Somewhat similar to a Cooler or a Sling, a Collins is a long drink made in a tall glass with spirit, lime or lemon juice, sugar syrup, ice, and then usually topped up with soda water before stirring gently. The name probably came from a certain John Collins, who was a head waiter at Timmer's' in Conduit Street, London, which was a hotel and coffee house around the turn of the 18th century. The original Collins drink was made using Genever (Dutch Gin), and then later using Old Tom Gin, at which point the ever popular Tom Collins was born.
When making Collins drinks, it is a good idea to use refrigerated soda water to allow for the minimum amount of ice needed to keep the drink cool. The soda water may also be substituted by sparkling citrus drinks, to make the result even more appealing.
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