There’s something about a crisp mix of apple and citrus that just brightens up an ordinary evening. The Apple Collins takes the classic Tom Collins and gives it a fresh, fruity spin that’s honestly pretty easy to whip up at home.
I’ll show you how I mix this cocktail so it turns out balanced, refreshing, and smooth every time.
I love how this drink blends tart lemon with sweet apple for a taste that’s light and clean. It’s perfect when you just want to relax after work or need something easy for a casual hangout.
You don’t need any fancy tools or weird ingredients, which is a relief. I always appreciate cocktails that don’t require a shopping trip to a specialty store.
Simple steps and the right mix of flavors can make a drink that feels both familiar and new. After trying it, you might end up making the Apple Collins your go-to cocktail—at least, that’s what happened to me.
Apple Collins Cocktail Recipe
When I want something crisp and a little tart, I make an Apple Collins. It’s refreshing but not too sweet, which is a tough balance to pull off.
The apple, citrus, and fizz just work together, so I like mixing one up for a light afternoon drink or a quick weekend treat.
Equipment
My setup stays pretty simple. I grab the tools that help me measure, shake, and serve without any fuss.
- Cocktail shaker – for mixing everything with ice
- Jigger – to measure the spirits and mixers
- Bar spoon – for stirring or layering if I feel fancy
- Strainer – keeps ice and pulp out of the glass
- Collins glass – tall and classic for serving
- Ice cubes – fresh and solid, so the drink stays cold without getting watery
I always double-check that my tools are clean and dry before I start. It really helps the flavors pop and keeps things from getting watered down.
Ingredients
The Apple Collins uses straightforward ingredients—fruit, citrus, and soda, all in balance. I reach for fresh juice and good spirits, because why not?
- 2 oz gin (dry gin is my pick)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup (just equal parts sugar and water)
- 1 oz apple juice (I go for unsweetened to keep it crisp)
- Club soda for topping
- Apple slice or lemon wheel for garnish
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
Sometimes I tweak the syrup if my apple juice is sweeter or more tart than usual.
Instructions
First, I fill my shaker halfway with ice. Then I pour in the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and apple juice.
- I shake the mix for about 10 seconds, just until the outside feels cold.
- Next, I strain it into a chilled Collins glass packed with ice.
- I top it with club soda and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
- Finally, I add an apple slice or lemon wheel to the rim for garnish.
I serve it right away so the bubbles stay sharp and everything’s nice and cold.
Notes
Dry gin keeps the cocktail balanced and not too sweet—I’ve found it works best. If I want something softer, I sometimes reach for a floral gin or just swap in vodka.
Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference. Bottled stuff just tastes kind of flat and can dull the drink’s brightness.
I stick with crisp apple juice, not cider, since cider can get a bit heavy for this.
If I’m feeling adventurous or it’s a chilly day, I might add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of bitters. That little touch gives the drink some warmth, but it still keeps its clean, refreshing vibe.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin dry gin preferred
- 1 oz lemon juice fresh
- 0.75 oz simple syrup 1:1 sugar and water
- 1 oz apple juice unsweetened if possible
- club soda to top
- apple slice or lemon wheel for garnish
- ice cubes for shaking and serving
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and apple juice.
- Shake for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass.
- Top with club soda and give a gentle stir. Garnish with an apple slice or lemon wheel.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
|
Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
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Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
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Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
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Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
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WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
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Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
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Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
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Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
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Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
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1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
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Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
|
Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
I get that crisp, refreshing kick right away from the Apple Collins. The first sip hits me with tart apple and bright lemon—light, clean, and honestly, just a little bit addictive.
The gin’s botanicals show up next. They add this subtle herbal vibe that keeps the fruitiness in check. I really appreciate how the apple flavor stays gentle, never tipping into that cloying sweetness.
A little fizz from the club soda lifts the whole thing. It gives the drink a lively texture, so each sip feels fresh and easygoing.
When I take a breath, I notice a mild citrus aroma, mixed with a bit of apple skin. The finish comes off smooth, with a soft tang that lingers just enough to make me reach for the glass again.
Honestly, I’d pick this cocktail for a warm afternoon or as a light pre-dinner drink. It feels simple, clean, and balanced—not heavy, not sugary, just right.


























