Rosemary Collins Recipe — a bright, herbaceous twist on the classic vodka collins that’s ideal for holiday entertaining. This version combines vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a homemade rosemary simple syrup, finished with a splash of seltzer for a crisp, refreshing finish. It’s light enough to enjoy between richer holiday dishes and festive enough to serve at gatherings through the winter months.
Let’s Make Festive Cocktails!
As holiday parties approach, this rosemary-forward cocktail has been one of the standout requests from bartenders and hosts alike. The rosemary lends an aromatic, pine-like note that pairs wonderfully with bright lemon and clean vodka. If you prefer a warmer drink for certain nights, consider mulled wine or spiked cider, but when you want something refreshing and seasonal, a Rosemary Vodka Collins is an excellent choice.
The recipe below is simple to scale up for a pitcher, and the rosemary simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making party prep easy.
What is a Tom Collins Drink?
A Tom Collins is a classic tall cocktail traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. The vodka collins swaps gin for vodka for a smoother, more neutral base while keeping the bright citrus and bubbly character that defines a Collins-style drink.
What Type of Booze Do I Use for a Collins?
This recipe uses vodka for a clean, light flavor that lets the rosemary and lemon shine. If you prefer the botanical bite of gin, substitute gin in equal parts for a more traditional Tom Collins profile.
Rosemary Collins Substitutions
Make this cocktail your own with a few easy swaps:
Liquor and Mixers
- Vodka or Gin: Substitute gin 1:1 for a classic Tom Collins flavor.
- Fizz Options: Use seltzer, club soda, tonic, or an unflavored sparkling water to top the drink.
Flavors and Garnishes
- Simple Syrup Alternatives: If you prefer something less herbal, use a plain simple syrup or a honey-based syrup and garnish with a rosemary sprig rather than infusing the syrup.
- Fruit Garnishes: Replace maraschino cherries with candied cherries, fresh blackberries, or raspberries for less sweetness and a fresher taste.
- Citrus: Substitute lemon with lime, orange, or grapefruit slices; caramelize or candy citrus slices for an elegant presentation.
More Vodka Drinks
- Classic Moscow Mule
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Greyhound Cocktail
- Various vodka-based cocktails
More Seasonal Drinks
- Festive Cranberry Mojitos
- Spiked Apple Cider
- Festive Hot Toddies
Rosemary Vodka Collins
This Rosemary Vodka Collins is a festive, refreshing cocktail made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a rosemary-infused simple syrup, topped with seltzer. It’s bright, aromatic, and easy to make ahead for gatherings.
By: Emily Richter
Prep: 5 mins Cook: 0 mins Total: 5 mins Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)
- Splash of seltzer water
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary sprig, lemon slice, or berries
Rosemary Simple Syrup (makes extra)
To make rosemary simple syrup: combine equal parts water and granulated sugar (for example, 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar) in a small saucepan. Add 3–4 fresh rosemary sprigs. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let steep for 20–30 minutes. Strain out the rosemary, transfer the syrup to a clean jar, and refrigerate. The syrup will keep for up to one week.
Instructions
- If you haven’t already, prepare and chill the rosemary simple syrup as directed above.
- Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and cooled rosemary simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with a few ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to chill and combine.
- Fill a tall Collins glass with ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top with a splash of seltzer water to taste and gently stir once.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a lemon slice or a few berries if desired.
Tips & Notes
- Make ahead: The rosemary simple syrup can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed jar.
- Adjust sweetness: Increase or decrease the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste or use a honey-based syrup for a rounder sweetness.
- Batching: For a party, multiply the ingredients and mix the vodka, lemon juice, and syrup in a pitcher; add ice and seltzer to individual glasses when serving to preserve carbonation.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 143 kcal, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 0 g, Fat: 0 g, Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 11 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate guide.
