Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic9.8% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 6 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Taco Night
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- 2.0 ozBlanco TequilaBase
- 2.0 ozFresh Lemon JuiceCitrus
- 2.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
- Soda waterLemon WheelGarnish
- 1 garnishOrange WheelGarnish
- 1 garnishMaraschino CherryGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStirGarnishServe
- Shake first three ingredients with ice and strain into chilled Collins glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add several ice cubes, fill with soda water, and stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Garnish with lemon, orange, and cherry.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
- Serve with straw.ServeServing style affects temperature, dilution and presentation.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBlanco tequila is bright and sharp; reposado adds barrel warmth; añejo is richer and smoother. Mezcal swaps in well but adds smoke — use a little less and see how it sits.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Tequila Collins?
- The Tequila Collins is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 9.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 347 calories.
- What does a Tequila Collins taste like?
- Tequila Collins has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Lemon, Tart, Agave. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Tequila Collins?
- Tequila Collins pairs well with Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Spicy Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Tequila Collins?
- The Tequila Collins has an ABV of approximately 9.8%. That's approximately 1.42 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 347 calories, 48.4g sugar, 51.8g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Tequila Collins typically served?
- Tequila Collins is a popular choice for Taco Night, Seafood Dinner, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Tequila Collins?
- If you enjoy Tequila Collins, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Tequila Collins at home?
- Yes. The Tequila Collins uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Collins Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Tequila Collins with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.