Classic Tom Collins Cocktail – Gin, Lemon & Soda Refreshment
Bright, fizzy, and timeless — the Tom Collins mixes gin, lemon, and soda into a perfectly balanced summer cocktail. Crisp citrus, gentle sweetness, and sparkling bubbles make this classic as refreshing today as it was in the 1800s.
The Original Sparkling Gin Classic
Light, botanical, and effortlessly refreshing, the Tom Collins remains a standard for balance: spirit, citrus, sugar, and fizz in perfect proportion. It’s the drink that taught bartenders what “refreshing” really means.
Background
Born in 19th-century London and popularized in New York’s barrooms, the Tom Collins became the archetype of tall gin cocktails. The “Tom Collins Hoax” joke of 1874 helped spread its fame — and its name — across America.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Gin – the crisp, botanical backbone.
- Lemon Juice – adds tart brightness.
- Simple Syrup – smooths and balances acidity.
- Carbonated Water – provides lift and fizz.
- Lemon Slice & Maraschino Cherry – classic garnishes.
Equipment
- Shaker, strainer, jigger
- Collins glass filled with ice
Why You’ll Love It – “Citrus Fizzy Perfection”
A tall, sparkling cocktail that bridges the gap between sophistication and simplicity. The Tom Collins is bright enough for brunch and elegant enough for evenings.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vodka Collins: swap gin for vodka for a softer profile.
- Cucumber Collins: muddle cucumber slices before shaking.
- Herbal Twist: add a sprig of mint or basil.
- Low-Sugar Option: halve the syrup or use honey syrup for depth.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the glass before building to keep carbonation lively.
- Always use fresh lemon juice — bottled dulls the drink.
- For parties, batch the gin, lemon, and syrup ahead; top with soda per serving.
- Pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled veggies, or light appetizers.
Tom Collins Recipe
Type of Glass
Collins Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 1 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
Directions
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the Gin, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup.
- Shake briefly (about 10 seconds) to chill, not dilute.
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with Carbonated Water and gently stir to mix.
- Garnish with a Lemon slice and a Maraschino cherry.
A timeless mix of gin, citrus, and bubbles — proof that classics stay classic for a reason.
