Apple Collins

The Apple Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins, bringing crisp apple flavor into a bright, citrusy highball. With vodka as the base, fresh apple juice for natural sweetness, and lemon juice for balance, this cocktail is light, crisp, and easy to sip. Club soda gives it a lively fizz, making it perfect for warm afternoons or casual gatherings. Served in a tall Collins glass and garnished with a fresh apple slice, the Apple Collins is a clean, modern cocktail that highlights fruit-forward flavors with a touch of tartness.

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Tasting Notes

The Apple Collins offers a refreshing balance of bright citrus and soft fruit flavors. Vodka provides a clean base, allowing the crisp apple juice to shine through while lemon juice adds a tangy lift that keeps the drink lively. Club soda rounds it out with light bubbles, making each sip smooth and thirst-quenching. Garnished with a fresh apple slice, this cocktail feels both approachable and crisp. It’s lighter than many apple-based cocktails, which makes it perfect for daytime occasions, warm weather, or whenever you want something simple, clean, and refreshing without losing depth of flavor.

Equipment and Glassware

For this Apple Collins , you’ll need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the vodka, apple juice, and lemon juice. A strainer ensures a smooth pour into the glass without extra ice from the shaker. A bar jigger helps with accurate measurements, and a bar spoon can be useful for gently stirring once topped with soda. The drink is traditionally served in a Collins glass, which gives it space for ice, soda, and garnish while keeping the drink refreshing. A paring knife will also come in handy for slicing fresh apple for the garnish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 1.5 oz Apple juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• Club Soda
• Apple slice to garnish

Instructions

• Prepare the Glass: Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes.
• Mix the Ingredients:
• Add the Vodka, apple juice, and fresh lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
• Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
• Pour: Strain the mixture into the prepared Collins glass over the ice.
• Top with Club Soda: Slowly top up the drink with club soda.
• Garnish: Add a slice of apple to garnish.
• Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Apple Collins.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, more natural flavor.
• Chilling your Collins glass in advance keeps the drink cold longer.
• Choose a crisp, unsweetened apple juice if you prefer less sweetness.
• For added complexity, swap plain club soda with flavored soda water.
• A thin apple wheel makes a cleaner garnish than a thick slice.
• Adjust the soda to taste: less for stronger flavor, more for lighter refreshment.
• If batching for a group, add soda last just before serving.

When to Serve

The Apple Collins is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, thanks to its light body and refreshing bubbles. It’s an excellent choice for outdoor parties, brunches, or casual dinners where you want a drink that feels uplifting without being too heavy. The combination of apple and lemon makes it versatile enough for daytime sipping, though it also works as a lighter pre-dinner cocktail. Its clean flavor profile pairs well with fresh salads, grilled dishes, and lighter appetizers. Whether served at a picnic or as a backyard cocktail, the Apple Collins is always crisp and refreshing.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Absolut
• Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Grey Goose
• Ketel One
• Smirnoff

Similar Cocktails

• Kiwi Collins
• Plum and Thyme Fizz
• Blackberry Sage Collins
• Kiwi Lemonade Cooler
• Diva Martini