The Genever Collins offers a refreshing journey back to the roots of classic cocktails. Before the reign of London Dry gin, genever, the Dutch ancestor of gin, was the spirit of choice in many mixed drinks. The Genever Collins, also known as the Dutch Collins or Jan Collins, showcases the unique malty flavor of genever in a fizzy, citrusy concoction. This article explores the recipe, history, and variations of this classic cocktail, providing you with everything you need to create your own at home.
What is Genever?
Genever, also spelled jenever, is a traditional Dutch and Belgian spirit that dates back to the 16th century. It is made by distilling malt wine, a spirit derived from grains like rye, wheat, and corn, and infusing it with botanicals, most notably juniper. Unlike London Dry gin, which emphasizes juniper and other botanicals, genever retains a distinct malty flavor from its base spirit. This gives genever a profile that some describe as a cross between gin and whisky. There are two main types of genever: jonge (young) and oude (old). Jonge genever typically contains a higher percentage of neutral grain spirit and less malt wine, resulting in a lighter flavor. Oude genever has a higher proportion of malt wine and a richer, more complex taste. For a Genever Collins, oude genever is often preferred for its depth of flavor, but jonge genever can also be used for a lighter, more refreshing drink.
The Original Collins
The Collins family of cocktails is a classic template of spirit, citrus, sweetener, and soda water. The most famous member of this family is the Tom Collins, traditionally made with Old Tom Gin. However, the Tom Collins evolved from an earlier drink, the John Collins, which was made with genever. The John Collins is believed to have been created in the 19th century, with some attributing its invention to a bartender named John Collins working at Limmer’s Hotel in London. As London Dry gin and Old Tom gin became more popular, they gradually replaced genever in the Collins recipe, leading to the rise of the Tom Collins and the relative obscurity of the Genever Collins.
Genever Collins Recipe
This is the classic Genever Collins recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Oude Genever (or Jonge Genever)
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- Soda Water
- Lemon slice or twist, for garnish (optional)
- Juniper berries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, combine genever, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with Soda: Top with soda water.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice or twist and a few juniper berries.
Tips for the Perfect Genever Collins
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a big difference in the taste of the cocktail. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, which can have a metallic or artificial flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: The amount of simple syrup can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a tarter drink, use less simple syrup. If you like it sweeter, add a little more.
- Choose Quality Genever: The quality of the genever will have a significant impact on the final result. Look for a reputable brand of oude genever for the most authentic flavor.
- Chill Your Glass: Chill your Collins glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink. This will help keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.
- Don’t Over-Shake: Over-shaking can dilute the cocktail and make it watery. Shake just until the shaker is well-chilled.
Variations on the Genever Collins
While the classic Genever Collins is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spiced Genever Collins: Add a dash of Angostura bitters or a pinch of ground cardamom to the shaker for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Berry Genever Collins: Muddle a few fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This will add a fruity sweetness and a beautiful color to the cocktail.
- Herbal Genever Collins: Add a few fresh herbs, such as mint or rosemary, to the shaker for a refreshing, aromatic twist. Gently muddle the herbs to release their oils before adding the other ingredients.
- Orange Genever Collins: Substitute a portion of the lemon juice with fresh orange juice for a sweeter, more citrusy flavor. You can also add a splash of orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec.
- Non-Alcoholic Genever Collins (Virgin Collins): For a non-alcoholic version, use a non-alcoholic gin substitute.
The Collins Family
The Genever Collins is part of a larger family of Collins cocktails, each featuring a different base spirit. Here are a few other notable members of the Collins family:
- Tom Collins: Made with Old Tom Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
- John Collins: While sometimes used synonymously with the Genever Collins, some recipes call for London Dry Gin.
- Whiskey Collins: Made with whiskey (typically bourbon or rye), lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
- Vodka Collins: Made with vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
- Rum Collins: Made with rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
- Pedro Collins: Made with light rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
- Pierre Collins: Made with cognac or brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
The Genever Collins: A Cocktail Worth Rediscovering
The Genever Collins is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail with a rich history. Its unique malty flavor and citrusy tang make it a delightful alternative to the more common Tom Collins. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast looking to explore new flavors or simply seeking a classic drink with a twist, the Genever Collins is sure to impress. So, grab a bottle of genever, mix up a Collins, and enjoy a taste of cocktail history.
