I’m delighted to share the Teri Collins, a bright and refreshing Spindrift Pink Lemonade cocktail inspired by the classic Tom Collins. A traditional Tom Collins is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, but this version adds a playful, fruit-forward twist with Spindrift Pink Lemonade, cherry simple syrup, and citrusy ice cubes. It is crisp, lightly sweet, and easy to sip, making it a lovely drink for warm afternoons, casual gatherings, or any moment when you want something that feels fresh and celebratory.
This recipe features Spindrift Pink Lemonade, one of three Lemonade flavors from Spindrift, along with Strawberry and Lime. The Pink Lemonade is made with cherries and raspberries, which gives it a beautiful fruit flavor that pairs naturally with lemon and gin. To highlight those cherry notes, this Teri Collins includes a small amount of homemade cherry simple syrup. The result is a Spindrift lemonade cocktail that feels familiar, but still special enough to stand out.
Spindrift Lemonade was set to arrive on store shelves on March 8th, and those who sign up to be a drifter could receive details about early access and the Lemonade giveaway. The drifter community is a way to hear about Spindrift news and launches first, including new flavors and special promotions. If you enjoy discovering new sparkling drinks and building simple cocktails around real fruit flavor, this is a fun one to keep on your radar.
The heart of this Teri Collins recipe is balance. London Dry gin brings a clean, juniper-forward character, fresh lemon juice adds sharp citrus, cherry simple syrup rounds everything out, and Spindrift Pink Lemonade gives the drink its sparkle. If gin is not your favorite spirit, this cocktail would also be lovely with vodka or tequila, though the final flavor will be different. For another vodka-based option, you can also try the Teri-tini.
One of the simple details that makes this drink feel extra special is the Spindrift and lemon ice cubes. Half of the ice tray is filled with Spindrift Pink Lemonade, while the other half is filled with fresh lemon juice. As the cubes melt, they continue to add flavor instead of watering the drink down. It is an easy step, but it makes the cocktail more vibrant from the first sip to the last.
Homemade simple syrup is also worth the few minutes it takes. This cherry simple syrup uses equal parts water, sugar, and dark sweet cherries. As the cherries simmer, they release their juice into the syrup, creating a beautiful flavor that complements the cherry and raspberry notes in the Pink Lemonade. You can use frozen or fresh cherries, and once the syrup cools, it is ready to stir into the drink.
When choosing gin for a Collins-style cocktail, it helps to know the style you are using. Old Tom gin is traditionally used in a Tom Collins and has a sweeter, richer flavor. This Teri Collins uses London Dry gin, which is more juniper-forward and gives the drink a classic crispness. Another style of gin can work, but it will change the flavor profile of the finished cocktail.
This Teri Collins with Spindrift Pink Lemonade is simple, light, citrusy, and beautifully refreshing. It is a wonderful choice if you are looking for a gin lemonade cocktail with sparkle, real fruit flavor, and just enough sweetness. If you make it, rate and review the recipe below, and follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more inspiration.
Teri Collins with Spindrift Pink Lemonade
- Author: Teri Turner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Drinks
Description
A light, sparkling, and refreshing Pink Lemonade Collins made with London Dry gin, fresh lemon juice, cherry simple syrup, and Spindrift Pink Lemonade.
Ingredients
For the drink:
Spindrift and lemon ice cubes, recipe below
2 ounces London Dry gin, such as Tanqueray
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce cherry simple syrup, recipe below
4 to 6 ounces Spindrift Pink Lemonade, adjusted to taste
1 lemon wheel, for garnish
For the Spindrift and Lemon Ice Cubes:
1 Spindrift Pink Lemonade
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
For the cherry simple syrup:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar, such as castor sugar or another sugar of your choice
1/2 cup dark sweet cherries, frozen or fresh
Instructions
For the Spindrift and Lemon Ice Cubes:
Fill half of an ice tray with Spindrift Pink Lemonade. Fill each compartment only about two-thirds full, because the liquid will expand as it freezes.
Fill the remaining half of the tray with fresh lemon juice, again filling each compartment only about two-thirds full.
Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until the cubes are completely solid.
For the cherry simple syrup:
Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously.
Once the sugar begins to dissolve, after about 2 minutes, add the cherries and stir.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the cherry juice to release into the syrup.
Turn off the heat and strain the syrup into a glass to remove the cherries. Let the cherry simple syrup cool before using.
For the drink:
Fill a Collins glass to the top with the Spindrift and lemon ice cubes. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, cherry simple syrup, and Spindrift Pink Lemonade. Stir gently to combine.
To garnish, cut a slit from the center of the lemon wheel to the edge. Twist the two freshly cut sides in opposite directions to create an S-shape, then secure the shape with a toothpick. Place the garnish on top of the glass and enjoy.