Tom Collins Cocktail Drink

Tom Collins

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Quench your thirst with our classic Tom Collins! A delightful blend of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, it’s the ultimate refreshment for any day.

Tom Collins Recipe

Elevate your summer with this best Tom Collins recipe! This refreshing cocktail is your go-to for beating the heat, made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of soda water.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

2 minutes

Servings:

1

Calories:

175 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Soda water, to top
  • Lemon slice or cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Collins Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Collins glass with ice cubes.
  • Mix Ingredients: In the shaker, combine 2 oz Gin, ½ oz simple syrup, and 1 oz fresh lemon juice.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into your ice-filled Collins glass.
  • Top with Soda: Fill the rest of the glass with soda water.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon slice or cherry for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: Vodka makes a decent substitute if you're out of gin. It won't have the botanical notes, but it'll do the job. I've also used tequila for a "Mexican Collins," which adds a unique twist.
  • Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can work if fresh lemons aren't available, but the flavor will be less vibrant. Lime juice also works for a different citrus kick.
  • Simple Syrup: No simple syrup? You can dissolve a sugar cube in a splash of hot water as a quick fix.

Making a Pitcher of Tom Collins:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of gin, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Collins glasses, top with soda, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute. They're out there and do a decent job mimicking the botanicals.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps for a non-alcoholic Tom Collins.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup: Ensure your syrup doesn't use honey or animal-derived products. Stick to a basic sugar and water recipe.
  • Garnish: Skip the cherry if it's soaked in non-vegan alcohol or has artificial colors. Opt for a fresh lemon slice instead.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
175
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
59
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
12
g
4
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
11
g
12
%
Potassium
 
44
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
2
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
15
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Tom Collins Cocktail Drink

Tom Collins Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Elevate your summer with this best Tom Collins recipe! This refreshing cocktail is your go-to for beating the heat, made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of soda water.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 175

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Soda water - to top
  • Lemon slice or cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Collins Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Collins glass with ice cubes.
  • Mix Ingredients: In the shaker, combine 2 oz Gin, ½ oz simple syrup, and 1 oz fresh lemon juice.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into your ice-filled Collins glass.
  • Top with Soda: Fill the rest of the glass with soda water.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon slice or cherry for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: Vodka makes a decent substitute if you're out of gin. It won't have the botanical notes, but it'll do the job. I've also used tequila for a "Mexican Collins," which adds a unique twist.
  • Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can work if fresh lemons aren't available, but the flavor will be less vibrant. Lime juice also works for a different citrus kick.
  • Simple Syrup: No simple syrup? You can dissolve a sugar cube in a splash of hot water as a quick fix.

Making a Pitcher of Tom Collins:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of gin, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Collins glasses, top with soda, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute. They're out there and do a decent job mimicking the botanicals.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps for a non-alcoholic Tom Collins.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup: Ensure your syrup doesn't use honey or animal-derived products. Stick to a basic sugar and water recipe.
  • Garnish: Skip the cherry if it's soaked in non-vegan alcohol or has artificial colors. Opt for a fresh lemon slice instead.

What is a Tom Collins?

A Tom Collins is a gin cocktail that combines simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and soda water. Many consider it the ultimate refresher, especially popular during the warm months. The drink gets its name from the Collins glass in which it’s traditionally served. With its balance of sweet and sour notes, the drink offers a sophisticated twist to any summer soiree, perfectly capturing the essence of a sunny day in a glass.

A side shot of a Tom Collins cocktail in a Highball glass on a stone plate placed on a marmol table, with a shaker, a jigger, an orange and a bar spoon in the background

What is a Tom Collins Made of – The Ingredients

The recipe for a Tom Collins contain these ingredients:

  • Gin: Provides the botanical backbone of the cocktail.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a tart, citrusy kick.
  • Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink, balancing the lemon’s acidity.
  • Soda Water: Tops of the cocktail, adding effervescence.
  • Lemon Slice or Cherry: Serves as a garnish, enhancing visual appeal and adding a subtle extra flavour.

Gin, soda water, simple syrup and lemons laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Tom Collins?

Create a Tom Collins with our step by step guide:

1
<p>Fill your Collins glass with ice cubes to prepare it for the cocktail.</p>

Fill your Collins glass with ice cubes to prepare it for the cocktail.

2
<p>Pour the gin into the shaker.</p>

Pour the gin into the shaker.

3
<p>Add fresh lemon juice to the shaker</p>

Add fresh lemon juice to the shaker

4
<p>Add simple syrup to the mix.</p>

Add simple syrup to the mix.

5
<p>Ice up the shaker.</p>

Ice up the shaker.

6
<p>Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients well.</p>

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients well.

7
<p>Strain the shaken mixture into your ice-filled Collins glass.</p>

Strain the shaken mixture into your ice-filled Collins glass.

8
<p>Fill the rest of the glass with soda water to add effervescence.</p>

Fill the rest of the glass with soda water to add effervescence.

9
<p>Add a lemon slice or cherry as a garnish to enhance the drink’s visual appeal and flavor.</p>

Add a lemon slice or cherry as a garnish to enhance the drink’s visual appeal and flavor.

10
<p>Enjoy your Tom Collins!</p>

Enjoy your Tom Collins!

