Citrus Collins Mocktail - Non-Alcoholic Tom Collins
Virgin Collins
Bright, fizzy Collins mocktail with fresh lemon and simple syrup—no alcohol, all the sparkle.
Nutrition (per serving)
This Virgin Collins is my go-to when I want the bright, effervescent charm of a Tom Collins without the booze. Fresh lemon juice, a touch of simple syrup, and plenty of bubbly club soda make a drink that's light, lift-y, and endlessly sipable. It feels celebratory but easy—perfect for warm afternoons, brunches, or when friends drop by.
I love how simple it is to scale and to tweak: add a splash of non-alcoholic botanical spirit for extra depth, or swap in grapefruit for a pink twist. Make the simple syrup ahead, keep everything chilled, and you can mix a pitcher in minutes. Serve it tall with a lemon wheel and cherry and watch everyone reach for a second.
Ingredients
- Fresh lemon juice:3/4 cup
- Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water):1/2 cup
- Cold club soda:3 cup
- Ice cubes:16 pieces
- Optional non-alcoholic botanical spirit (e.g., Seedlip):4 oz
- Lemon wheels (for garnish):4 pieces
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish):4 pieces
- Fresh mint sprigs (optional):4 pieces
Instructions
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If you don't have simple syrup ready, make it first: combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stir until sugar dissolves, then cool to room temperature.
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In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice and cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine. If using the non-alcoholic botanical spirit, add it now and stir.
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Fill four tall Collins glasses with about 4 ice cubes (or 4 oz/half a cup of ice each).
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Divide the lemon-syrup mixture evenly between the glasses (about 2 tbsp lemon mixture per glass for a brighter sip, or pour more to taste).
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Top each glass with about 6 oz (3/4 cup) cold club soda. Gently stir once to combine and keep the bubbles.
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Garnish each glass with a lemon wheel, a maraschino cherry, and a mint sprig. Serve immediately with a straw or stirring spoon.
Tips & Notes
- Taste as you go: adjust sweetness by adding more simple syrup or more lemon juice for extra tartness.
- Make the simple syrup ahead and chill it — the drink comes together in seconds when everything is cold.
- For a floral twist, swap half the simple syrup for elderflower syrup or add a light splash of non-alcoholic botanical spirit.
