The Tom Collins Recipe is a timeless gin-based cocktail that has stood the test of time since the 19th century. Known for its light, citrusy flavor and fizzy finish, this drink is both simple to make and perfect for warm-weather sipping. Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned mixologist, mastering the Tom Collins is a must for your repertoire.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Tom Collins, from ingredients and preparation to history, tips, and variations.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Refreshing and Effervescent – Perfectly balanced with citrus, sweetness, and a sparkling finish.
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Easy to Make – No fancy tools or obscure ingredients required.
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Classic Appeal – A cocktail with deep roots in bartending history.
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Customizable – Easily adaptable with different spirits and flavor infusions.
Ingredients List
To make a classic Tom Collins, you’ll need just a few ingredients:
Core Ingredients
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2 oz London dry gin
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1 oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup (or to taste)
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Club soda (to top off)
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Ice
Garnishes
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Lemon wheel or wedge
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Maraschino cherry
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Optional: fresh herbs (mint, thyme) for a modern twist
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Servings: 1 cocktail
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tom Collins Recipe
Step 1: Fill the Glass
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice cubes to the top. This keeps the drink well-chilled and nicely diluted.
Step 2: Combine the Base
In a cocktail shaker or directly in the glass (if skipping the shake), combine:
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2 oz gin
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1 oz lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
Shake with ice for 10–15 seconds if you want a frothier texture. Otherwise, stir well to mix.
Step 3: Top With Soda
Pour the mixture into the prepared glass and top with club soda—usually around 2 to 4 oz, depending on your glass size and preference for fizziness.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Add a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry for a traditional garnish. Serve immediately with a straw or stir stick.
A Brief History of the Tom Collins
The Tom Collins dates back to the mid-1800s and is thought to have originated in London or New York. The name became widely known in 1874 during the “Tom Collins Hoax,” a joke that swept through bars where patrons were told a man named Tom Collins was talking about them in another tavern—prompting people to chase down the elusive character.
Capitalizing on the prank, bartenders began offering a cocktail by the same name. By 1876, Jerry Thomas—the father of American mixology—published the recipe in The Bartender’s Guide.
Choosing the Right Gin
The gin is the soul of the Tom Collins, so choosing the right type matters:
Best Types of Gin for Tom Collins
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London Dry Gin (e.g., Tanqueray, Beefeater): Classic choice with juniper-forward flavor.
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Old Tom Gin: A sweeter, less-botanical variety that harkens back to historical recipes.
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Modern Gins: Cucumber or citrus-infused gins can create interesting variations.
Avoid:
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Overly floral gins that may overpower the citrus and soda.
Understanding Simple Syrup
How to Make It
Simple syrup is made by combining equal parts water and sugar, then stirring or heating until dissolved. Cool before use.
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Basic Ratio: 1:1 sugar to water
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For Rich Syrup: 2:1 sugar to water (more sweetness per volume)
Store-Bought vs. Homemade
Store-bought versions work fine, but homemade gives you control over sweetness and freshness.
Importance of Fresh Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and zesty aroma that makes a Tom Collins so delightful.
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Juice one lemon for approximately 1 oz.
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Roll lemons before juicing to get more juice.
Choosing the Right Glassware
The Collins glass is a tall, narrow glass designed specifically for this style of highball cocktail.
Why It Works
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Allows room for plenty of ice and soda
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Showcases the fizz and clarity of the drink
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Great for layered garnishes
You can also use a highball glass in a pinch.
Recipe Variations
1. Vodka Collins
Substitute gin with vodka for a neutral, cleaner flavor.
2. Tequila Collins
Use blanco tequila for a citrus-forward spin on the classic.
3. Elderflower Collins
Add ½ oz elderflower liqueur for floral notes that complement lemon and gin.
4. Berry Collins
Muddle fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries) before mixing for a fruitier version.
5. Cucumber Collins
Muddle cucumber slices before shaking; garnish with a cucumber ribbon for extra refreshment.
Tips for the Perfect Tom Collins
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Always use fresh ingredients. The balance relies on citrus and good-quality gin.
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Adjust sweetness. Taste your mix before topping with soda; add more syrup if needed.
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Chill the glass. Keep everything cold for the best experience.
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Don’t overshake. This drink is meant to be light—not cloudy or overly foamy.
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Serve immediately. Fizz fades fast, and melted ice dilutes flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Tom Collins is a natural companion for:
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Summer barbecues
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Brunch menus
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Picnics and outdoor events
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Appetizers like shrimp cocktail, grilled veggies, or charcuterie
Make-Ahead Tips
You can pre-batch the lemon juice, gin, and simple syrup mixture and store it in the refrigerator.
Large Batch Formula (Serves 8)
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2 cups gin
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1 cup lemon juice
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½ cup simple syrup
Mix and chill. Pour 3–4 oz per glass over ice and top with club soda right before serving.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~180
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Carbohydrates: ~9g
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Sugar: ~8g
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Alcohol Content: ~15–20% ABV (depending on soda and gin ratio)
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Fat: 0g
Note: These values can vary based on syrup concentration and brand of gin.
FAQs
Is Tom Collins the same as gin and tonic?
No. While both use gin, the Tom Collins uses lemon juice and simple syrup for a sweeter, citrusy profile, topped with soda water—not tonic.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Tom Collins?
Yes! Replace gin with a botanical non-alcoholic spirit or soda water, and keep the lemon juice and syrup. It becomes a lemon soda mocktail.
What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a John Collins?
A John Collins uses bourbon or whiskey instead of gin. The preparation is nearly identical.
Can I use sparkling water instead of club soda?
Yes, but club soda has added minerals and carbonation that enhance the drink’s flavor and texture.
Conclusion
The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail for good reason. With its light, effervescent body and perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, and spirit, it captures the essence of refreshing simplicity. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and a reliable go-to drink for any warm-weather occasion.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with seasonal ingredients and spirits, mastering the Tom Collins opens the door to a world of creativity and refreshment in your cocktail crafting.