A John Collins is a long drink of London dry gin, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water, which was attested in 1869, but may be older.

A recipe for a John Collins is featured in the Steward and Barkeeper's Manual of 1869: Teaspoonful of powdered sugar The juice of half a lemon A wine glass of Old Tom Gin A bottle of plain soda Shake up, or stir up with ice.

[3] Drinks historian David Wondrich has speculated that the original recipe that was introduced to New York in the 1850s would have been very similar to the gin punches that are known to have been served at London clubs such as the Garrick during the first half of the 19th century.

He states that these would have been along the lines of gin, lemon juice, chilled soda water, and maraschino.

[1] The following rhyme was written by Frank and Charles Sheridan about John Collins:[4] My name is John Collins, head waiter at Limmer's, Corner of Conduit Street, Hanover Square, My chief occupation is filling brimmers For all the young gentlemen frequenters there.