A Ginger Lime Collins is a fizzy and refreshing cocktail that mixes ginger, lime juice, gin, and soda water.

I love this drink when I’m craving something crisp and light, especially if it’s a warm day. The ginger gives it a spicy kick, and the lime brings in a bright, citrusy edge.

This cocktail’s a breeze to make at home. You only need a handful of pretty common ingredients.

Honestly, I like that you don’t need any fancy skills or tools. With this recipe, a Ginger Lime Collins is just a few minutes away—hardly any effort, but so worth it.

Ginger Lime Collins Cocktail Recipe

This drink’s got a punchy lime flavor, a hint of spicy ginger, and a good dose of sparkling club soda. Fresh juice and simple tools make things easy at home, at least for me.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

A standard cocktail shaker with a tight lid does the trick,
I grab a fine mesh strainer to catch any pulp from the lime or ginger syrup.

For measuring, I’ll use a small liquid measuring cup or just a jigger if it’s handy.
A tall Collins glass is best—it holds all the liquid and plenty of ice.
Stirring is easy with a long bar spoon, but honestly, a regular spoon works if that’s what’s around.

Citrus juicer helps squeeze every drop from the limes.
For garnish, I just need a sharp knife and a small cutting board.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for one Ginger Lime Collins:

Gin 2 ounces
Fresh lime juice 1 ounce

Ginger syrup 0.75 ounce
Club soda 2–3 ounces
Ice As needed
Lime wheel 1 for garnish
Crystallized ginger optional 1 piece (for garnish)

Instructions

Fill a shaker with ice.
Pour in the gin, lime juice, and ginger syrup.

Shake for about 10 seconds, just until it’s chilled.
Strain the mix into a tall Collins glass packed with fresh ice using a fine mesh strainer.
Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir with a long spoon.

Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim. Sometimes I add a piece of crystallized ginger on a cocktail pick—why not?

Notes

If you want more of a kick, bump up the ginger syrup. For a lighter drink, just add extra club soda.

Fresh lime juice always wins over bottled—no question. Can’t find ginger syrup at the store? I make my own by simmering sliced ginger, sugar, and water in equal parts, then straining once it’s cool.

Sometimes I swap in vodka for gin if I’m in the mood for a twist. And I always use plenty of ice—it keeps things crisp.

Want it sweeter? Just a touch more syrup. I serve it right away for the best ginger and lime punch.

Tasting Notes

The first sip of a Ginger Lime Collins is always bright and sharp from the fresh lime juice. It’s a little sour, a little sweet—a clean, lively start.

The ginger follows, adding warmth and a gentle spice. Not overpowering, but it definitely sets this apart from a regular Collins.

The club soda bubbles make the whole thing feel extra refreshing. The fizz helps balance out the tartness and the spice—kind of perfect, honestly.

Each sip feels light enough to linger over. The flavors balance out—nothing really takes over, which I appreciate.

If I swirl the glass, I get even more ginger in the aroma. For folks who prefer less sweetness, I’ll sometimes cut back the syrup and let the tang shine.

Ginger Lime Collins stays tasty over ice, keeping every sip cold and lively as you drink. Maybe that’s why I keep coming back to it.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have every ingredient for a Ginger Lime Collins. In those moments, I’ll swap in one or two things and hope for the best.

If I need to switch the spirit, I’ll usually grab vodka for a more neutral vibe. White rum is good too, but it definitely makes things a bit sweeter.

No fresh lime juice? I’ll use lemon juice instead. It’s got that same tangy kick, more or less.

When ginger syrup is missing, I just stir in a teaspoon of honey or plain simple syrup. Then I toss in a pinch of ground ginger or grate in a little fresh ginger—whatever’s handy.

If club soda’s not around, I go with sparkling water. Tonic is fine too, though it’s a bit on the bitter side.

For anyone skipping the alcohol, I just leave it out and splash in extra club soda. Suddenly it’s a ginger lime spritzer—easy.

Ginger Lime Collins Cocktail Recipe