Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe: If you love refreshing, fizzy drinks with a citrusy kick, the Tom Collins cocktail is an absolute classic you need in your recipe arsenal. This tall, sparkling gin cocktail is as timeless as it gets—and it’s super easy to make once you know the steps.
Whether you’re prepping for a summer party or just want to impress your friends with your mixology skills, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to make the perfect Tom Collins.
What Is a Tom Collins?
The Tom Collins is a fizzy, gin-based cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. It’s served in a tall glass filled with ice and usually garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry. The flavor profile is light, tart, and bubbly—perfect for sipping on a hot day.
It belongs to the “Collins” family of cocktails, which are defined by their use of citrus juice, sugar, and carbonated water, all combined with a base spirit. The Tom Collins is typically made with London Dry Gin, making it herbaceous and clean, but it’s adaptable depending on your taste.
History of the Tom Collins
Believe it or not, the Tom Collins has quite the story behind it. The drink dates back to the 1800s and has roots in a hoax called the “Tom Collins Hoax” that went viral—by 19th-century standards, anyway. In 1874, people would jokingly tell others that a man named Tom Collins had been spreading rumors about them. When the confused victim went searching for this non-existent man, bartenders would hand them the drink as part of the prank.
Despite—or maybe because of—that quirky origin, the cocktail grew in popularity and found its way into Jerry Thomas’ famous 1876 bartender guide. Since then, it’s become a staple in cocktail bars around the world.
Ingredients Needed
The Tom Collins has only a handful of ingredients, but quality makes a huge difference. Let’s break down what you need.
Choosing the Right Gin
Gin is the star of the show here, so don’t skimp. A London Dry Gin is classic—it’s crisp, botanical, and gives the drink its signature flavor. Brands like Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, or Tanqueray are great options. If you want to experiment, try a more modern gin with unique botanicals like lavender or cucumber for a twist.
Fresh Lemon Juice Matters
Always, always use fresh lemon juice. The bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the syrup. You’ll need about 1 ounce per cocktail, which is roughly half a lemon.
Simple Syrup vs Sugar
Simple syrup is your best bet here because it dissolves easily and blends smoothly with the other ingredients. You can make it at home by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using. If you’re in a pinch, superfine sugar can work—but stir well!
Club Soda – The Sparkle Factor
Club soda adds that refreshing fizz that makes a Collins so irresistible. Pour it in gently at the end to keep the bubbles intact. Avoid flavored seltzers—they can mess with the delicate balance of the cocktail.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start mixing, gather these tools:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Highball or Collins glass
- Strainer
- Ice
Having the right tools makes the whole process smoother and way more fun. Plus, it helps you feel like a true mixologist.
Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe – Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to shake things up? Here’s how to make the perfect Tom Collins from scratch.
Step 1 – Chill the Glass
Start by chilling your Collins or highball glass. Just fill it with ice water and set it aside while you prep. This helps keep your drink cold longer and makes it extra refreshing.
Step 2 – Mix the Ingredients
In your shaker, add:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
Measure carefully to keep the flavor balanced—too much syrup and it gets cloying, too little and it’s too tart.
Step 3 – Shake It Up
Add ice to the shaker and give it a good, vigorous shake for about 15 seconds. You’re not just mixing—you’re chilling and diluting slightly for the perfect mouthfeel.
Step 4 – Strain and Serve
Dump the ice water from your chilled glass and fill it with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Now comes the magic—top it off with about 2 oz of club soda. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
Step 5 – Garnish Like a Pro
Garnishing isn’t just about looks—it enhances the aroma and appeal. Add a lemon wheel or wedge on the rim and drop in a maraschino cherry for a pop of color. Voilà!
Tips for the Perfect Tom Collins
Making a Tom Collins might sound simple, but there’s an art to getting it just right. Here are some pro tips that’ll elevate your cocktail from good to “Wow, did you make this yourself?”
- Use quality ice – It might seem like a small detail, but using clear, dense ice cubes keeps the drink cold without watering it down too fast.
- Balance is key – Taste as you go. If your lemons are super tart, you may need a touch more syrup. Likewise, if your gin is very floral, you might want to back off a little on the lemon.
- Freshness rules – From the lemon juice to the club soda, freshness is everything. Flat soda or bottled lemon juice will rob the drink of its crisp brightness.
- Don’t over-dilute – A quick shake is all you need. Over-shaking or over-stirring can make the drink too watery.
- Chill everything – Even your simple syrup and gin. A cold base helps keep your cocktail ice-cold without relying too much on melting ice.
Once you get the basics down, you’ll be whipping up crowd-pleasing Tom Collins cocktails like a seasoned bartender.
Variations of the Tom Collins
Looking to mix things up? The Tom Collins is super versatile, and there are plenty of fun spins on the classic.
- Vodka Collins – Swap gin for vodka if you prefer a smoother, more neutral flavor.
- Elderflower Collins – Add a splash of elderflower liqueur (like St. Germain) for a floral twist.
- Whiskey Collins – Also known as a John Collins, just replace the gin with bourbon or rye whiskey.
- Raspberry Collins – Muddle a few fresh raspberries in the shaker for a fruity burst of flavor and a pretty pink hue.
- Cucumber Collins – Muddle fresh cucumber and mint for a spa-day twist on this classic.
