Classic cocktails are fascinating because their basic formulas can be reinterpreted without destroying the original idea. That is exactly how our Honey Collins was conceived — a light, refreshing, yet distinctive cocktail in which ENTUZIAST Honey Spirit takes the place of the traditional base spirit.

We did not want to turn honey spirit into a sweet drink. Quite the opposite: the purpose of the recipe is to keep the aroma of the distillate at the center while adding citrus freshness, a subtle honey accent, and lively soda carbonation.

The Idea Behind Honey Collins

The Collins family is built around a simple formula: a strong spirit, citrus, a little sweetness, and carbonated water. This structure creates a long, refreshing drink without requiring many additional flavors.

For honey spirit, this format is especially interesting. Lemon contributes acidity and brightness, honey syrup gently echoes the origin of the spirit, and soda water opens the aroma while making the cocktail lighter.

Honey Collins Recipe

  • 50 ml ENTUZIAST Honey Spirit;
  • 25 ml fresh lemon juice;
  • 10–15 ml light honey syrup;
  • 60–100 ml well-chilled soda water;
  • ice;
  • lemon peel or a thin lemon slice for garnish.

How Do You Make Honey Syrup?

Pure honey is relatively thick and does not mix easily with cold ingredients. For cocktails, combine honey with a small amount of warm water until smooth, then allow it to cool.

The syrup should not make Honey Collins overtly sweet. Its purpose is simply to round out the acidity of the lemon and leave a subtle honey note in the background.

How to Make Honey Collins

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add Honey Spirit, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup.
  3. Shake well for approximately 10–15 seconds.
  4. Strain into a tall glass filled with large ice cubes.
  5. Gently top with chilled soda water.
  6. Stir lightly and add the lemon garnish.

What Does Honey Collins Taste Like?

The first impression should be citrus and freshness, followed by the character of the distillate. Honey should not taste like candy or dessert. A good Honey Collins remains relatively dry and refreshing, with honey acting as a subtle link to the origin of the base spirit.

How Can You Adjust the Recipe?

For a drier cocktail, reduce the honey syrup. If the lemon is particularly acidic, increase it slightly. Around 60 ml of soda creates a more concentrated drink, while 100 ml produces a lighter version.

Avoid overloading the drink with flavored syrups, berries, or spices. They can easily cover the most important element — the aroma of the honey spirit itself.

Conclusion

Honey Collins is not an attempt to make a classic Collins “honey-flavored” by adding a large quantity of honey. The idea is to use a simple classic structure to present ENTUZIAST Honey Spirit in a new format.

The distillate remains the main character, while lemon, honey, and soda simply help it open up.