In a John Collins, what spirit is primarily used?

In a John Collins, the primary spirit used is gin. This classic cocktail is traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, which gives it a refreshing and citrusy flavor profile. While there are variations of the Collins that might incorporate other spirits, the original recipe distinctly features gin as its base.

The key to understanding this cocktail lies in its lineage; it is part of the Collins family of drinks, which typically involve a spirit combined with lemon juice, sugar, and water, served in a tall glass over ice. Other members of this family, like Tom Collins, use gin specifically, reinforcing gin's role in the original Collins recipe. Thus, when identifying the spirit that is primarily used in a John Collins, gin is the correct answer that aligns with the cocktail's historical roots.