Bluegrass Collins

The Bluegrass Collins has a citrusy, refreshing, sweet, effervescent flavor profile. A Kentucky-inspired twist on the classic Tom Collins that celebrates the Bluegrass State's bourbon heritage. This refreshing tall drink combines smooth bourbon with bright citrus and effervescent soda water, finished with a touch of honey sweetness.

A Bluegrass Collins requires 6 ingredients: Bourbon Whiskey, Fresh Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, Soda water, Lemon wheel, Fresh mint sprig.

A Bluegrass Collins takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

A Bluegrass Collins is traditionally served in a collins, garnished with Lemon wheel and fresh mint sprig.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Bluegrass Collins by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

The Bluegrass Collins emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s as bartenders began exploring regional variations of classic recipes. While the original Tom Collins dates back to the 1870s and was traditionally made with Old Tom gin, creative mixologists in Kentucky and beyond recognized that bourbon's rich, corn-forward profile could beautifully replace gin in this effervescent template. The drink gained particular popularity in Louisville's bourbon corridor, where local bartenders wanted to showcase their state's signature spirit in a refreshing, approachable format. The addition of honey as a sweetener instead of simple syrup became a defining characteristic, reflecting Kentucky's agricultural heritage and the natural affinity between bourbon and honey. Today, variations of the Bluegrass Collins can be found throughout the American South and wherever bourbon enthusiasts gather, serving as a testament to how classic cocktails can evolve to celebrate local ingredients and traditions while maintaining their fundamental appeal.