A Tom Collins is the perfect gin summer cocktail. Made with four simple ingredients, you will love this refreshing drink!
I love a great gin cocktail, and this Tom Collins is the perfect summer drink. Made with gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and club soda, it is a refreshing and light cocktail that you will make again and again.
What is a Tom Collins
A Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail. Originating in the 1800s, the result is a clean and refreshing cocktail perfect to quench your thirst. Similar to a Gin Fizz, it is served in a Collins glass, a tall skinny glass tumbler similar to a highball glass.
Tom Collins Ingredients
This Tom Collins drink recipe is made with simple ingredients, but their quality is essential. Here is what you need to make a Tom Collins cocktail:
- Gin: See my recommendation below.
- Lemon Juice: Always used freshly squeezed lemon juice in cocktails, you can taste the difference.
- Simple Syrup: This adds just a touch of sweetness and is so easy to make at home.
- Club Soda: Adds carbonation.
Simple Syrup
Best Gin for a Tom Collins
Like with any liquor, you can find gin at numerous budgets and qualities. When it comes to the best gin for a Tom Collins, I lean towards Bombay Sapphire, which happens to be budget-friendly and tastes the best in my opinion. I also prefer it in my Gin and Tonic. The key is to use a good quality gin that you enjoy the flavor of.
- On the high end of price points, you will find Monkey 47, considered a premium gin.
- Lower on the price list, you will find Hendrick’s and Tanqueray.
How to Make a Tom Collins Cocktail
This classic cocktail comes together right in the glass you drink it out of, requiring no cocktail shaker or fancy bar equipment. Here is how the drink comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Fill a glass with ice. Use lots of ice, it will keep the drink cold and extra refreshing.
- Combine ingredients. Stir together the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Top and garnish. Add enough club soda to top the drink. Garnish and enjoy.
Like a Light French 75
The French 75 is one of my favorite cocktails. It is the combination of gin, sparkling wine, simple syrup, and lemon juice. This cocktail is so similar to that recipe (no wonder I love it so much!) but you are swapping the sparkling wine for club soda. This makes for a 175 calorie cocktail. As much as I love my French 75, I love that I can have a lighter version!
French 75 Recipe
Serving
Enjoy your Tom Collins cocktail in a Tom Collins glass or glass tumbler. A lemon wedge wrapped around a brandied cherry is the signature garnish for the classic cocktail. Use a cocktail spear to secure them together. Not only does it add a refreshing citrus scent from the oils of the lemon peel, but it also adds to the presentation of the cocktail.
Variations
- Switch out the spirit. Instead of gin, use vodka to make a Vodka Collins or whiskey to create a John Collins.
- The frothy Gin Fizz features adds an egg white to create a creamy cocktail delight.
Other Classic Cocktails
These classic cocktails are always great go-to happy hour drinks. Classics for a reason, they have withstood the test of time!
If you try this Tom Collins recipe or any of my others, please leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Tom Collins
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces club soda
Instructions
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a highball glass filled with ice. Stir to combine.
- Top with the club soda. Garnish with a lemon wedge wrapped around a brandied cherry (read more about this here).
lynn Doane says
I am so glad to see this recipe! I am 81 and used to drink these when I was in my 20’s. They were so refreshing. Must try one again.. Have a good night.
Lynn
I hope you love my recipe, Lynn!