Hot weather calls for cool cocktails, preferably enjoyed on your front porch or your backyard. Enter the Backyard Collins Summer Gin Cocktail.
Backyard Collins Summer Gin Cocktail
The Backyard Collins is a drink created by Genevieve Brazelton, former bartender extraordinaire and creator of The Bitter Housewife, a line of handcrafted bitters with an awesomely clever name. It's a take on the classic Tom Collins, which consists of lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and club soda.
The Backyard Collins version includes a citrus-rosemary simple syrup along with The Bitter Housewife Cardamom Bitters.
I made this summer gin cocktail last week during the peak of our heat wave, and it was such a lovely treat to help wind down a long, hot day. The citrus-rosemary simple syrup is very easy to make, and adds an extra refreshing summer citrus zing to this cocktail. If you love citrus drinks, I think you will love this Backyard Collins. The amount of gin isn't too overpowering, but it's enough to definitely let you know: this is a cocktail, not just a fancy lemonade.
I'm already thinking of other ways I can use the citrus-rosemary simple syrup, too. It's so good!
The Bitter Housewife Cardamom Bitters
The Cardamom Bitters add a touch of spice and really complement the citrus-rosemary simple syrup.
The Bitter Housewife currently offers three different bitters: Cardamom Bitters, Aromatic Bitters, and Grapefruit Bitters. Each is handcrafted in small batches in Portland, Oregon, and made from natural ingredients, without harsh extracts or processed flavors. The result is a clean, distinct bitter that helps you make a fabulous cocktail at home. Most cocktail recipes call for just a dash or teaspoon of bitters, and these particular bitters do an excellent job of bringing out the best of the flavors of each cocktail -- without leaving you with a sugar coated mouthfeel that other bitters can.
And, even though you only use a small amount of bitters per drink, the specific bitters you use for each recipe matter. I made the mistake of using the cardamom bitters in another recipe that actually called for the grapefruit bitters (which I will be sharing later), and it created a totally different cocktail. Then when I corrected with the grapefruit bitters, the "A-HA!" moment hit and that cocktail totally made more sense.
A little, as they say, goes a long way and makes a big difference.
If you like summer gin cocktails, specifically the Tom Collins, I think you'll love this citrus version of it!
Backyard Collins Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz citrus-rosemary syrup*
- 1 teaspoon Bitter Housewife Cardamom bitters
- 4 oz tonic water
Instructions
- Pour gin, syrup, and bitters into a collins glass.
- Add ice, top with soda and stir.
- *Bring ¾ cup orange juice, ¼ lemon juice, a generous handful of rosemary sprigs (4-6), and 2 cups of sugar to a simmer. Cook until sugar is dissolved, then cool.
More Delicious Summer Cocktails
- Hibiscus Cocktail Cooler
- Watermelon Mojito
- Cantaloupe Margaritas
- Curacao Cocktail: The Barrel Ride
- Summer Shandy
Do you enjoy gin drinks? If not, what are your favorite types of cocktails?
Disclosure: I was given samples of The Bitter Housewife to try without any expectation of coverage. As always, I only write about products, events, services, etc. that I personally enjoy and believe you will love too! All opinions and photos are my own.
Danielle says
Ha! I got a chuckle from the "bitter housewife" name. This looks tasty! I love cardamom flavoring (mmm, chai!). Thanks for sharing, cheers!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Danielle!
Pech says
Ok, so it's not even 9 in the morning yet but this sounds like something I should be able to have right now. I mean, it has citrus and oj, so it's like a breakfast drink right? That citrus rosemary syrup sounds so good, and I love supporting a local female entrepreneur!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hmm...maybe put it in a champagne glass, and then you can call it a fancified mimosa...with gin? ;) I love supporting local women entrepreneurs, too!
Catherine says
The Bitter Housewife? BEST name for bitters ever!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Right? So clever and fun! And, I really like the bitters too :)
Kathy Hester says
Cardamom bitters are my favorite and I use them in a gin and tonic all the time. I will be making the simple syrup this afternoon though it sounds amazing!!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I've just recently discovered them and think I will be using them more now, too, Kathy! Hope you enjoy the simple syrup as much as I did!
Jen says
Sounds great! Would love to know what else you have in mind for the citrus rosemary syrup - the rosemary in our garden is amazing right now!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I am jealous of your rosemary! Ours didn't last and we need to replant.
Erin says
Oh I love this idea! What a tasty change up from just traditional lemon flavor. I keep seeing cardamom everywhere these days! And seriously love the name, the Bitter Housewife. So cute.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
The name is brilliant, isn't it?
kelsey says
gosh, this seems delicious!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Kelsey!
Kimberly Ann says
I simply adore cardamom - I would love to try this recipe and others with such a unique bitters flavor.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I like cardamom as well but never even thought about it for drinks until this one. It's wonderful in it!
Sabina says
I'm not a fan of gin, so I may pass on this one...but the photos are gorgeous!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Sabina!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Cardamom bitters is my favorite! I have used it in apple cocktail before and it's always a big hit!
Warren says
I don't drink anymore, but this sounds like it's perfect for some of these early afternoon heatwaves. Plus I love that it's supporting local business :)
Lindsay says
This sounds like the perfect cocktail for the weather we have been having lately.
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says
I can't wait to sip this on the back porch while watching the dogs play :D Perfect lazy afternoon refreshment.
Crystal says
This sounds amazing! I love Cardamom Bitters in a glass of champagne and if you want to get REAL fancy, you can add a candied orange peel or a little bit of orange marmalade to the bottom of the glass. Simple, easy, delicious.