Paul Kushner
When the sun is blazing and temperatures soar, a Watermelon Collins offers the ultimate refreshment. This cocktail combines crisp gin with freshly pressed watermelon juice, a touch of lemon for brightness, and just the right amount of simple syrup to enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness. Finished with a bubbly layer of club soda, it’s a light and cooling drink that’s perfect for warm afternoons and relaxed evenings. The juicy watermelon not only adds a naturally sweet element but also provides a thirst-quenching quality. Whether hosting friends or unwinding solo, this cocktail is a great way to enjoy seasonal flavors.
Tasting Notes
The Watermelon Collins is a light, crisp, and effervescent cocktail that perfectly balances botanical gin notes with the juicy sweetness of fresh watermelon. The tartness of lemon juice brightens the flavors, while a touch of simple syrup adds smoothness. Topped with refreshing club soda, this cocktail has a cooling, slightly fizzy finish that makes it incredibly refreshing. The natural sweetness of watermelon gives it a fruity, delicate essence, making every sip smooth and revitalizing.
Equipment and Glassware
For this cocktail, you’ll need a blender to puree the fresh watermelon, a fine-mesh strainer to extract the juice, and a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients. A jigger ensures accurate measurements, while a Collins glass is the perfect choice to showcase the drink’s vibrant pink hue. Keep a long bar spoon handy for a final gentle stir before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz watermelon juice simply blend fresh watermelon and strain the pulp
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves, then cooled
- Club soda to top off
- watermelon slices for garnish
- lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Watermelon Juice:
- Blend a few chunks of fresh watermelon until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to get the juice.
Mix the Cocktail:
- In a shaker, combine the gin, watermelon juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
Assemble the Drink:
- Fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top off with club soda.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a slice of watermelon and lemon wheel.
- Stir gently before serving to mix the flavors.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality gin with citrus or floral notes to enhance the watermelon’s natural sweetness.
- Chill your watermelon juice before mixing for a colder, crisper drink.
- Experiment with flavored soda water, like lemon or cucumber, for a unique twist.
- Swap simple syrup for honey syrup if you prefer a richer sweetness.
- For a frozen version, blend all ingredients (except club soda) with ice for a slushy texture.
When to Serve
The Watermelon Collins is the ultimate warm-weather cocktail, ideal for summer gatherings, BBQs, and pool parties. It’s light and refreshing, making it a perfect daytime drink or a fun signature cocktail for brunches and outdoor picnics. Its vibrant color and crisp taste also make it a hit for spring celebrations and wedding showers.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
To elevate this cocktail, choose a smooth, citrus-forward gin. Hendrick’s, Tanqueray No. Ten, and Bombay Sapphire bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness. If you prefer a more herbal profile, try The Botanist or Monkey 47. For a lighter twist, use cucumber gin, like Hendrick’s Orbium, to complement the watermelon’s freshness.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Watermelon Collins, here are five similar cocktails to try:
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz watermelon juice simply blend fresh watermelon and strain the pulp
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves, then cooled
- Club soda to top off
- watermelon slices for garnish
- lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Watermelon Juice:
- Blend a few chunks of fresh watermelon until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to get the juice.
Mix the Cocktail:
- In a shaker, combine the gin, watermelon juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
Assemble the Drink:
- Fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top off with club soda.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a slice of watermelon and lemon wheel.
- Stir gently before serving to mix the flavors.