These tweaks can make your cocktail feel fresh and seasonal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Best Occasions to Serve a Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for many occasions. Here’s when it’s an absolute hit:
- Summer BBQs – It’s light, fizzy, and citrusy—perfect for cooling down in the heat.
- Brunch Parties – Replace mimosas with Collins for something different.
- Date Nights – Serve up this elegant classic and impress your partner.
- Cocktail Hour – It’s a refreshing aperitif that pairs well with appetizers.
- Holiday Parties – Dress it up with seasonal garnishes like rosemary or cranberries for a festive twist.
Basically, if there’s a need for a refreshing, easy-to-drink cocktail, the Tom Collins is a safe and stylish bet.
Food Pairings with a Tom Collins
Pairing food with cocktails is often overlooked, but a good match can elevate both the drink and the dish. The Tom Collins is bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet, making it versatile with food.
Here are some top pairings:
- Seafood – Think shrimp cocktail, oysters, or grilled fish. The citrus in the drink complements the briny flavors perfectly.
- Light appetizers – Cheese platters, olives, bruschetta, and charcuterie all work great.
- Grilled chicken or pork – The lemony kick balances the smokiness of grilled meats.
- Salads – Especially those with citrus vinaigrettes or fruity toppings.
- Asian cuisine – Dishes with ginger, lemongrass, or soy-based sauces play well with the gin’s botanicals.
The clean, crisp taste of a Tom Collins cuts through rich foods and balances spicy flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cocktail lovers can slip up when making a Tom Collins. Here are some frequent missteps to steer clear of:
- Using bottled lemon juice – It’s just not the same. The brightness and freshness of real lemon juice is irreplaceable.
- Skipping the shaker – Even though you’re adding club soda later, shaking helps mix the gin, lemon, and syrup evenly.
- Adding soda too early – Don’t shake with the soda—it’ll explode or go flat. Add it after straining.
- Over-pouring syrup – The drink should be tangy with a hint of sweetness, not syrupy.
- Not measuring – Eyeballing ingredients can easily throw off the balance. Always use a jigger.
Nail the technique, and you’ll be able to turn out consistently perfect drinks every time.
Nutritional Information
While the Tom Collins is a refreshing delight, it’s always good to know what you’re sipping in terms of calories and nutrition. Here’s a basic breakdown of a standard Tom Collins cocktail:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| 2 oz Gin | 130 |
| 1 oz Lemon Juice | 8 |
| ¾ oz Simple Syrup | 48 |
| 2 oz Club Soda | 0 |
| Total | 186 |
Keep in mind, the calorie count can vary depending on the brand of gin, the amount of simple syrup used, or if any fruit is muddled in for a variation.
Low-Calorie Tips:
- Use a low-calorie or sugar-free simple syrup.
- Cut down the syrup to ½ oz for a more tart version.
- Use a lighter pour of gin for a sessionable drink.
This cocktail isn’t the heaviest on the calorie scale, especially compared to creamy or sugary options. So, if you’re watching your intake but still want something refreshing and satisfying, a Tom Collins is a smart pick.
Non-Alcoholic Tom Collins Version
Want to enjoy the taste of a Tom Collins without the buzz? You absolutely can! A non-alcoholic Tom Collins is just as tasty and perfect for designated drivers, kids (with slight tweaks), or anyone taking a break from booze.
Mocktail Version Ingredients:
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup (or honey syrup)
- 3 oz club soda (or more, to taste)
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
How to Make:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add lemon juice and syrup.
- Stir well.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish and enjoy!
You can also enhance it with a splash of non-alcoholic gin alternatives or infused sparkling water for extra botanical flavor. It’s light, fizzy, and just as satisfying without the alcohol.
FAQs about Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
What ingredients are needed for a Tom Collins cocktail?
To make a classic Tom Collins, you will need gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. A slice of lemon and a cherry are often used for garnish.
How do you make a Tom Collins cocktail?
Begin by combining 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top off with club soda, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.
What type of gin is best for a Tom Collins?
A traditional London Dry Gin is typically used for a Tom Collins due to its crisp and clean flavor, which complements the lemon juice. However, feel free to experiment with other types of gin to suit your taste.
Can I make a Tom Collins without alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of a Tom Collins, often called a “Virgin Collins” or “No-Gin Collins.” Replace the gin with additional club soda or a non-alcoholic gin alternative.
Is a Tom Collins the same as a gin fizz?
While both cocktails include gin and lemon juice, a Tom Collins is served in a taller glass with more club soda, making it lighter and more refreshing. A gin fizz typically has a frothy top, created by vigorously shaking an egg white with the other ingredients.
What is the history behind the Tom Collins cocktail?
The Tom Collins originated in the mid-19th century and is believed to be named after a practical joke that became popular in New York in 1874, known as “The Great Tom Collins Hoax.” This drink has stood the test of time, becoming a staple in cocktail bars around the world.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Tom Collins has stood the test of time. It’s crisp, zesty, and wildly refreshing—ideal for those moments when you want something effortlessly cool and slightly sweet. Plus, it’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail lover or someone just dipping their toes into mixology, the Tom Collins is a no-fail classic that deserves a spot in your repertoire. So grab your gin, squeeze some lemons, and let the good times fizz.
