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This classic Tom Collins recipe is light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with gin, lemon, simple syrup, and soda. Perfect for a nightcap or brunch.
The Tom Collins is one of those timeless classic cocktails people keep coming back to: not because it’s trendy, but because it’s actually that good. The first time I ordered one was at a neighborhood bar down the street (that actually opened in the 1930’s). I felt so sophisticated ordering one: and it was just as delicious as I expected!
A cousin of the Gin Fizz, it’s refreshing and complex, with zingy bright lemon juice, botanical gin, a hint of simple syrup, and a load of effervescent bubbles. Once you nail this classic Tom Collins recipe, you’ll understand why it’s endured for over 150 years!
Why You’ll Love This Tom Collins Recipe
This is one of those cocktail recipes that checks every box:
- Sweet tart, balanced flavor: The sweet-tart ratio is dialed in so it’s not too sweet
- Year-round crowd pleaser: It’s refreshing in summer and uplifting in winter: and it goes over well with just about anyone!
- Beginner-friendly: It’s got just four ingredients and basic techniques
Ingredients Needed
- Dry Gin: I like to use a London dry gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray for their clean, straightforward profile. (I stay away from very floral gins here.) The original recipe called for Old Tom gin, a slightly sweeter style that’s hard to find these days.
- Lemon Juice: Always squeeze your lemons fresh (this is non-negotiable).
- Simple Syrup: This classic cocktail sweetener is simple to make in 5 minutes (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved). You can substitute with pure maple syrup for a subtle caramel flavor.
- Club Soda: Soda water, sparkling water, or club soda all work: just make sure it’s cold and bubbly.
- Garnish: A maraschino cherry and lemon wheel are part of the traditional look of this drink.
Tip: Make Clear Ice
One way to step up this Tom Collins cocktail: make it with clear ice! Clear ice is artisanal ice used in cocktails because of its crystal clear look and organic shapes. It melts slower than regular cloudy ice, keeping the drink cold without diluting it too much.
You can make clear ice at home: all you need is a small cooler and 24 hours. Here’s my full guide on how to make clear ice.
How to Make a Tom Collins
Making a Tom Collins cocktail follows a simple shake-and-build technique:
- Combine and shake: Take gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup and shake it together in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Strain and fill: Strain the drink into a glass with ice cubes. Then top it off with soda water.
- Garnish: The garnish is what makes the signature Tom Collins. Add a maraschino cherry for the full effect! You can also add a lemon wheel if you’d like.
No Cocktail Shaker? Use a mason jar with a tight lid and a separate strainer.
Flavor Variations & Adjustments
Here are a few adjustments for the flavor of this Tom Collins recipe:
- Sweeter Tom Collins: Start with 1 ounce of simple syrup instead of ¾ ounce.
- Tarter Version: Stick with ¾ ounce simple syrup. Add an extra lemon slice for visual appeal and squeeze it in before serving.
- Vodka or Whiskey: Make a Vodka Collins by substituting vodka for gin (it’s smoother and less botanical), or a John Collins with whiskey.
- Maple Sweetener: Replace the simple syrup with pure maple syrup for subtle caramel flavor notes.
- Herbs: Add a sprig of fresh herbs (basil, thyme, or rosemary) as a garnish.
- Alternate Flavors: Try a refreshing Cucumber Collins with muddled cucumber, or a Lavender Collins with lavender syrup.
How to Serve It
A Tom Collins is nostalgic and classy, perfect for parties and entertaining, or happy hour. It’s great as a:
- Summer drink for patio gatherings and summer parties
- Afternoon cocktails when you want something refreshing
- Pre-dinner drinks that won’t overwhelm your palate
- Dinner party drink that is simple to batch (see the recipe below)
- It’s great with appetizers like smoked salmon bites or a veggie tray, or with seafood like grilled shrimp
Frequently Asked Questions
No! While a cocktail shaker is the traditional tool, you can absolutely make a Tom Collins without one. Use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into your glass.
Yes, the Tom Collins template works well with other spirits. Vodka creates a Vodka Collins that’s smoother and less botanical. Whiskey makes a John Collins with warmer flavors. You can even use tequila for a Mexican-inspired variation.
These two drinks are almost exactly alike. Technically, the Tom Collins is made with Old Tom Gin, a specific type of gin. The John Collins is the original name of the drink, and sometimes refers to this drink made with any type of gin. However, the modern definition of a John Collins is a Tom Collins made with whiskey. You can also make a Tom Collins with vodka, called the Vodka Collins.
Both are classic gin cocktails with lemon juice, but a French 75 uses champagne )instead of club soda and is served in a champagne flute. The Tom Collins is served over ice in a tall glass with soda water, so it’s more refreshing and casual.
Tom Collins Cocktail
This classic Tom Collins recipe is light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with gin, lemon, simple syrup, and soda. Perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 ounces dry gin
- 3/4 to 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 4 ounces (½ cup) soda water
- Ice (try our clear ice!)
- For the garnish: maraschino cherry, lemon wheel
Instructions
- Add the gin, syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the liquid into an ice filled glass, and top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cocktail cherry.
Notes
To convert measurements: 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
Sweetness level: Start with ¾ ounce simple syrup if you prefer drinks on the balanced side, or use 1 full ounce for a sweeter Tom Collins.
Make it a pitcher: Multiply the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup by the number of servings. Refrigerate until ready to serve, then add approximately 4 oz to each glass with ice cubes and top with club soda.
I found your website several weeks ago looking for a good margarita recipe. I had been struggling to dial one in for years in spite of the simple and limited ingredients. Turns out I was using the wrong tequila and I never would have known that without your website. Im not a big tequila fan so I thought one was as good as any. Since then, I’ve made several of your elusively simple drinks for guests – following your instructions word for word – and I’ve had nothing but compliments.
So glad to hear that! We’ve found you can’t make anything good with bad tequila :)
Hi guys I own a small Restaurant in the country side. This weekend I am going to make your Tom Collins cocktail and clear ice , I know I am going to surprise the locals. Thanks for the recipe.
Enjoy! Thanks for making