When looking at a bar menu, you might notice some cocktails that seem very similar. Gin Fizz, John Collins, Gin Rickey. All three are gin-based with carbonation, so what exactly sets them apart?
Today, let's clearly break down the differences between these three cocktails.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Gin Fizz | John Collins | Gin Rickey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Gin | Gin | Gin |
| Sour | Lemon juice | Lemon juice | Lime juice (fresh lime) |
| Sweet | Simple syrup | Simple syrup | None |
| Carbonation | Soda water (small amount) | Soda water (generous) | Soda water |
| Ice | None (shaken) | Yes (built) | Yes (built) |
| Glass | Highball or fizz glass | Collins glass (tall) | Highball glass |
| Taste | Smooth and sweet-sour | Refreshing and sweet-sour | Dry and crisp |
Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is characterized by being shaken. Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup are shaken with ice, then strained into a glass and topped with a splash of soda water.
The foam created during shaking is the key feature. That's where the name "Fizz" comes from – the sound of bubbles rising. Soda water is added just enough to give that final sparkling touch.
- Taste: Smooth and creamy texture. Sweet-sour with foam that melts in your mouth.
John Collins
The John Collins has almost the same ingredients as the Gin Fizz, but differs in preparation. It's built directly in the glass without shaking.
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice, add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then top with soda water. More soda water makes it lighter and more refreshing than a Gin Fizz.
Note: The "Tom Collins" is actually more famous – that's when Old Tom Gin (sweeter gin) is used. With London Dry Gin, it's called a John Collins.
- Taste: Cool and refreshing like lemonade. Light on the palate.
Gin Rickey
The Gin Rickey is the simplest and driest of the three. The key point: no sugar.
Gin, fresh lime (not lemon), and soda water. That's it. The lime isn't just squeezed – the spent shell goes in the glass too for extra aroma.
Without sweetness, your first sip might make you think "what is this?" But for quenching thirst on a hot day, nothing beats it. It's the style preferred by those who appreciate spirits themselves.
- Taste: Dry and crisp. The gin's botanicals shine through the most.
Which Should You Order?
Here's a quick guide:
- Want something sweet → Gin Fizz or John Collins
- Want to sip slowly → John Collins
- Want smooth texture → Gin Fizz
- Want clean without sweetness → Gin Rickey
- Hot day thirst quencher → Gin Rickey
- Want to taste the gin → Gin Rickey
Summary
In summary:
- Gin Fizz: Shaken for foam, sweet-sour cocktail
- John Collins: Built in glass, refreshing lemonade style
- Gin Rickey: No sugar, lime only, dry grown-up taste
All three are easy to make, so try making them at home to find your favorite. 🍸
