how you like your holiday cocktails.

Variations

The Christmas Collins is easy to adjust based on personal taste or party theme. You can make it sweeter, lighter, or even turn it into a non alcoholic version with just a few swaps. These variations keep the drink fun and flexible for different holiday moments.

Try these ideas:

Use sparkling water or flavored club soda for a subtle twist.
Swap rosemary syrup for honey or ginger syrup for new seasonal flavors.
Make a zero proof version using non alcohol gin and skipping the soda.
Add a splash of cranberry juice for a deeper berry flavor.
Replace lime juice with lemon if you prefer a brighter citrus note.

These small changes help you tailor the drink to your crowd or match other holiday dishes.

When to Serve and Pairings

This drink fits perfectly into winter gatherings because it is refreshing enough to enjoy with heavier holiday dishes. It works well for Christmas brunch, dinner parties, or evenings when you want something festive that is not too strong. I enjoy serving it alongside snacks or appetizers since its bright flavor complements salty and savory foods.

Great pairings include:

Charcuterie boards
Herb roasted nuts
Shrimp cocktail
Citrus based salads
Baked brie with fruit
Other holiday drinks like a Pomegranate Margarita or White Winter Margarita

These pairings highlight the pomegranate and citrus notes and match the drink’s bubbly finish.

Storage and Serving Notes

While the Christmas Collins is best prepared fresh, you can batch parts of the drink if you plan to serve a group. Mix the gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and rosemary simple syrup in a sealed container and keep it chilled. When ready to serve, pour it over ice and top each glass with fresh club soda.

Avoid adding the club soda ahead of time because it will lose its bubbles. Garnishing at the last moment gives the drink its signature festive look.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Christmas Collins to help you get the best results every time.

Can I use cranberry juice instead of pomegranate?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly tarter and less sweet. It still works nicely in holiday cocktails.

Can I make this without alcohol?
You can use a non alcohol gin and skip the club soda or replace it with sparkling water for a zero proof version.

Do I need rosemary syrup?
It adds a great holiday flavor, but you can substitute honey syrup or simple syrup if needed.

Is gin required, or can I use vodka?
Vodka works if you prefer a milder base, though the drink will lose some botanical character.

Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes, just leave out the club soda until serving so it stays bubbly.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy festive Christmas cocktails like the Christmas Collins, you will love exploring other winter drinks that balance citrus, herbs, and seasonal flavors. These options pair well with holiday meals and bring the same cheerful energy to any gathering.

Pomegranate Margarita: A bright tequila based drink with a bold berry flavor.
White Winter Margarita: A crisp, herbal margarita with white cranberry juice.
Cranberry Gin Fizz: A bubbly gin drink with tart berry notes.
Pomegranate Prosecco Winter Punch:A light sparkling punch perfect for parties.
Apple Collins: A cozy, seasonal take on the classic Collins with apple and spice.