Are you looking to mix up your drink game with fresh, tasty cocktails served in Collins glasses? Look no further! These tall and slender glasses are the perfect vessels for refreshing drinks that satisfy your thirst and impress your friends. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails like the Tom Collins or the Gin Fizz, or you’re looking to try something new, we’ve got you covered with a list of delicious drinks that are perfect for sipping from Collins glasses. So grab your shaker, and let’s get mixing!
What Is a Collins Glass?
A Collins glass is a tall, narrow glass with straight sides typically used for mixed drinks and cocktails. It is named after the Collins cocktail, made with gin, lemon juice, and sugar and traditionally served in this type of glass.
It is typically used for cocktails; specifically those served “on the rocks,” meaning over ice. The tall and narrow shape of the Collins glass helps to keep the drink chilled and diluted at a slower rate, as the ice has less surface area in contact with the drink.
The glass is also typically used for shaken or stirred drinks and served with ice, such as a Tom Collins or a Gin Fizz. The tall and slender shape of the Collins glass also allows the drink to be easily garnished with fruit or herbs.
So Why Is It Called a Tom Collins?
The origins of the Collins cocktail are somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have been created in the mid-19th century. The first reference seems to be in Jerry Thomas‘ book The Bartenders Guide from 1862, though this version differs from the modern drink.
One popular theory is that it was named after a bartender named John Collins, who worked at Limmer’s Hotel in London in the mid-1800s. According to this theory, Collins created the cocktail as a variation of the popular gin punch of the time.
Another theory is that the cocktail was named after a bar patron, a Mr. Collins, who was particularly fond of the drink.
Yet a third story is that the name started as a joke among some friends in New York in 1874. The story went they told patrons at the bars they frequented that a man was going around making up stories about them.
Regardless of its origins, the Tom Collins cocktail has become a popular and enduring classic enjoyed by cocktail lovers worldwide.
Is a Collins Glass the Same as a Highball?
The Collins glass holds about 10 to 14 ounces of liquid and is typically used for drinks served over ice. It is similar in shape to a highball glass but is typically slightly taller and narrower.
On the other hand, a highball glass is slightly shorter and wider, with a capacity of around 8-12 ounces. Both glasses are suitable for serving cocktails over ice, but the highball glass is more commonly used for drinks mixed and served directly over ice, such as a vodka tonic or whiskey ginger.
Ultimately, the choice between a Collins glass and a highball glass may come down to personal preference or the specific needs of the cocktail being served.
What Drinks Do You Use a Collins Glass For?
The Collins glass is a versatile glass that can be used for a wide range of mixed drinks, including gin and tonics, mojitos, and vodka tonics.
Many cocktails are traditionally served in a Collins glass, including:
- Tom Collins: This classic cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. It is typically served over ice and garnished with a slice of lemon and a cherry.
- Gin Fizz: This refreshing cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. It is typically served over ice and garnished with a slice of lemon.
- Long Island Iced Tea: This strong cocktail is made with vodka, gin, tequila, triple sec, and lemon juice and is typically served over ice and topped with cola.
- Vodka Collins: This variation on the Tom Collins is made with vodka in place of gin and is garnished with a slice of lemon.
- Whiskey Sour: This classic cocktail is made with bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar and is typically served over ice and garnished with a cherry and an orange slice.
- Pimm’s Cup: This refreshing cocktail is made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, cucumber, and a variety of fruit and is typically served over ice.
- Mojito: This refreshing cocktail is made with rum, mint, lime, sugar, and carbonated water and is typically served over ice and garnished with a sprig of mint.
- Margarita: This classic cocktail is made with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice and is typically served over ice and garnished with a slice of lime.
- Daiquiri: This classic cocktail is made with rum, lime juice, and sugar and is typically served over ice and garnished with a slice of lime.
- Greyhound: This simple cocktail is made with vodka or gin and grapefruit juice. It is typically served over ice in a Collins glass and garnished with a slice of grapefruit.
These are just a few examples of the many cocktails that can be served in a Collins glass. The tall and slender shape of the glass is well-suited for drinks served over ice and garnished with fruit or herbs.
On the other hand, many cocktails are traditionally served in a highball glass. Some examples include:
- Vodka Tonic: This classic cocktail is made with vodka and tonic water, and it is typically served over ice in a highball glass. It can be garnished with a slice of lime or lemon.
- Whiskey Ginger: This cocktail is made with whiskey and ginger ale. It is typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a slice of lemon or lime.
- Rum and Coke: This simple cocktail is made with rum and cola. It is typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a slice of lime.
- Scotch and Soda: This cocktail is made with scotch and soda water. It is typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a slice of lemon or lime.
- Gin and Tonic: This classic cocktail is made with gin and tonic water. It is typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a slice of lime.
- Tequila Sunrise: This colourful cocktail is made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. It is typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with an orange slice and a cherry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Collins glasses are tall, narrow glasses with a 10-14 ounces capacity. They are typically used for serving cocktails that are shaken or stirred and served with ice, such as a Tom Collins or a Gin Fizz.
These glasses are also suitable for serving other types of cocktails “on the rocks,” including Vodka Collins, Long Island iced tea, Mojito, and a Greyhound. The tall and slender shape of the Collins glass helps to keep the drink chilled and diluted at a slower rate, as the ice has less surface area in contact with the drink. It also allows the drink to be easily garnished with fruit or herbs.
Whether you are a fan of classic cocktails or experimenting with new flavours, a Collins glass is a versatile and stylish choice for serving your favourite drinks.
See this article on selecting glass types for more about this different types of glasses you’ll find in a bar.
