The Phil Collins Cocktail: A Modern Classic from The Hawthorne
An effervescent cucumber twist that marries zesty lime, herbal depth, and subtle bitters.
The Phil Collins Cocktail: An Inventive Hawthorne Classic
The world of cocktails is punctuated by inventive riffs on beloved standards, and The Phil Collins—a modern creation from The Hawthorne in Boston—stands out as a masterful evolution of the classic Tom Collins. Instead of simply swapping out spirits, the Phil Collins builds complexity and freshness through cucumber-infused vodka, herbal Yellow Chartreuse, and a subtle bitter finish thanks to cranberry bitters. Developed by legendary Boston bartender Jackson Cannon, it quickly became a staple on The Hawthorne’s menu, earning a permanent spot in mixological lore.
Origin Story: From Tom Collins to Phil Collins
The Tom Collins has been a summer favorite for over a century. At The Hawthorne, bar manager Jared Sadoian refers to its Phil Collins offspring as a “very carefully disguised Tom Collins,” but the drink’s unique personality comes from distinct ingredient choices. With Square One Cucumber Vodka—a rye-based spirit infused with cucumber essence—replacing gin, the juniper retreat is compensated by a spicy, floral backbone. The herbal depth grows with Yellow Chartreuse, a liqueur made from over 130 plants and flowers, introducing bittersweet and honeyed complexity.
This cocktail debuted on The Hawthorne’s opening menu and returns each summer for several weeks, though it remains available upon request year-round, testament to its popularity within a catalog reportedly 400–500 drinks deep.
The Inspiration: Why Phil Collins?
Not every cocktail shares its name with an iconic pop artist and claims “She’s an Easy Lover” as its menu tagline. The playful homage is more than a pun: just as Phil Collins merged innovation with classic pop, the cocktail bearing his name brings a contemporary twist to a timeless template, striking balance between brightness, herbal intricacy, and quenching effervescence.
Ingredients Breakdown: Complexity and Freshness
| Ingredient | Role / Flavor Contribution |
|---|---|
| Square One Cucumber Vodka (1½ oz) | Delicate cucumber aroma, subtle spice, rye body for texture |
| Lime Juice (¾ oz) | Bracing acidity, citrus brightness for balance |
| Simple Syrup (¾ oz) | Sweetness to offset tartness, textural softness |
| Yellow Chartreuse (½ oz) | Herbal, floral, honeyed notes, lingering complexity |
| Cranberry Bitters (1 dash) | Bitter-tangy finish, deepens botanical character |
| Soda Water (1 oz) | Effervescence, dilution for quaffability |
While The Hawthorne originally specifies Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery’s Cranberry Bitters, Peychaud’s bitters will suffice in a pinch. For home bartenders, Square One Cucumber Vodka can be substituted with other cucumber vodkas or a homemade infusion, should the original be unavailable.
How to Make The Phil Collins Cocktail
- Step 1: Add cucumber vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, Yellow Chartreuse, and cranberry bitters to a shaker.
- Step 2: Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 5–7 seconds.
- Step 3: Double strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Step 4: Top with chilled soda water to finish.
For garnish, some bartenders add a thin cucumber spear, a lime wheel, or even a sprig of fresh mint—emphasizing the drink’s vibrant freshness.
Expert Tips and Variations
- Syrup Variation: Some reinterpretations suggest using a salted cucumber syrup (equal parts cucumber juice and sugar, with a pinch of salt or salted solution). This deepens vegetal complexity and heightens flavor definition.
- Bitters Substitution: In absence of cranberry bitters, opt for Peychaud’s or even a dash of Angostura, though the latter shifts the flavor more toward baking spice.
- Spirit Substitution: Substitute Square One Cucumber Vodka with other cucumber spirits, or infuse vodka at home by steeping peeled cucumber slices overnight.
- Seasonal Touch: Try muddling a slice of fresh cucumber or adding a splash of green herbal liqueur (such as St-Germain or Dolin Génépy) for further aromatic lift.
- Garnish Ideas: A cucumber spear, lime wheel, or mint adds color and scent.
Tasting Notes: Sip, Aroma, and Structure
According to Serious Eats and enthusiast writeups, the Phil Collins greets you first with a fresh cucumber and lime aroma. Upon tasting, carbonation dances with tangy lime and gentle vegetal undertones. The sip glides smoothly, thanks to the simple syrup, while Yellow Chartreuse provides subtle herbal sweetness and a honeyed finish. As the flavors evolve, you may notice a delicate herbal bitterness, especially from the cranberry bitters, rounding things out and increasing depth without overwhelming the palate.
