Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe: The Tom Collins is more than just a refreshing cocktail—it’s a timeless classic that’s earned its place in cocktail history for good reason. Think of it as your go-to summer drink that’s equally perfect for backyard barbecues or classy dinner parties. Light, bubbly, and zesty, the Tom Collins has been turning heads (and cooling them down) since the 19th century.
A Brief History of the Tom Collins
So where did the Tom Collins come from? This cocktail’s roots go way back to the 1800s. Believe it or not, the drink is connected to an old bar prank from 1874 known as “The Tom Collins Hoax.” Bartenders began to name a cocktail after the fictitious man, and before long, it gained popularity as a genuine gin-based drink. Originating from London and spreading like wildfire in America, the Tom Collins quickly became a bartender’s staple.
Its ingredients were simple yet elegant: gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. The Tom Collins gained fame for its balance of sweet and sour with a sparkling finish, making it not just a drink but a refreshing experience.
Why the Tom Collins Remains a Classic
Despite the cocktail world constantly evolving, the Tom Collins has remained a favorite. Why? Its simplicity is key. This cocktail doesn’t try too hard. It delivers crisp citrus, smooth gin, and bubbly soda in perfect harmony. It’s also extremely customizable, which means whether you prefer your drinks on the sweet or sour side, the Tom Collins can easily be adjusted to your taste.
You don’t need to be a mixology expert to whip up a great Tom Collins. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a drink that’s both classy and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or just relaxing after work, the Tom Collins fits the mood effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a perfect Tom Collins, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, all of which are easy to find at your local grocery store or liquor shop. The key is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to bring out the best flavor.
Core Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for one serving:
- 2 oz (60 ml) London dry gin – This is the foundation of the cocktail. A good-quality gin brings botanicals and depth.
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice – Always go for freshly squeezed. It makes all the difference.
- 3/4 oz (20 ml) simple syrup – You can easily make this at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.
- Club soda (to top off) – This adds the fizz and lifts the whole drink.
Optional Garnishes and Variations
If you want to elevate your presentation or play around with flavors, consider these:
- Lemon wheel or slice – Classic garnish.
- Maraschino cherry – Adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh herbs like mint or rosemary – Offers a delightful aromatic twist.
- Flavored syrups – Swap the simple syrup for elderflower or berry syrup for something different.
Getting these ingredients right is half the battle in making a stellar Tom Collins. Up next: let’s check out the tools you’ll need to bring it all together.
Essential Bar Tools
Before you dive into crafting your Tom Collins, let’s make sure your bar setup is ready to go. You don’t need a fancy bar cart to make this drink, but a few basic tools will make your life easier and the drink better.
Must-Have Bartending Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: While some might stir this drink directly in the glass, using a shaker helps to combine the lemon juice and syrup thoroughly with the gin.
- Jigger or shot glass: Precision matters! A jigger ensures you pour the right amount of each ingredient.
- Bar spoon: Useful for stirring and layering if you decide to build the drink in the glass.
- Strainer: If you use a shaker, a strainer will keep out the ice chunks and any lemon pulp.
- Highball glass or Collins glass: The classic choice for serving this drink, tall and elegant, perfect for holding all that bubbly soda.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to home bartending, don’t stress. You can substitute household items like a mason jar for a shaker or use a measuring spoon instead of a jigger. The goal is to enjoy the process and nail the flavor.
One pro tip? Always use fresh lemon juice. It’s tempting to grab the bottled stuff, but trust us, the taste difference is massive. Fresh juice gives the cocktail that sharp, vibrant kick that makes the Tom Collins so refreshing.
Also, make your simple syrup at home—it’s super easy. Just mix equal parts of sugar and water, heat it gently until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Tom Collins
Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s walk through the actual process of making the Tom Collins. This step-by-step guide ensures a drink that’s well-balanced, fizzy, and utterly satisfying.
Step 1 – Gather All Ingredients and Tools
Preparation is key. Before you start mixing, lay everything out:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Collins glass
- Jigger, shaker, strainer, and bar spoon
- Garnish of choice (lemon wheel, cherry, mint)
Having everything within arm’s reach streamlines the process and keeps you focused on the pour, not the prep.
Step 2 – Mix the Base
In your cocktail shaker:
- Pour 2 oz gin.
- Add 1 oz fresh lemon juice.
- Add ¾ oz simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
Now, give it a solid shake—about 10-15 seconds. You want the ingredients to chill and blend nicely without over-diluting. A cold, crisp mix is the heart of a good Tom Collins.
Step 3 – Add the Sparkle
Strain the mix into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Now, top it off with club soda. The soda isn’t just for fizz—it lifts the drink and balances the tangy sweetness with a refreshing effervescence.
Use your bar spoon to give it a gentle stir, just enough to combine the soda without losing its bubbles.
Step 4 – Garnish and Serve
Now comes the fun part—presentation! Add a lemon wheel to the rim or float it on top. Drop in a maraschino cherry or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy. This not only enhances the aroma but also makes your drink Instagram-ready.
Serve immediately. The Tom Collins is best enjoyed cold and fresh, with that soda fizz still dancing on your tongue.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Tom Collins
Perfecting your Tom Collins isn’t rocket science, but a few insider tips can take your drink from good to great.
Best Practices for a Balanced Drink
- Use quality gin: A London dry gin like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire delivers a clean, crisp botanical base.
- Chill your glass: If you have time, put your glass in the freezer for a few minutes. It keeps your drink colder longer.
- Taste and tweak: Everyone’s palate is different. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more syrup. Prefer it tart? Squeeze a little more lemon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skimp on fresh juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrancy that makes this drink pop.
