The Vito Collins pours as pale and bright as a classic Tom Collins, yet a quiet cherry depth lingers behind the lemon. True to its name, maraschino is made from Marasca cherries, pits included, but it runs clear as water, adding a soft almond-like sweetness without a hint of color.
Dry gin keeps the edge sharp, fresh lemon brightens every sip, and chilled soda lifts it all into a crisp, gentle cooler. Easygoing and elegant, it is worth mixing tonight.
Recipe & How to Make It
Ingredients
Recipe no.175
- Dry gin — 1 + 1/2 oz (45ml)
- Maraschino liqueur — 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Lemon juice — 2/3 oz (20ml)
- Simple syrup — 1 tsp
- Soda — Full
- Lemon slice — 1
※ 1 tsp = One bar spoon.
※ Full = Fill to about 80–90% of the glass.
How to Make It
Chill the soda in advance.
Squeeze a lemon for fresh juice, and have one lemon slice ready.
Add the dry gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice to the shaker.
Shake firmly, pour into the glass, then add ice.
Slowly top with soda so it doesn’t foam, then stir gently.
When mixing carbonated drinks, just stir 1–2 times and lift the ice up and down once to blend.
Finally, press the lemon slice into the glass with a bar spoon, and it’s ready.
・Technique ｜ Shake & Stir
・Glass ｜ Collins Glass / Tumbler Glass
・ABV ｜ About 11%–12%
・Best Enjoyed ｜ Daytime / Before Dinner
Vito Collins Characteristics & Tips
Flavor & Characteristics
The Vito Collins is an easy-drinking gin cocktail that adds maraschino to the classic Tom Collins for gentle sweetness. Maraschino is distilled from Marasca cherries, pits included, which gives it a soft, almond-like depth.
The first sip brings bright lemon, then the maraschino’s floral sweetness and faint bitterness follow, while dry gin keeps the finish crisp. Bubbles make it ideal for hot days.
If a Tom Collins feels a little strong, I’d point you here first. It’s a cocktail anyone can enjoy.
Tips, Twists & Food Pairings
Tips
- Common mistake: using maraschino cherry syrup — The red syrup from a jar of cocktail cherries is very sweet and turns the drink pink. Use clear maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo, for its true cherry and almond aroma.
- Measure the maraschino carefully — Maraschino has a bold, distinctive aroma, so a little goes a long way. Keep it at 1/2 oz (15ml), and the gin and lemon stay in balance.
- Keep everything ice-cold — Chilled soda and a glass packed with ice keep the bubbles lively and stop the drink from turning watery. I always chill the soda well before making this one.
Twists
- Cherry-Garnished Vito Collins — Add a dark cocktail cherry, such as a Luxardo cherry, alongside the lemon slice. It echoes the maraschino’s cherry notes and adds a beautiful touch of color.
- Vito Collins with Tonic — Swap the soda for tonic water. Tonic’s gentle bitterness meets the maraschino’s floral sweetness, giving a deeper, more grown-up finish.
Food Pairings
- Prosciutto and melon — Salty cured ham meets juicy melon, and the drink’s lemon and soft cherry sweetness tie them together, just as maraschino suits this Italian classic.
- Almond biscotti — The cookie’s toasty almonds echo the nutty notes from the cherry pits in maraschino, while lemon and soda keep each bite light.
- Dark chocolate — Rich, slightly bitter chocolate pairs naturally with cherry, and the drink’s crisp acidity refreshes the palate after every piece.
Tom Collins Variations
- Tom Collins — The original. Born from Old Tom gin.
- Vodka Collins — Swaps the gin for vodka.
- Rum Collins — Swaps the gin for rum.
- Ruben Collins — Swaps the gin for tequila.
- John Collins — Swaps the gin for whiskey.
- Sandy Collins — Swaps the gin for Scotch whisky.
- Michael Collins — Swaps the gin for Irish whiskey.
- Colonel Collins — Swaps the gin for bourbon.
- Captain Collins — Swaps the gin for Canadian whisky.
- Pierre Collins — Swaps the gin for brandy.
