This Tom Collins recipe is straightforward to make with gin, lemon juice, easy syrup, and membership soda. Served over ice, this basic cocktail is shiny and refreshing.
It’s in all probability not shocking that I really like a Tom Collins cocktail. This glowing gin drink is just one step faraway from homemade lemonade, in any case.
Made with gin, recent lemon juice, simple syrup, and membership soda, it’s shiny, fizzy, and tremendous refreshing. Plus, as a result of it’s an extended drink, that means that the alcohol is blended with a very good quantity of soda water, it’s not as sturdy as another cocktails. This makes it good for sipping on a scorching summer time day.
When you’re new to creating cocktails at residence, I believe this Tom Collins recipe is a good place to begin. You don’t want any particular tools like a cocktail shaker or strainer, as a result of this drink is historically stirred, not shaken. Plus, after you have gin and easy syrup available, you’ll be nicely in your method 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 Components
A basic Tom Collins cocktail has 4 primary substances:
- Gin – In line with Difford’s Guide, the Tom Collins cocktail doubtless originated in London within the 1800s, and it was first made with Previous Tom gin (therefore the “Tom” a part of its identify—the “Collins” half comes from the identify of the person who popularized it, John Collins). As of late, London Dry gin is the frequent alternative for this drink, however I believe you should use any kind with a taste profile you like. My go-to manufacturers are Hendrick’s, St. George Botanivore, and Koval Dry Gin.
- Recent lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, please! Recent juice will give this cocktail the perfect, brightest taste. Bonus: In case you have recent lemons available, you may garnish your glass with a lemon slice.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. No want to purchase this—homemade simple syrup is straightforward to make with equal elements 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. Optionally available, however enjoyable!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Learn how to Make a Tom Collins Cocktail
I believe a Tom Collins is considered one of the simplest 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 high with glowing water!
Stir gently, then style and alter earlier than you add your garnishes. If you’d like a tangier cocktail, squeeze in some additional lemon juice. For a stronger, extra natural drink, add somewhat additional gin. Need it sweeter? Pour in some extra easy syrup.
If you love the flavour, garnish with a lemon slice and/or cocktail cherry, and revel in!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Extra Cocktail Recipes to Attempt
When you love this Tom Collins recipe, strive considered one of these refreshing cocktails subsequent:

Tom Collins Recipe
Serves 1
Learn to make a Tom Collins cocktail! Made with gin, recent lemon juice, easy syrup, and membership soda, this basic 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 dimensions of your glass will affect the quantity of glowing water you employ, so be certain to style and alter earlier than serving.
Stop your display from going darkish
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In a tall glass, stir collectively the gin, lemon juice, and easy syrup. Fill with ice, high with membership soda, and gently stir once more.
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Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry and serve.