Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe (with Video)

Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe: There’s something magical about sipping a tall, cool Tom Collins on a warm day. This classic gin-based cocktail has stood the test of time for a reason. With its crisp, citrusy notes and fizzy finish, the Tom Collins is refreshing, easy to make, and downright irresistible.

History of the Tom Collins

The Tom Collins cocktail dates back to the 1800s and has one of the quirkiest backstories in cocktail history. The name became popular thanks to a practical joke that spread across New York in 1874. People would ask, “Have you seen Tom Collins?” implying he was talking trash about you. When the confused victim tried to find him, bartenders began offering them a drink named after the mysterious man.

By the late 19th century, the Tom Collins had already become a bar staple. It first appeared in print in Jerry Thomas’s 1876 bartending book. While gin was widely used in those days, the Tom Collins popularized a smoother, more accessible version of the spirit in cocktails.

Why It’s a Classic Cocktail

So, what makes the Tom Collins a classic? It’s the simplicity and balance. You only need four core ingredients—gin, lemon juice, sugar, and club soda—but together, they create a drink that is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s light, fizzy, and perfectly tart. The drink is also highly adaptable, making it a great starting point for home bartenders.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just winding down after a long day, the Tom Collins hits the spot every single time.

Ingredients Needed for a Tom Collins

Before diving into the how-to, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need.

Core Ingredients Breakdown

Here are the standard ingredients for a Tom Collins:

• 2 oz Gin – The heart of the drink. Choose a high-quality London Dry gin for the best flavor.
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is essential for that vibrant citrus zing.
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup – You can buy it, or easily make your own by mixing equal parts water and sugar.
• Club Soda – This adds the fizzy element that sets the Tom Collins apart from other gin sours.
• Ice Cubes – For chilling and diluting the drink just the right amount.
• Garnish – Typically a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.

Choosing the Right Gin

While you could use any gin, the flavor of your Tom Collins heavily depends on the gin you choose. Here are a few popular options:

• London Dry Gin – Crisp and juniper-forward. Great for a traditional Tom Collins.
• Old Tom Gin – Slightly sweeter and smoother. This is closer to what the original recipe might’ve tasted like.
• Botanical Gins – Gins infused with herbs and florals can give your cocktail a unique twist.

When in doubt, go for a gin that you enjoy sipping on its own—because that flavor will come through in the final cocktail.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need to be a professional bartender to whip up a great Tom Collins, but having the right tools definitely helps.

Cocktail Shaker or Stirrer?

For a Tom Collins, you typically shake the ingredients (except soda) with ice to combine and chill, then strain into a glass and top with soda. So yes, a cocktail shaker is ideal.

However, if you don’t have a shaker, a tightly sealed jar or even a blender bottle can work in a pinch.

Glassware and Garnishes

The traditional glass for a Tom Collins is—you guessed it—a Collins glass. It’s a tall, narrow tumbler that holds between 10 to 14 oz. If you don’t have one, any highball glass will do.

For garnishes:

• Lemon slice or wheel – Adds a visual pop and a bit of extra citrus aroma.
• Maraschino cherry – A classic touch that adds sweetness and color.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Let’s break down how to make the perfect Tom Collins.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather everything you need:

• Juice your lemons
• Measure your gin and simple syrup
• Fill your glass with ice
• Have your club soda chilled and ready

Pro Tip: Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can be too sour or metallic.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker:

1. Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

Shaking helps dilute and chill the drink while blending the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Pour and Garnish

1. Strain the shaken mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
2. Top off with club soda (about 2 to 4 oz depending on your glass size).
3. Give it a gentle stir.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.

Boom—you’ve just made a Tom Collins like a pro.

