Feel like you have stepped back in time with this classic century-old cocktail. It is still popular today for its simplicity and perfect balance of ingredients. Known to be served in a tall Collins glass, this drink can also be served in a martini glass or a stemless wine glass for a mocktail twist. This is a refreshing drink that can be served at any occasion. Simply mix the Ms Sans Juniper Berry Blush Pink Gin substitute with sugar syrup, lemon juice, soda water and ice. You’ll want a solid non-alcoholic gin as the base here, something with botanicals that can hold up to the lemon and soda.
Why You'll Love This Pink Virgin Tom Collins
Looks Effortlessly Elegant – That blush pink shade with a fresh cherry on top turns any glass into a show-stopper. It’s the kind of drink you’d expect from a pro, but you barely have to lift a finger.
Fits Any Occasion – Summer garden party? Baby shower? Lazy brunch or just a quiet night in? This cocktail just works, wherever you pour it.
Everyone’s Included – No alcohol here, so every guest gets to sip something special. Nobody misses out, and nobody has to settle.
Tastes Like the Real Deal – Ms Sans Juniper Berry Blush Pink Gin packs in floral botanicals and real cocktail depth. It’s more than a fancy soft drink, it honestly drinks like a proper cocktail.
Quick and Easy – You’re done in under five minutes. Just a few ingredients, no tricky steps. That’s it.
Ingredients
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50ml Ms Sans Juniper Berry Blush Pink Gin Substitute
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15ml sugar syrup
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25ml fresh lemon juice
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Brunswick Aces Joker Sapiir Lime Soda RTD, to top
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Lemon slice, to garnish
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Fresh cherry, to garnish
Method
Step 1 – Chill Your Glass
First things first, pop your Collins or martini glass in the freezer for about five minutes. That frosty chill keeps your drink cold and makes every sip just a bit more special.
Step 2 – Go Fresh with Lemon
Always grab a fresh lemon, not the bottled stuff. Roll it firmly on the counter before cutting to squeeze out more juice. Measure out 25ml, making sure to strain out the seeds and pulp so your cocktail tastes clean and bright.
Step 3 – Load Up on Ice
Toss a good handful of ice cubes into your cocktail shaker. The ice cools things down fast, but it also smooths out the flavors and softens the lemon’s sharpness while you shake.
Step 4 – Add Your Ingredients
Pour in 50ml of Ms Sans Juniper Berry Blush pink gin, then the 25ml of lemon juice and 15ml of sugar syrup. The order isn’t a big deal, but starting with the non-alcoholic gin makes it easier to measure everything else.
Step 5 – Shake Like You Mean It
Snap the lid on your shaker and really go for it, shake hard for about 15 seconds. When the outside feels ice-cold, you know you’ve nailed it. That means the drink’s chilled and mixed just right.
Step 6 – Strain and Pour
Pull your glass from the freezer, fill it with fresh ice, and strain your cocktail in. Pour slowly so it settles nicely. Straining keeps any tiny ice chips out, so your drink stays crisp without watering down too fast.
Step 7 – Top Up with Soda
Pour chilled Brunswick Aces Joker Sapiir Lime Soda over the back of a bar spoon to finish it off. It keeps the bubbles lively and the drink sparkling, not flat. Fill until you’re just under the rim.
Step 8 – Garnish and Serve
Drop in a fresh cherry and perch a thin lemon slice on the edge. Serve it right away while the soda’s still fizzy and the ice is at its best.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Vegetarian Pairings: Burrata with Tomatoes, Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart, Lemon Herb Bruschetta
Meat Pairings: Prosciutto Wrapped Melon, Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers, Smoked Salmon Blinis
Snack Pairings: Salted Almonds, Cucumber Blinis, Rice Crackers with Cream Cheese
Savoury Pairings: Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad, Lemon Dressed Green Salad, Tomato and Olive Oil Bruschetta
Cheese Pairings: Fresh Ricotta with Honey, Mild Brie, Creamy Camembert
Dessert Pairings: Lemon Posset, Fresh Berry Pavlova, Raspberry Sorbet, Victoria Sponge
Tips for Making the Perfect Pink Virgin Tom Collins
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Always Use Fresh Lemon - Bottled juice will flatten the flavour. Fresh lemon brings the natural brightness and acidity that makes this cocktail sing.
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Chill Everything - Pop your glass in the freezer for five minutes before serving and make sure your soda water is cold. Temperature makes a real difference here.
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Pick the Right Glass - A tall Collins glass is classic, but a stemless wine glass or martini glass works just as beautifully for a more elegant presentation.
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Shake Hard and Strain Well - Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is ice cold, then strain over fresh ice to avoid over-dilution.
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Adjust to Your Taste - Start with 15ml of sugar syrup and tweak from there. Less for a sharper, more tart finish, more for a sweeter, rounder result.
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Top Gently - Pour soda water slowly over the back of a bar spoon to preserve the bubbles and keep the drink sparkling to the last sip.
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Batch It for a Crowd - Pre-mix the Ms Sans, lemon juice, and sugar syrup ahead of time and refrigerate. Top each glass with fresh soda water just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cocktail without a cocktail shaker?
Yes, you can stir the ingredients together in a tall glass with ice instead. The result will be slightly less chilled and aerated than a shaken version, but the flavour will still be excellent. A long bar spoon or even a chopstick works fine for stirring.
2. What makes Ms Sans Juniper Berry Blush Pink Gin substitute different from regular gin?
Ms Sans Juniper Berry Blush Pink Gin is a non-alcoholic gin alternative made with botanicals that mimic the flavour complexity of traditional gin without any alcohol content. It has floral, fruity notes that work particularly well in citrus-based cocktails like this one.
3. Can I make a large batch of this for a party?
Absolutely. Mix the Ms Sans, lemon juice, and sugar syrup together ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top each glass individually with fresh soda water so the bubbles stay lively and the drink stays fresh.
4. How do I make my own sugar syrup?
Combine equal parts white sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove from heat and cool completely before using. It keeps refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to two weeks.
5. Is this drink suitable for pregnant women and people avoiding alcohol?
Yes. Ms Sans Juniper Berry Blush Pink Gin is a non-alcoholic spirit, making this cocktail entirely alcohol-free. It is a great option for pregnant guests, designated drivers, or anyone choosing to avoid alcohol without missing out on a beautifully crafted drink.
