This Hibiscus Collins is a pretty pink cocktail that is so refreshing and delicious! Perfect for a special occasion like Mother's Day or any time you want tasty cocktail!
Pretty Pink Cocktails
I admit it, I have a love of pretty pink cocktails. So, when I made Hibiscus Simple Syrup last week, I knew there would be some pretty pink cocktails in my future.
I've been reading The Twelve Bottle Bar and working my way through a natural cocktail progression. What I love about this book is it starts you out with a basic two ingredient cocktail and then it shows how you change it up by adding citrus and then sparkling water and so on.
What you learn is that most cocktails are riffs of old cocktails that have been around for ages. I'm really looking forward to working my way through the progression of cocktails. Just think of all the pretty pink cocktails that I can make!
What is a Collins Cocktail?
If you love learning about cocktails, like me, you'll find Collins Cocktails Recipes & History a fascinating read. Basically a collins is a cocktail made with a liquor (usually gin), lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling water. It is served in a tall collins glass, which usually holds 12-14 ounces. You can also use a highball glass which is a little shorter and wider.
Almost everyone is familiar with a Tom Collins, but did have you heard about a John Collins? I had never heard of it, until I started researching the collins cocktail. They are the same drink, but they use different types of gin!
The John Collins actually came before the Tom Collins and is made with Genever. This article Gin & Genever gives a really good explanation on the differences between the two. We have some Genever, so I can't wait to try a John Collins.
Hibiscus Collins
Which brings us to today's cocktail - the Hibiscus Collins. I took the basic collins formula - gin, lemon, sugar and sparkling water. Instead of sugar, I used the Hibiscus Simple Syrup.How easy was that switch up? With that one simple change, you get a pretty pink cocktail with floral and citrusy notes!
I also used lime juice instead of lemon juice, because I prefer it's flavor.
This has become my favorite gin cocktail for this spring. It's perfect for Mother's Day and it makes a mighty fine cocktail to just sit on the back porch sipping.
Looking for More Gin Cocktails
Kiwi Envy a Fruity Gin Cocktail
You'll also definitely want to follow my Gin Cocktail Recipes Board on Pinterest!
Hibiscus Collins
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce Hibiscus Simple Syrup
- sparkling water
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice.
- Add gin, lime juice and hibiscus simple syrup.
- Shake for about 15 seconds.
- Fill a collins glass with ice cubes and pour gin mixture over the ice.
- Top with sparkling water.
Dana says
I'm a total sucker for a pink cocktail, too. I've actually had a hibiscus flare in a cocktail before and it's so nice and refreshing. Perfect for summer! Can't wait to beat the heat with one of these beauties.
Pam Greer says
Pink cocktails are always a good thing!
Donna says
Loving this hibiscus simple syrup, just yummy and delicate flavours, pairs perfectly with the collins!! And such a gorgeous colour too
Pam Greer says
I love the color too!
Trish Bozeman says
I'm right there with ya with pretty pink cocktails! Especially out on the back patio in the summer. This hibiscus version is PERFECT. Not too sweet, just really delicious. Thanks!
Pam Greer says
Pretty pink cocktails are the best!
Leah says
I love the sound of this cocktail, just sounds so perfect for summer! Hibiscus is such a great flavor and I need to make some more simple syrup asap! We have 2 hibiscus plants on our deck, but neither is producing this year, boo! Thanks for the inspiration to make this great sounding Collins, cheers!
Pam Greer says
You'll have to let me know what you think after you try it!
Debra says
So refreshing for summer. Yum. Thanks for the little education on collins. I had no idea. I was drawn in by the super appropriate name.....Pretty Pink Cocktails....because even drinks should be pretty!
Pam Greer says
I agree, I love pretty pink drinks!
Jenni LeBaron says
These are gorgeous and simple, which I love! This makes it so much easier to whip them up for friends without fussing over a complicated recipe and they'll still be super impressive. 4 ingredient fun!
Tracy says
This drink is as delicious as it is pretty! It was perfect for a girlfriends brunch. Everyone raved over it - thank you!
Pam Greer says
So glad you liked it!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy says
I have a Hibiscus tree in the garden this year. This is a great recipe to use some of those beautiful flowers. What a fun experiment this will be.
Pam Greer says
I am so jealous of your hibiscus tree!
Ann says
Life in always prettier in pink!
Pam Greer says
I agree!