This Tom Collins recipe is simple to make with gin, lemon juice, easy syrup, and membership soda. Served over ice, this traditional cocktail is shiny and refreshing.
It’s most likely not stunning that I like a Tom Collins cocktail. This glowing gin drink is just one step faraway from do-it-yourself lemonade, in spite of everything.
Made with gin, contemporary lemon juice, easy syrup, and membership soda, it’s shiny, fizzy, and tremendous refreshing. Plus, as a result of it’s a protracted drink, that means that the alcohol is blended with a very good quantity of soda water, it’s not as robust as another cocktails. This makes it good for sipping on a sizzling summer season day.
If you happen to’re new to creating cocktails at house, I believe this Tom Collins recipe is a superb place to start out. You don’t want any particular gear like a cocktail shaker or strainer, as a result of this drink is historically stirred, not shaken. Plus, after getting gin and easy syrup readily available, you’ll be effectively in your approach to making different gin cocktails too. Make this recipe first, after which add a gimlet or French 75 to your checklist to strive subsequent!
Tom Collins Substances
A traditional Tom Collins cocktail has 4 primary elements:
- Gin – In response to Difford’s Information, the Tom Collins cocktail seemingly originated in London within the 1800s, and it was first made with Previous Tom gin (therefore the “Tom” a part of its title—the “Collins” half comes from the title of the person who popularized it, John Collins). Lately, London Dry gin is the widespread alternative for this drink, however I believe you should utilize any sort with a taste profile you’re keen on. My go-to manufacturers are Hendrick’s, St. George Botanivore, and Koval Dry Gin.
- Contemporary lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, please! Contemporary juice will give this cocktail one of the best, brightest taste. Bonus: In case you have contemporary lemons readily available, you may garnish your glass with a lemon slice.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. No want to purchase this—do-it-yourself easy syrup is simple to make with equal components sugar and water.
- Membership soda or glowing water – It provides fizz to the cocktail and dilutes it right into a lower-ABV, sip-able drink.
You’ll additionally want ice for serving, and—in case you like—a maraschino cherry (or Luxardo cherry) for garnish. Non-compulsory, however enjoyable!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements under.
The right way to Make a Tom Collins Cocktail
I believe a Tom Collins is one among the best cocktails to make.
- Simply stir collectively the gin, lemon juice, and easy syrup in a collins glass, highball glass, or different tall glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- And prime with glowing water!
Stir gently, then style and alter earlier than you add your garnishes. If you would like a tangier cocktail, squeeze in some further lemon juice. For a stronger, extra natural drink, add slightly further gin. Need it sweeter? Pour in some extra easy syrup.
Once you love the flavour, garnish with a lemon slice and/or cocktail cherry, and revel in!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements under.
Extra Cocktail Recipes to Strive
If you happen to love this Tom Collins recipe, strive one among these refreshing cocktails subsequent:

Tom Collins Recipe
Serves 1
Learn to make a Tom Collins cocktail! Made with gin, contemporary lemon juice, easy syrup, and membership soda, this traditional drink is sort of a fizzy gin lemonade. It is historically served in a collins glass, however any tall glass will work right here. The scale of your glass will affect the quantity of glowing water you employ, so be certain that to style and alter earlier than serving.
Forestall your display from going darkish
-
In a tall glass, stir collectively the gin, lemon juice, and easy syrup. Fill with ice, prime with membership soda, and gently stir once more.
-
Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry and serve.