Yuletide Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays come around, I just want something simple and festive—nothing too complicated, but still a little special. A Yuletide Gin Collins? That’s my go-to for a crisp, refreshing drink with a seasonal twist. It’s easy to throw together, looks great in the glass, and honestly, it just fits with all those classic holiday flavors.

I really love how this cocktail brings together bright citrus and the clean bite of gin. There’s just enough sweetness to round things out, and the holiday garnish gives it that extra bit of cheer.

If you’re after a cocktail that’s easy to mix and genuinely fun to sip, this one’s a winner. Below, you’ll find everything you need: the recipe, straightforward steps, and tasting notes for what makes it pop.

Yuletide Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe

I reach for this drink when I want something light, crisp, and a little bit festive—especially as winter rolls in. It’s got that nice balance of citrus and sweetness, and the bubbles really lift the flavors so it never gets heavy.

Equipment

Honestly, you don’t need a lot to pull this off, but the right tools make it smoother. I use a cocktail shaker for mixing the lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin before topping with soda. A long bar spoon is great for stirring gently so you don’t lose all the bubbles.

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or a small measuring cup
• Long bar spoon
• Highball or Tom Collins glass
• Citrus juicer (for lemon or lime)
• Strainer
• Ice scoop or spoon

A tall Collins glass is my favorite for this—it leaves plenty of room for ice and soda water. Using a strainer helps keep seeds and pulp out, which just makes it nicer to drink.

Ingredients

You really only need a few basics, and they’re all easy to find. Fresh citrus is key for that bright flavor, and soda water keeps everything light and lively.

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (or lime juice if that’s what you’ve got)
• 0.75 oz simple syrup
• Club soda or soda water, to top
• Crushed ice
• Lemon wheel or lime wedge, for garnish
• Optional: a sprig of fresh rosemary for that holiday vibe

I always go with fresh-squeezed juice—it just tastes way better than anything from a bottle. For the gin, I pick something clean and crisp, nothing too heavy, so it plays nice with the citrus and bubbles.

Instructions

I keep it straightforward so I’m not fussing around when friends are over. Mixing the base first means the flavors get balanced before the soda goes in.

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake it for about 10 seconds, just until it’s cold.
• Strain into a tall Collins glass packed with crushed ice.
• Top off with club soda or soda water.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel, lime wedge, or maybe a rosemary sprig if you’re feeling fancy.

Pour the soda slowly—otherwise, it’ll foam up and spill everywhere. A gentle stir is enough to blend things without killing the fizz.

Notes

I play with the sweetness depending on my mood—sometimes less simple syrup, sometimes a bit more lemon juice if I want it tangier. If it’s tasting too strong, I’ll just add extra soda water to mellow it out.

Crushed ice is the way to go because it chills the drink fast and makes it super refreshing. If I’m stuck with just ice cubes, I’ll smash them up a bit so they fit better in the glass.

This cocktail’s pretty forgiving. Sometimes I swap in lime juice for lemon, or use a flavored soda just to shake things up. A sprig of rosemary or even a cinnamon stick can make it feel more holiday-ish without messing with the classic taste.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? It’s crisp, almost unexpectedly light. The gin sort of lays down this clean, herbal base—really sets the stage for everything else.

Then there’s the citrus. It jumps out with a bright, fresh edge; honestly, I get both tartness and just a hint of sweetness, which does a nice job balancing the sharper gin notes.

The spices don’t hit you over the head, but they’re there. I catch these gentle hints of cinnamon and clove—enough to give it a warm, seasonal feel, but not so much that it dominates.

Texture-wise, it’s smooth, with a little sparkle from the soda water. That bit of fizz keeps things refreshing, while the spice and citrus still bring some depth.

There’s a lingering flavor after each sip—soft, not overwhelming. Somehow the gin, citrus, and spice all play together nicely, and honestly, it’s the kind of drink you could go back for again.