Rosemary Lemon Vodka Collins Cocktail Recipe

A classic Collins is always refreshing, but honestly, I love giving it a little twist that feels bright and herbal. When you add rosemary and lemon to a vodka base, you end up with something crisp, light, and honestly, super easy to enjoy year-round.

This Rosemary Lemon Vodka Collins is a simple cocktail recipe that balances citrus with fresh herbs for a clean, refreshing drink.

The rosemary brings in this subtle earthiness that doesn’t overpower the lemon, which I appreciate. Vodka keeps everything smooth, and the soda water just gives it that lively, sparkling finish.

It’s the kind of cocktail you can whip up fast, but it feels special—like something you’d serve when you want a drink that’s a little out of the ordinary.

If you want a drink that looks as good as it tastes (and, really, who doesn’t?), this one delivers. That sprig of rosemary isn’t just for show—it adds flavor and makes the glass look fresh and inviting.

You’ll see how easy it is to put together. The tasting notes will help you know what to expect before you mix your first glass.

Rosemary Lemon Vodka Collins Cocktail Recipe

I like this drink because it really keeps the balance between bright citrus, herbal flavor, and a clean vodka base. The combination of rosemary, lemon, and sparkling water makes it super refreshing, but still simple enough to make at home without much fuss.

Equipment

• Collins glass – The tall shape gives you plenty of room for ice and soda.
• Cocktail shaker – I use this to mix vodka, lemon juice, and syrup evenly.
• Strainer – Helps keep out ice shards and those stray bits of rosemary.
• Jigger – Measuring vodka, lemon juice, and syrup is just easier with one.
• Bar spoon – Handy for stirring in the soda without killing the bubbles.
• Small saucepan – Needed if I’m making rosemary simple syrup from scratch.
• Citrus juicer or reamer – Fresh lemon juice really does make a difference.
• Knife and cutting board – For slicing up lemon wheels or wedges.

I find the right tools just make the drink more consistent. Plus, a shaker and strainer really help blend everything together smoothly.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz rosemary simple syrup (or honey syrup with rosemary)
• 3–4 oz soda water or sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slice or wedge, for garnish
• Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish

I usually make my own rosemary syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a few rosemary sprigs. Sometimes, if I’m feeling it, I’ll swap in honey for a softer sweetness.

Fresh lemon juice is a must—bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it.

The garnish isn’t just for looks. A lemon slice adds aroma, and that rosemary sprig releases a little extra herbal note as you sip. It’s a nice touch.

Instructions

• Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes.
• In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, fresh lemon juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
• Shake with ice for about 10–15 seconds until it’s nice and chilled.
• Strain the mixture into your prepared Collins glass.
• Top with soda water or sparkling water.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon so you don’t lose those bubbles.
• Garnish with a lemon slice and a rosemary sprig.

I always taste as I go. If it’s a little too tart, I’ll add more syrup. Too sweet? Just squeeze in a bit more lemon juice.

Notes

I like to keep my soda water chilled before mixing—it helps keep the drink crisp. Club soda works too if that’s what’s on hand.

For the syrup, I simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 3–4 rosemary sprigs for about 5 minutes, then let it cool. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week, which is handy.

Using honey instead of sugar gives the cocktail a softer, rounder flavor. Sometimes I’ll toss a thin lemon wheel inside the glass just for a cleaner look.

The Collins glass is traditional, but honestly, any tall glass will do if that’s all you’ve got. The main thing is having enough space for ice and soda so the drink stays light and refreshing.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright lemon flavor jumps out at me. It’s crisp and clean, with just the right hit of tartness to keep things interesting.

There’s this gentle rosemary thing going on—it lingers in the background after each sip. Honestly, I appreciate how it keeps the citrus from being too sharp, but it never really takes over.

The vodka sits quietly underneath it all. It doesn’t try to steal the show, but there’s a subtle warmth that sort of brings everything together.

And then there’s the fizz from the soda water. That little bit of sparkle makes the cocktail feel extra fresh, especially if it’s a hot day and you just want something easygoing.

What I end up tasting is this mix of citrus, herbs, and bubbles—simple, sure, but surprisingly balanced. It’s the kind of drink I could sip slowly, and it never gets too sweet or heavy.