Lemon Myrtle Collins
An Australian Native Twist on the Classic Collins
The Tom Collins has stood the test of time for good reason. It is refreshing, structured and endlessly adaptable. The Lemon Myrtle Collins takes that classic framework and introduces one distinctly Australian ingredient that transforms the drink entirely.
Lemon myrtle delivers intense citrus aroma with subtle herbal depth. It is brighter than lemon zest and more layered than standard citrus peel. When paired with gin and fresh lemon juice, it creates a Collins that feels both familiar and uniquely Australian.
This is a long, refreshing cocktail built for warm afternoons, garden parties and modern home bartenders who want something elevated but approachable.
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If you are planning to entertain regularly or want that “home bar” feel, this is worth the upgrade early.
A proper shaker, jigger and strainer will make the process smoother and help you create a better balanced drink. If you are still building your home bar, we recommend the Barillio cocktail kit here. .
What Is Lemon Myrtle
Lemon myrtle is native to Australia and widely used in both culinary and beverage applications. Its flavour is intensely citrus forward, often described as brighter and more aromatic than lemon itself, with soft herbal undertones.
In cocktail applications, lemon myrtle works beautifully in:
Syrups
Infusions
Bitters
Garnish aromatics
When used thoughtfully, it enhances rather than dominates.
What Is a Lemon Myrtle Collins
The Lemon Myrtle Collins follows the classic Collins structure:
Gin
Fresh lemon juice
Sweetener
Soda water
The difference lies in the integration of lemon myrtle syrup or infusion, which adds aromatic lift and depth.
Served over ice in a highball glass, it is refreshing, lightly herbaceous and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
Serves one
45 ml quality gin
20 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml lemon myrtle syrup
60 to 90 ml soda water
Ice
Lemon wheel and fresh lemon myrtle leaf or twist for garnish
How to Make Lemon Myrtle Syrup
To properly showcase the ingredient, syrup is the most effective method.
Combine:
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon dried lemon myrtle
Heat gently until sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes.
Strain and cool.
Store refrigerated for up to one week.
This creates controlled citrus intensity without bitterness.
Australian Standard Drink and Responsible Service
With 45 ml of gin at approximately 40 percent alcohol by volume, this cocktail contains around 1.4 standard drinks before dilution.
In Australia, one standard drink equals 10 grams of alcohol.
Always measure accurately using a jigger and follow responsible service guidelines in line with Liquor and Gaming NSW or your relevant state authority. Provide water and food when entertaining and avoid rapid refills.
Collins style drinks can feel lighter than they are. Precision matters.
Step by Step Method
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice.
- In a shaker, add gin, lemon juice and lemon myrtle syrup.
- Shake briefly with ice to chill.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh lemon myrtle leaf if available.
Serve immediately.
Why Lemon Myrtle Elevates a Collins
The traditional Collins relies heavily on lemon for brightness. By introducing lemon myrtle, you add:
Aromatic complexity
Native Australian identity
Enhanced citrus expression
A subtle herbal layer
It creates a cocktail that feels both classic and contemporary.
Flavour Profile
The aroma is intensely fresh citrus with subtle herbal notes.
The palate opens bright and clean. Lemon juice provides acidity while lemon myrtle deepens citrus flavour without additional sharpness. Gin botanicals anchor the drink and soda keeps it light.
The finish is crisp, aromatic and refreshing.
When to Serve a Lemon Myrtle Collins
Summer entertaining
Australia Day gatherings
Garden parties
Outdoor lunches
Spring celebrations
Native ingredient themed menus
It pairs especially well with fresh seafood and light dishes.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Grilled prawns
Oysters
Lemon roasted chicken
Goat cheese
Light salads
Citrus desserts
The bright citrus profile enhances delicate flavours beautifully.
Variations
Lemon Myrtle Gin Fizz
Add 15 ml egg white and dry shake before shaking with ice for a silky foam top.
Lemon Myrtle Spritz
Replace soda water with dry sparkling wine for a celebratory twist.
Native Garden Collins
Add a small sprig of rosemary for additional aromatic layering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much dried lemon myrtle
Over steeping syrup and introducing bitterness
Skipping fresh lemon juice
Over sweetening
Using flat soda water
Balance and freshness define this cocktail.
How to Batch for Entertaining
For eight servings combine:
360 ml gin
160 ml lemon juice
120 ml lemon myrtle syrup
Chill thoroughly.
Pour 75 ml per glass over ice and top with soda individually to maintain carbonation.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Myrtle Collins proves that small adjustments can create significant impact.
By integrating native Australian lemon myrtle into a classic framework, you create something that feels rooted, refined and modern.
Measure carefully. Steep thoughtfully. Let the citrus shine.
What to Read Next
Now that you have your tools sorted, the next step is learning what to make.
Check out my beginner-friendly cocktail recipes to start putting your setup into practice.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.