This Tom Collins recipe is straightforward to make with gin, lemon juice, easy syrup, and membership soda. Served over ice, this traditional cocktail is brilliant and refreshing.
It’s in all probability not stunning that I like a Tom Collins cocktail. This glowing gin drink is just one step faraway from selfmade lemonade, in spite of everything.
Made with gin, contemporary lemon juice, easy syrup, and membership soda, it’s brilliant, fizzy, and tremendous refreshing. Plus, as a result of it’s an extended drink, that means that the alcohol is combined with a superb quantity of soda water, it’s not as sturdy as another cocktails. This makes it excellent for sipping on a sizzling summer season day.
For those who’re new to creating cocktails at residence, I believe this Tom Collins recipe is a good 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 properly in your solution to making different gin cocktails too. Make this recipe first, after which add a gimlet or French 75 to your listing to attempt subsequent!
Tom Collins Components
A traditional Tom Collins cocktail has 4 primary elements:
- Gin – In accordance with Difford’s Information, 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). Nowadays, 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.
- Contemporary lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, please! Contemporary juice will give this cocktail the most effective, brightest taste. Bonus: You probably have contemporary lemons readily available, you possibly can garnish your glass with a lemon slice.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. No want to purchase this—selfmade easy 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 the event you like—a maraschino cherry (or Luxardo cherry) for garnish. Non-compulsory, however enjoyable!
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The best way to Make a Tom Collins Cocktail
I believe a Tom Collins is one in every of 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. In order for you a tangier cocktail, squeeze in some additional lemon juice. For a stronger, extra natural drink, add just a little 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 whole recipe with measurements under.
Extra Cocktail Recipes to Attempt
For those who love this Tom Collins recipe, attempt one in every of these refreshing cocktails subsequent:

Tom Collins Recipe
Serves 1
Discover ways 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 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, prime with membership soda, and gently stir once more.
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Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry and serve.