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Tom Collins Cocktail Drink

Tom Collins Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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.