The Apricot Sunrise Collins is a fresh twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This bright and fruity drink combines gin, apricot liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water for a refreshing summer sipper.
The drink’s peachy-orange hue and sweet-tart flavor profile make it perfect for brunches, backyard barbecues, or relaxing by the pool.
The cocktail gets its name from its sunrise-like appearance, with the apricot liqueur creating a warm glow reminiscent of a summer morning sky. Its light and effervescent nature means it can be enjoyed any time of day.
The Apricot Sunrise Collins offers a nice balance of botanical gin notes, stone fruit sweetness, and citrus tang.
Making this drink at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. With its eye-catching color and delicious flavor, the Apricot Sunrise Collins is sure to impress guests at your next gathering.
Read on to learn how to mix up this tasty cocktail yourself.
Apricot Sunrise Collins Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon
- Collins glass
- Ice
Ingredients
For one cocktail:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz apricot liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Use a London Dry gin for best results. Fresh lemon juice tastes better than bottled. Make simple syrup by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved.
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, apricot liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with club soda.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix.
- Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Serve right away while cold and bubbly. The drink should have a lovely gradient effect from the apricot liqueur.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Apricot Sunrise Collins cocktail offers a bright and refreshing flavor profile. Its taste is a balance of sweet and tart notes.
The apricot flavor shines through, giving the drink a fruity sweetness. This is complemented by the crisp, citrusy taste of lemon juice.
The gin adds a subtle herbal depth to the mix. Club soda brings a light fizz and helps blend the flavors together.
On the palate, drinkers will notice:
- Sweet apricot upfront
- Tangy lemon mid-sip
- Herbal gin notes in the background
- Clean, bubbly finish
The drink has a smooth texture with a gentle effervescence. Its color is a soft orange-pink, reminiscent of a sunrise.
This cocktail is best enjoyed cold. The flavors become more pronounced as the ice melts slightly. It’s a light and easy-drinking option, perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Substitute
A Collins cocktail can be made with different spirits. Gin is common, but vodka works well too.
For a non-alcoholic version, use club soda instead of liquor.
The apricot flavor comes from apricot brandy or nectar. Peach schnapps or nectar can replace apricot for a similar taste.
Mango or nectarine puree are other options.
Lemon juice gives tartness. Lime juice is a good swap.
For less acid, try orange juice.
Simple syrup adds sweetness. Honey or agave nectar can be used instead.
Sugar-free syrups work for a low-calorie drink.
Club soda provides bubbles. Sparkling water or tonic water are alternatives.
Ginger ale adds extra flavor.
Grenadine creates the sunrise effect. Cherry syrup or pomegranate juice can be used for color and sweetness.
Garnishes like orange slices or maraschino cherries are optional. Fresh berries or mint sprigs make nice substitutes.