Easy Rum Collins Recipe with Falernum Syrup

A Rum Collins is a tropical take on the classic Tom Collins, swapping gin for rum to create a refreshing, citrus-forward cocktail with a crisp, effervescent finish. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for warm afternoons, casual gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something light and smooth. The combination of rum, fresh lime juice, and soda water makes it endlessly drinkable.
Adding falernum syrup takes the Rum Collins to the next level. With its blend of warm spice, almond, lime, and clove, falernum brings depth and a subtle Caribbean flair to an already bright and bubbly drink. At Liquid Alchemist, we craft our falernum syrup using authentic ingredients, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor for a standout Rum Collins.
Rum Collins with Falernum: A Caribbean-Inspired Classic
A Rum Collins is the kind of drink that feels effortlessly classic—refreshing, citrusy, and endlessly drinkable. Adding falernum syrup brings a layer of warm spice, almond, and tropical depth, giving this simple highball a richer, more complex character.
Gather these ingredients to build a perfectly balanced Rum Collins that’s crisp, light, and full of nuanced flavor.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 oz White Rum – Light and crisp, ideal for a Collins-style drink.
- 0.5 oz Liquid Alchemist Falernum Syrup – Adds spice, sweetness, and tropical complexity.
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice – Provides bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (optional) – For a touch of added sweetness if needed.
- Club Soda – Creates the signature fizzy, refreshing finish.
- Ice – Essential for chilling and dilution.
Garnishes for Presentation
A well-garnished cocktail doesn’t just look better—it enhances the overall drinking experience.
- Lime Wheel or Wedge – A zesty touch that reinforces the fresh citrus notes.
- Mint Sprig – Brightens the aroma and adds a fresh herbal element.
- Cocktail Cherry (optional) – A subtle pop of color for a polished presentation.
Ready to Prepare a Masterful Rum Collins?—Here’s How
A Rum Collins is as much about balance as it is about refreshment. The right proportions, the perfect amount of fizz, and a well-chilled glass make all the difference. Follow these steps to create a cocktail that’s smooth, bright, and effortlessly drinkable.
Prepare Your Glass
A Collins glass is essential for this cocktail—it allows enough space for ice, club soda, and proper dilution. Fill your glass to the top with ice before you begin mixing. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of the cocktail to ensure it’s well-chilled before serving.
Mix the Ingredients
The heart of a Rum Collins lies in its citrus-rum base, with falernum adding a subtle spice. In a cocktail shaker, combine:
- 2 oz white rum
- 0.5 oz Falernum Syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Assemble the Cocktail
Strain the shaken mixture into the ice-filled Collins glass. Slowly pour in the club soda, letting it naturally mix with the other ingredients without stirring too much—this keeps the effervescence crisp and refreshing.
Garnish & Serve
Garnishes do more than make a drink look good—they elevate the aroma and enhance the overall drinking experience. A fresh lime wheel provides a bright citrus burst with every sip, while a sprig of mint adds an extra layer of freshness. If you want a pop of color, a cocktail cherry is a simple but effective addition.
Rum Collins Upgrades: Simple Tweaks for Big Flavor
A Rum Collins is more than just a refreshing highball—it’s a blank canvas for experimentation. Whether you want a richer, more complex flavor or a tropical, frozen twist, small adjustments can transform the drink while keeping its crisp, citrusy essence intact.
These simple variations let you explore new flavors, textures, and styles while still holding onto what makes a Rum Collins great.
Try Different Rums
The type of rum you choose sets the foundation for your Rum Collins. A lighter rum keeps things crisp and refreshing, while a darker or spiced variety adds complexity. Experimenting with different styles can completely shift the character of the drink without changing the core recipe.
- White Rum – Light and crisp, keeping the cocktail bright and refreshing.
- Aged Rum – Adds notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel for a deeper flavor.
- Spiced Rum – Works beautifully with falernum’s spice notes, making for a bolder cocktail.
Make It a Frozen Rum Collins
For a more tropical feel, turn your Rum Collins into a frozen delight. Blend all ingredients with crushed ice until smooth, then serve in a tall glass. This version is perfect for warm weather, poolside lounging, or any time you want something extra refreshing.
Add More Tropical Flavors
If you want to take your Rum Collins in a fruitier, more exotic direction, tropical ingredients are the way to go. A splash of fresh juice or coconut water brings a new dimension to the drink, adding natural sweetness and a little extra island flair.
- Mango or Pineapple Juice – Adds natural sweetness and enhances the island vibe.
- Coconut Water – Lightens up the drink while keeping it smooth and hydrating.
Why Our Falernum Syrup is the Ultimate Upgrade for a Rum Collins
A Rum Collins is already a refreshing classic, but when made with Liquid Alchemist Falernum Syrup, it transforms into something truly special. We craft ours with real spices, almond, and lime, bringing layers of warmth and complexity that enhance both the rum and citrus. Whether you’re mixing for yourself or serving a crowd, starting with high-quality falernum makes all the difference.
Unlike mass-produced syrups filled with artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup, we use only real ingredients, ensuring a clean, balanced taste that works beautifully in both classic and tropical cocktails.
Crafted for Depth, Balanced for Perfection
Falernum syrup should complement a drink, not overpower it. We carefully balance clove, ginger, almond, and citrus to create a syrup that adds just the right amount of spice, sweetness, and depth.
- Authentic Caribbean-inspired flavors with a rich, layered profile.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives—just real, high-quality ingredients.
- Smooth and versatile, perfect for everything from a Rum Collins to tiki favorites.
Discover More Rum Cocktails
A Rum Collins is just the beginning. Falernum syrup shines in a variety of rum-based cocktails, from light and citrusy to bold and spiced. Whether you’re drawn to refreshing highballs or rich, complex tiki drinks, there’s always another recipe waiting to be explored.
Explore our collection of rum-based cocktails for more inspiration and see how falernum syrup can enhance everything from refreshing highballs to tropical classics.
Take Your Rum Collins to the Next Level with Liquid Alchemist
A Rum Collins is simple, but the right ingredients make all the difference. Using a high-quality falernum syrup transforms this classic highball into something deeper, richer, and more balanced. The warmth of spice, the brightness of citrus, and just the right touch of sweetness bring out the best in both the rum and the bubbles, making every sip more dynamic.
If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s crisp, flavorful, and refreshingly smooth, it starts with the right syrup. Liquid Alchemist Syrup is crafted for those who take their drinks seriously. Try it in your next Rum Collins and taste the difference real ingredients make.
FAQs
What is a Rum Collins?
A Rum Collins is a variation of the classic Tom Collins, swapping gin for rum. It’s a refreshing cocktail made with rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and club soda, served over ice for a light, citrusy highball.
What type of rum is best for a Rum Collins?
A white rum keeps the cocktail crisp and refreshing, while an aged rum adds a little richness. If you want more depth, try a spiced rum, which pairs well with the citrus and falernum syrup.
How does falernum syrup change a Rum Collins?
Falernum syrup brings in warm spice, almond, lime, and clove notes, adding depth and complexity. It makes the drink feel a little more tropical while balancing the tartness of the lime and the crispness of the rum.
Can I make a Rum Collins without falernum syrup?
Yes, but it won’t have the same richness. If you don’t have falernum, you can substitute with a dash of ginger syrup or orgeat, though neither will replicate the full spice-citrus balance that falernum provides.
What’s the difference between a Tom Collins and a Rum Collins?
A Tom Collins is made with gin, giving it a more botanical character. A Rum Collins swaps gin for rum, making it slightly sweeter and more tropical, especially if paired with falernum syrup.