Sandy Collins
The Scottish adaptation of the classic Collins - a refreshing long drink that marries blended Scotch whisky with lemon, sugar, and soda for an approachable introduction to the nuanced world of Scotch.
12%
ABV
189
Calories
Collins
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
History & Heritage
“The Sandy Collins emerged organically as part of the Collins cocktail family expansion, first documented in John F. Driscoll's 1933 manual *The Home Bartender*. Named after "Sandy," a traditional Scottish diminutive for Alexander, it represents the logical substitution of Scotch whisky into the classic Collins template. Published at the end of Prohibition, it helped reintroduce Americans to cocktail culture while showcasing the versatility of Scotch beyond neat sipping.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Pre-chill a Collins glass
Combine Scotch whisky, lemon juice, rich simple syrup, and Peychaud's bitters in a shaker
Fill shaker three-quarters full with high-quality ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-frosted
Strain into Collins glass filled with fresh, clear ice
Top gently with chilled club soda to preserve carbonation
Give a single, gentle stir from bottom to top to integrate ingredients
Glassware
Served over ice in a Collins glass to preserve carbonation and maintain temperature
Garnish
Long, elegant lemon peel expressed over drink
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use unpeated or lightly peated blended Scotch - heavily peated varieties can clash with the bright lemon
Rich simple syrup (2:1) provides better texture than standard 1:1 syrup
Shake the base ingredients first, then top with soda - never shake the club soda
Serve immediately to ensure maximum effervescence
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Sandy Collins.
Other Variations
Sweeter Sandy
Increased syrup for those preferring a sweeter profile.
Changes
Whisky Forward
More robust version with increased Scotch.
Changes
Smoky Collins
Uses lightly peated Scotch for subtle smoke complexity.
Changes
Traditional Sandy (No Bitters)
Adheres to the traditional Collins formula without modern bitters addition.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Brandy Collins
Brandy, lemon, and sugar lengthened with sparkling soda—an elegant, effervescent Collins variation.
Colonel Collins
A bourbon Collins—whiskey, lemon, and sugar lengthened with soda over ice.
John Collins
The bourbon take on the 19th‑century gin punch from Limmer's Old House—spirit, lemon, sugar and sparkling water built tall and fizzy.