Tips for the Perfect Tom Collins

Even with such a simple recipe, there’s a fine line between a good Tom Collins and a great one. Let’s explore how to elevate your cocktail-making game.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Bottled Lemon Juice
   This is one of the most common pitfalls. Bottled lemon juice is convenient, but it lacks the brightness and complexity of freshly squeezed juice. Always go fresh—it makes a noticeable difference.
2. Overdoing the Simple Syrup
   Sweetness should balance the tart lemon and the bite of the gin, not overpower them. Start with ½ oz, and adjust according to taste. Too much syrup will turn your refreshing cocktail into a sugar bomb.
3. Using Flat Soda Water
   The fizz is what gives the Tom Collins its signature sparkle. If your club soda is flat, the whole drink will fall flat with it. Always use freshly opened club soda for that crisp effervescence.
4. Improper Ice
   Ice is more than just a cooler here. It affects dilution and texture. Use large, clean ice cubes for slower melting and less dilution. Cloudy or small ice cubes melt too quickly, watering down your drink.
5. Skipping the Shake
   Stirring might work for some cocktails, but shaking helps emulsify the citrus and sweetener while cooling everything down perfectly. Skipping this step leads to a less cohesive flavor.

Enhancements and Variations

Want to make your Tom Collins stand out even more? Try these creative twists:

• Berry Collins: Muddle fresh raspberries or strawberries with the lemon juice before shaking.
• Cucumber Collins: Add thin cucumber slices for a cooling effect, perfect for hot days.
• Herbal Touch: Muddle mint or basil into your shaker for a garden-fresh variation.
• Citrus Swap: Use lime juice or a mix of lemon and orange for a different flavor profile.
• Gin Alternatives: Try a Tom Collins with vodka, whiskey, or tequila for interesting spinoffs (though they technically aren’t “Tom Collins” anymore).

Experimenting with these variations not only keeps things interesting but can help you find a version that perfectly suits your palate.

Nutritional Facts and Serving Suggestions

Let’s take a look at what you’re sipping when you enjoy a Tom Collins.

Calorie Count and Health Considerations

The average Tom Collins contains:

• Calories: ~180–200 per serving
• Carbohydrates: ~13–15g
• Sugar: ~10g
• Alcohol content: Typically around 10–12% ABV

Want to lighten it up?

• Use diet club soda or soda water with no added sodium.
• Replace simple syrup with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit syrup.
• Use a low-proof gin or reduce the gin to 1.5 oz to lower alcohol intake.

While a Tom Collins isn’t the healthiest choice if you’re counting sugar or calories, it’s relatively light compared to creamy or high-sugar cocktails.

When and How to Serve It

The Tom Collins is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving occasions. Here are a few ideal moments:

• Summer parties – Its citrusy fizz makes it the ultimate warm-weather refreshment.
• Afternoon gatherings – It’s light enough for daytime drinking.
• Brunch – It fits perfectly alongside mimosas and bellinis.
• Cocktail hour – A great start to any dinner party or night out.

Serve it in a tall Collins glass with a long straw and plenty of ice to keep things chilled and refreshing. Garnish with flair if you’re entertaining—think fancy citrus twists or even edible flowers for presentation points.

FAQs about Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

1. What is a Tom Collins cocktail made of?

A classic Tom Collins is made with gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. It’s served over ice in a tall glass and garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry.

2. Can I use vodka instead of gin?

Yes, you can substitute vodka for gin to make a Vodka Collins. The taste will be smoother and less botanical than the original.

3. What’s the best gin for a Tom Collins?

London Dry Gin is the traditional choice, but any good-quality gin will work. Popular options include Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire.

4. How sweet should a Tom Collins be?

The sweetness can be adjusted to your taste. Start with equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup, and tweak from there to find your perfect balance.

5. Is Tom Collins a strong drink?

It’s a refreshing, mildly strong cocktail. The gin provides the alcohol kick, while the soda water lightens the overall strength.

6. Can I make a Tom Collins in advance?

Yes, you can mix the gin, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time and refrigerate. Add ice and soda water just before serving to keep it fizzy.

7. What glass is best for a Tom Collins?

A Collins glass (tall and narrow) is the traditional choice, but a highball glass works just as well.

Conclusion

The Tom Collins is the definition of a timeless cocktail: simple ingredients, quick prep, and endless satisfaction. Whether you’re brand new to cocktail-making or a seasoned home mixologist, mastering the Tom Collins should be high on your list.

Its classic blend of gin, lemon, sugar, and soda water captures the essence of balance. It’s neither too strong nor too sweet. And with countless variations and personal twists available, you’ll never get bored of it.

So, next time you’re looking for a drink that delivers refreshment with every sip, shake up a Tom Collins and enjoy a taste of cocktail history right in your own kitchen.