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 in all probability not stunning that I like a Tom Collins cocktail. This glowing gin drink is just one step faraway from home made lemonade, in spite of everything.
Made with gin, recent lemon juice, easy 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 an excellent quantity of soda water, it’s not as robust as another cocktails. This makes it excellent for sipping on a scorching summer season day.
For those who’re new to creating cocktails at residence, I feel this Tom Collins recipe is a superb 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 getting gin and easy syrup readily available, you’ll be nicely in your option to making different gin cocktails too. Make this recipe first, after which add a gimlet or French 75 to your checklist to attempt subsequent!
Tom Collins Components
A traditional Tom Collins cocktail has 4 primary components:
- Gin – In accordance with Difford’s Information, the Tom Collins cocktail probably 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 frequent selection for this drink, however I feel you should use any sort with a taste profile you’re keen on. 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 most effective, brightest taste. Bonus: If in case you have recent lemons readily available, you’ll be able to garnish your glass with a lemon slice.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. No want to purchase this—home made easy syrup is simple 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—for those who like—a maraschino cherry (or Luxardo cherry) for garnish. Elective, however enjoyable!
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Easy methods to Make a Tom Collins Cocktail
I feel a Tom Collins is one in all 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 high with glowing water!
Stir gently, then style and alter earlier than you add your garnishes. If you need a tangier cocktail, squeeze in some further lemon juice. For a stronger, extra natural drink, add a little bit 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 luxuriate in!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements under.
Extra Cocktail Recipes to Strive
For those who love this Tom Collins recipe, attempt one in all 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 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 dimensions of your glass will affect the quantity of glowing water you utilize, so be certain to style and alter earlier than serving.
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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.