- Avoid flat soda: Club soda should be fresh and fizzy. If it’s been open too long, it won’t give that sparkling lift.
- Over-shaking: You want the drink chilled, not diluted. A quick shake is all you need.
Master these steps, and your Tom Collins will be the star of any gathering—or your own personal happy hour.
Variations of the Tom Collins
Once you’ve mastered the classic Tom Collins, it’s time to get creative. One of the beauties of this cocktail is how easily it adapts to other flavors and spirits. Whether you’re switching the base liquor or infusing it with fruits or botanicals, there are plenty of delicious ways to give your Tom Collins a twist.
Vodka Collins
Don’t love gin? No problem. Swap it out with vodka for a cleaner, more neutral flavor profile. The Vodka Collins retains the bright, lemony freshness of the original but smooths out the botanical edge that gin brings.
Here’s the modified recipe:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Club soda to top
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
Shake the vodka, lemon juice, and syrup over ice, strain into a glass filled with fresh ice, and top with club soda. Simple, smooth, and just as refreshing.
Elderflower Collins
Want something floral and slightly sweet? The Elderflower Collins is a modern twist that uses elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) to bring a fragrant and elegant note to the drink.
To make it:
- 1½ oz gin
- ½ oz elderflower liqueur
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Garnish with an edible flower or lemon twist
This variation is a hit at garden parties or brunches. It’s delicate, classy, and downright delightful.
Berry Collins Twist
This one’s for the berry lovers. Add muddled strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries to your shaker before mixing the base ingredients. It gives the cocktail a fruity punch and a gorgeous pink hue.
Try this version:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- A small handful of fresh berries (muddled)
- Club soda
- Garnish with matching berries and mint
Muddle the berries well to extract their juice and flavor. Shake with the rest of the ingredients (minus soda), then strain and top with soda. A vibrant, fun twist on the original that’s perfect for summer sipping.
When and How to Serve the Tom Collins
A Tom Collins isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. The way it’s served can elevate the entire vibe, from casual to sophisticated. Whether you’re mixing for yourself or entertaining guests, a few tips on presentation and timing can make a big impact.
Perfect Occasions
The Tom Collins is a go-to cocktail for:
- Summer parties: Its crisp, citrusy taste is ideal for hot weather.
- Brunches and day events: Light enough to sip in the morning or afternoon.
- Cocktail hours: Offers a refreshing contrast to heavier drinks like Old Fashioneds or Negronis.
- Casual hangouts: Easy to batch and serve in pitchers for a group.
Because it’s low in alcohol compared to some other cocktails, it’s also a good option for pacing yourself through a long event.
Best Glassware and Presentation
The traditional Tom Collins is served in a Collins glass, which is tall and narrow—perfect for showcasing the bubbles and preventing the drink from diluting too quickly.
But if you don’t have a Collins glass, a highball glass works just fine.
A few presentation tips:
- Add fresh ice just before serving: Keeps the drink cold and fizzy.
- Garnish generously: Lemon wheels, cherries, or even fresh herbs add visual appeal.
- Use a straw or stirrer: Optional, but nice for gently mixing the soda as you sip.
The presentation doesn’t need to be fancy, but a little effort goes a long way in making the drink feel special.
Health and Nutritional Information
Let’s be real: cocktails aren’t health food. But knowing what’s in your Tom Collins can help you make smarter choices—especially if you’re watching sugar or calories.
Calories and Nutrients Breakdown
On average, a classic Tom Collins contains:
- Gin (2 oz): ~130 calories
- Lemon juice (1 oz): ~10 calories
- Simple syrup (¾ oz): ~50 calories
- Club soda: 0 calories
Total: Approximately 190–200 calories
It’s relatively light as far as cocktails go, especially compared to creamy or sugary options. Plus, the lemon juice adds a bit of Vitamin C (though not enough to count as “healthy”).
Healthier Alternatives
Want to cut down the calories or sugar?
- Use less syrup or swap with stevia syrup
- Add more lemon juice for extra zing
- Skip the garnish or use fruit sparingly
- Try flavored sparkling water instead of club soda for a no-calorie flavor boost
Non-drinkers or designated drivers? You can easily make a mocktail version by skipping the gin and increasing the lemon juice and soda, or adding flavored syrup for a kick.
FAQs about Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Technically yes, but the flavor won’t be nearly as vibrant. Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in brightness and freshness.
2. What’s the difference between a Tom Collins and a Gin Fizz?
Both use gin, lemon juice, and sugar, but a Gin Fizz is typically shaken with all ingredients (including soda), creating a frothy texture, while a Tom Collins is topped with soda after shaking.
3. Is the Tom Collins suitable for batch preparation?
Absolutely! You can pre-mix the gin, lemon juice, and syrup, store it in the fridge, and just add soda and ice when serving.
4. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Just skip the gin and adjust the lemon juice and syrup to taste. It’s a refreshing soda-style mocktail.
5. What type of gin is best for a Tom Collins?
London dry gin is traditional, but any crisp, citrus-forward gin works well. Avoid overly floral gins as they can overpower the drink.
Conclusion
The Tom Collins is a cocktail that truly stands the test of time. It’s easy to make, refreshingly simple, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you stick to the original or explore its many variations, you’ll always end up with something that feels light, bright, and oh-so-satisfying.
So next time you’re in the mood for something crisp, citrusy, and sparkling, skip the store-bought mixer and whip up a homemade Tom Collins. You’ll impress your guests—or just yourself—with a drink that tastes as good as it looks.