What others are reading
Each ingredient is meticulously balanced—the floral notes never eclipse the crisp citrus, and the drink remains quaffable and sessionable, inviting repeat rounds.
Why The Phil Collins Works: Balance and Drinkability
- Balance: Sour, sweet, herbal, and bitter notes coexist harmoniously.
- Freshness: Cucumber vodka infuses aromatic lift and a cooling quality, perfect for summer.
- Herbal Depth: Yellow Chartreuse’s complex blend of botanicals adds uniqueness beyond the typical Collins template.
- Effervescence: Soda water lightens the drink, improving aeration and mouthfeel.
- Bitter Structure: Cranberry bitters add tart backbone, ensuring the drink finishes cleanly.
About The Hawthorne and Its Cocktail Philosophy
Located in Boston’s Kenmore Square, The Hawthorne is renowned among cocktail aficionados for its expertly crafted drinks and inviting atmosphere. Founded by Jackson Cannon, its approach to mixology emphasizes technical precision, imaginative use of ingredients, and a deep respect for classic forms. While innovation flourishes, drinks remain approachable, never sacrificing “drinkability” for novelty.
The bar’s catalog contains hundreds of cocktails, and only about 10% are in regular rotation—yet classics like the Phil Collins are always available by request, evidence of both its enduring appeal and the staff’s prowess.
Seasonality and Menu Presence
The Phil Collins made its debut at The Hawthorne’s launch and reappears on the summer menu for three to four weeks each year, riding the wave of seasonal demand for refreshing, effervescent drinks. Despite this limited official run, loyal fans order it throughout the year, and it symbolically represents the bar’s commitment to fresh flavors and inspired reinterpretation.
Comparisons: The Tom Collins and Other Cucumber Cocktails
| Cocktail | Main Spirit | Key Flavors | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Collins | London Dry Gin | Lemon, sugar, juniper | Crisp, citrus, botanical |
| Phil Collins | Cucumber vodka | Cucumber, lime, herbal, bitter | Refreshing, slightly bitter, herbal |
| Cucumber Collins (general) | Gin or vodka, cucumber muddled | Cucumber, citrus, sweetener | Clean, vegetal, crisp |
The Phil Collins bridges tradition and innovation: while retaining the spirit-sour-sweet-soda profile, it pivots in favor of gentler florals, vegetal freshness, and a hint of bitter backbone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the Phil Collins without Square One Cucumber Vodka?
A: Yes. Substitute any cucumber vodka or infuse plain vodka overnight with peeled cucumber for similar effect.
Q: What does Yellow Chartreuse taste like, and what if I can’t find it?
A: Yellow Chartreuse is herbal, floral, and slightly sweeter than Green Chartreuse. If unavailable, a mild herbal liqueur with a touch of honey may offer a somewhat similar role, but the complexity will differ.
Q: Are cranberry bitters essential?
A: They add distinctive tartness and bitterness, but Peychaud’s or Angostura bitters can work in their absence, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Q: How do I make salted cucumber syrup for a variation?
A: Mix equal parts strained cucumber juice and sugar, adding a pinch of salt (or a few drops of salt solution) until the flavor pops. Use this in place of simple syrup for extra vegetal depth.
Q: Is the Phil Collins a summer-only drink?
A: While most popular in warm months due to its quenching nature, its herbal and bitter qualities make it enjoyable year-round, especially when craving something refreshing yet nuanced.
Serving Ideas: Making It Your Own
- Glassware: Use a Collins glass for tradition and presentation, but a highball glass works in a pinch.
- Ice: Fill the glass generously with ice to keep the carbonation lively and the flavors crisp.
- Garnish: Add a fresh cucumber spear, mint sprig, or lime wheel for visual flair and a boost in aroma.
- Pairings: Serve with light appetizers such as herbed goat cheese crostini, ceviche, or summer salads to highlight the cocktail’s vegetal and herbal characteristics.
The Phil Collins: Craft, Creativity, and Classic Appeal
The Phil Collins cocktail is more than just a seasonal riff—it’s a study in how inventive choices and respect for tradition can coalesce into something timeless. Its crisp cucumber, bright lime, herbal intrigue, and delicate bitterness unite to deliver a drinking experience that is as refreshing as it is thought-provoking, embodying the spirit of innovation championed by Boston’s The Hawthorne. Whether enjoying a round in the height of summer or seeking a taste of sunshine year-round, the Phil Collins remains a testament to craft, creativity, and classic appeal in the ever-evolving world of cocktails.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
