Who invented John Collins?

Answered by James Kissner

I’m not sure if I can provide a personal experience for this specific question, as it is about the invention of a cocktail called John Collins. However, I can certainly provide a detailed answer based on the available information.

The origins of the John Collins cocktail are a bit hazy, but it is believed to have been created by a headwaiter named John Collins who worked at Limmer’s Old House in Conduit Street, Mayfair. Limmer’s was a popular hotel and coffee house in London during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The exact date of the cocktail’s invention is unknown, but it was mentioned in a cocktail recipe book published in 1869. However, it is widely believed that the cocktail predates this publication and was already popular before then.

Limmer’s Old House was known for its innovative and creative cocktails, and John Collins was said to be a master at mixing drinks. The cocktail that bears his name is a refreshing and classic combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. It is typically served over ice in a Collins glass, which is a tall, narrow glass named after the cocktail itself.

The John Collins is often compared to another popular cocktail called the Tom Collins, which is made with the same ingredients but uses Old Tom gin instead of the London dry gin used in the John Collins. The Tom Collins is believed to have been invented around the same time as the John Collins, and both cocktails are still enjoyed today.

While the exact details of who exactly invented the John Collins cocktail may never be known, it is clear that it was named after the headwaiter John Collins who worked at Limmer’s Old House. His skill and creativity in mixing drinks led to the creation of this classic cocktail, which has stood the test of time.

The John Collins cocktail is believed to have been invented by a headwaiter named John Collins who worked at Limmer’s Old House in Mayfair, London. While the exact date of its invention is unknown, it is believed to have been popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The cocktail is a refreshing combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, and it is typically served over ice in a Collins glass. Though the details may be unclear, the name of the cocktail itself pays homage to the innovative and creative skills of John Collins.