How to make the best Rum Collins

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The Rum Collins is a refreshing, tropical twist on the classic Collins cocktail.

This delightful combination of rum, fresh citrus juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda will transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip!

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What is a Rum Collins

Have you met Tom, Tom Collins? I’ve always been a big fan of a good Tom Collins cocktail, and his sibling, the John Collins is also a fabulous cocktail.

All of these cocktails are similar, but they use different types of liquor. John uses whiskey or bourbon, Tom is all about the gin, and here you’ll find me using rum to create a Rum Collins cocktail that can transport you to a sunny beach with just one sip!

Rum collins ingredients

• Fresh Lime Juice
• Light Rum
• Simple Syrup – To make simple syrup, simmer equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Cool and store for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
• Club Soda – Soda water or carbonated water is a good substitute.
• Garnish: Lemon wedge and maraschino cherry

Step-by-step directions for making a Rum Collins Cocktail

1. Squeeze the juice of one fresh lime into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.
2. Add rum, simple syrup (directions for making simple syrup are in the recipe card), and ice cubes to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to thoroughly mix the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
4. Strain the mixture into a tall Collins glass filled with ice cubes and top off the glass with club soda, adding enough to fill the glass.
5. Garnish the drink with a lemon wedge or wheel, placing it on the rim or floating it in the cocktail.
6. Serve the Rum Collins immediately and enjoy the refreshing and tropical flavors.

Tips for making a Rum Collins

• If you don’t have any rum, make a Tom Collins by adding gin or a John Collins by adding bourbon.
• Make this cocktail ahead of time so you can relax during your next gathering.
• Serve this Rum Collins drink with this delicious Artichoke Dip or my Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts.
• Use fresh lime juice to make the best cocktail.
• Don’t skip the garnish. This cocktail feels extra special when you garnish it with a lemon wheel and a cherry.

Can Rum Collins be made ahead of time

Yes, you can make a pitcher of Rum Collins cocktails before the party starts.

Add the ingredients times the number of drinks you would like to make into a pitcher and set it in the fridge to chill. Do not add the club soda. This will be added right before serving.

I love to shake this cocktail before serving, but it is not necessary since you will serve over ice.

FAQ

Suggested barware

• Collins Glass
• Cocktail Picks
• Cocktail Shaker

Storage

Refrigerate: If you have not added the club soda, this recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

More cocktail recipes

Vodka Martini – A classic cocktail made with vodka and dry vermouth and garnished with a lemon twist or green olive.

Whiskey Sour – An easy recipe made with fresh juices, whiskey, and Cherry Simple Syrup.

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