CollinsLegacy

Sunny Raj

Competing for Future Icon 2026

My inspiration came from one simple question: What makes a cocktail become a classic? The more I thought about it, the more I realised that a classic isn’t defined by its recipe alone. A classic survives because every generation continues to choose it. That idea made me wonder: if the Collins was created for the very first time today, what decisions would we make while still preserving its identity? Instead of reinventing the cocktail, I chose to reinterpret those decisions. Grey Goose became the foundation because of its clean, elegant profile, allowing every flavour to express itself with clarity. Rather than infusing the spirit, I used a jasmine tea reduction to introduce delicate floral notes while respecting the purity of the vodka. I then created a signature modifier using Patrón Reposado, infused with orange peel, grapefruit peel and green cardamom, blended with agave and honey to bring citrus, spice, sweetness and texture into one intentional ingredient. Finally, carbonated apple replaces soda, preserving the refreshing character of the Collins while giving it a modern expression. My goal was never to replace a classic. It was to understand why classics endure, and give today’s generation a reason to choose it again.