Refreshers sweets, first made by Swizzels Matlow in the 1950s, became a British childhood staple thanks to their chewy texture, fruity flavours, and tangy sherbet centre.
The lemon-flavoured version in particular with its fizzing bite is the perfect inspiration for a cocktail. This Refresher Collins takes the sherbet zing of the sweet and pairs it with the refreshing character of the classic Tom Collins, giving a nostalgic yet grown-up hit.
Ingredients
50 ml Gin
25 ml lemon juice
20 ml Sugar syrup
15 ml Limoncello
Soda Water to top
1 piece Lemon Wheel (or lemon twist, for garnish)
Ice
Instructions
Lightly crush lemon Refreshers sweets into a fine powder.
Rim a tall Collins glass with the crushed sweets or sherbet.
Fill the glass with ice.
In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and limoncello (if using).
Shake briefly until chilled.
Strain into the prepared glass.
Top with soda water and stir gently.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.
Recommended glassware
Collins Glass (recommended)
A tall straight-sided glass perfect for long refreshing cocktails.
Collins-style tall serve.
300–410 mlTall, straight-sided, narrower than a highball.
Best for: Mojito, Tom Collins, Paloma, Gin Fizz, long refreshing cocktails.
Garnish: Excellent for mint sprigs, lime wedges, citrus wheels, and straws.
Quick facts
5 mins Easy Ice
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