Vodka Collins – using vodka instead of Gin

Switching out gin for vodka in a Tom Collins offers a fresh twist on this classic cocktail. While, gin brings unique botanical notes, vodka slides in with a clean, neutral profile. This change transforms the drink into a Vodka Collins, highlighting the lemon’s brightness and the effervescence of the soda. Give it a shot if you’re a fan of crisp, clear flavors or have vodka on hand. Just remember, whether it’s gin or vodka, quality matters. Opt for a premium spirit to ensure your Collins remains top-notch.

What is the difference between Tom Collins, John Collins, and Gin and Tonic?

Tom Collins, John Collins, and Gin and Tonic are refreshing but differ in key ways. 

A Tom Collins uses gin as its base spirit, combined with lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. It’s a sweet-tart drink served in a Collins glass. 

On the other hand, a John Collins swaps out gin for bourbon. This switch gives the drink a deeper, smoother flavor while keeping the lemon and soda elements. 

Now, a Gin and Tonic is a different beast altogether. It uses gin and tonic water containing quinine, giving the drink its characteristic bitterness. Lime, not lemon, is the citrus of choice here. Also, you’ll usually find a Gin and Tonic in a highball or rocks glass, not a Collins glass.

A side shot of a Tom Collins in a highball glass on a stone plate placed on a marmol table in front of a pink wall background 

Pre-mixed Tom Collins

If you’re short on time or want the convenience, grabbing a pre-mixed Tom Collins can be a solid move. Brands like Cutwater Spirits and The Long Drink offer canned versions that come close to the real deal. Cutwater’s take includes natural flavors and cane sugar, making it a balanced option that’s not too sweet. The Long Drink, on the other hand, leans into the citrus notes, giving you that tart kick you’d expect from a homemade Tom Collins. But I’d go with Cutwater Spirits if I had to pick a favorite. Their version nails the classic taste while keeping the sugar in check, making it a reliable go-to when you’re in the mood for a Tom Collins without the fuss.

Variations

Looking for something new? We’ve got a few top picks right here:

  • Gin Fizz: This adaptation takes the classic to a frothier level with the addition of egg white. It lacks ice in the glass, enhancing the texture and flavor. The frothy top is my favorite part; it adds a playful twist and feels like a special treat.
  • Cucumber Collins: Here, muddled cucumber is the star, infusing the mix with a fresh, garden-like essence. Perfect for a hot day, the cucumber offers a crisp, rejuvenating experience.
  • Tequila Collins: Swapping gin for tequila, this brings a Mexican flair and a distinctive agave flavor. The tequila adds a robust twist, making it stand out from its counterparts.
  • Lavender Collins: This introduces lavender-infused simple syrup, adding a calming, aromatic touch. I love the lavender’s subtle floral notes; they make every sip feel like a serene escape.
  • Elderflower Collins: This incorporates elderflower liqueur, like St-Germain, adding a delicate floral note. The elderflower’s unique flavor brings a sophisticated twist to the familiar.
  • Raspberry Collins: Featuring muddled raspberries, possibly with raspberry liqueur, this one offers a berry-infused experience. The tartness of the raspberries perfectly balances the sweet syrup, creating a harmonious melody of flavors.
  • Peach Collins: With the addition of peach schnapps or liqueur, it becomes fruitier and sweeter. The peach’s succulence enriches the drink, making it irresistible on a warm evening.
  • Yuzu Collins: Replacing lemon juice with yuzu, this offers a distinct citrus flavor that’s both tart and fragrant. The yuzu’s exotic flavor is a delightful surprise, adding an intriguing twist to each sip.

A side shot of a Tom Collins cocktail on a black stone plate placed on a white marmol table wit a shaker, an orange, a jigger and a bar spoon on the background

History and Origins

Tom Collins has a storied history that dates back to the 19th century. The cocktail first gained fame in England and later made its way to the United States. It originally appeared in Jerry Thomas 1876 edition of “The Bartender’s Guide,” solidifying its place in cocktail history. The name “Tom Collins” likely comes from the Collins glass in which the drink is traditionally served, although there are various theories about the name’s origin.

One popular story involves the “Tom Collins Hoax” of 1874, a practical joke that swept through New York. People would tell a friend that a man named Tom Collins was bad-mouthing them at a nearby bar. When the friend rushed to confront this fictional man, they found nothing but a bartender ready to serve them the drink.

Over the years, Tom Collins has seen numerous variations and remains a staple in bars and cocktail books worldwide.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Tom Collins?
It typically contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
How strong is a Tom Collins?
The alcohol by volume (ABV) is around 20-25%, and the proof can range from 40-50, depending on the gin used.
What type of alcohol is in a Tom Collins?
Gin is the primary alcohol.
In what type of glass is a Tom Collins served?
It is traditionally served in a Collins glass.
What does a Tom Collins taste like?
It tastes refreshing and citrusy, with a botanical undertone from the gin and a sweet-tart balance from the lemon and simple syrup.
Who invented the Tom Collins?
The cocktail first appeared in Jerry Thomas's 1876 edition of "The Bartender's Guide."
Is Tom Collins a summer drink?
While popular in the summer, you can enjoy this drink year-round.
Is a Singapore Sling the same as a Tom Collins?
While both feature gin and citrus, a Singapore Sling is a tropical adventure packed with cherry liqueur, Cointreau, and pineapple juice.

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