If you’re looking for a super refreshing cocktail then the Tom Collins is for you. It pretty much tastes like a high-quality lemonade with a boozy kick, it’s zesty and zingy made with fresh lemon juice and herbal notes thanks to the gin.
But who is Tom Collins anyway? You’d think a cocktail like this was named after a famous movie star but in fact, Tom comes from the type of gin used to make it, Old Tom Gin. Collins is apparently the surname of the bartender that created it and that’s how this classic was born. There’s nothing better on a hot summer’s day to quench your thirst served with some snacks and nibbles.
Looking for more fun cocktails to try? Make sure to check out my Gin Fizz Cocktail, Moscow Mule Recipe, and my Margarita!
What you need to make this recipe
Gin – use a good gin that you really enjoy ideally a dry gin such as Barr Hill (above), London Dry Gin, Plymouth Gin, or Old Tom (the original gin used to make a tom collins).
Soda water – soda water is bubbly and refreshing and I love it in a Tom Collins. Another popular option is club soda which is sweeter.
Lemon – it’s important to use fresh lemon juice because the bottled stuff is far too acidic and doesn’t have the same fresh taste. Also garnish your cocktail with slices of lemon.
Simple syrup – you can buy simple syrup in bottles (see photo above) which is really convenient for making quick cocktails but you can also easily make your own by bringing equal amounts of water and sugar (e.g 1 cup sugar 1 cup water) to a boil then leave to cool completely.
How to make a Tom Collins
1. Freshly squeeze the lemons.
2. Pour the lemon juice, gin and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake the cocktail for a few seconds to mix everything together.
4. Pour into a tall glass over ice.
5. Top with soda water.
6. Garnish with a cherry and lemon slice.
Pro Tips for making this recipe
- Don’t worry if you don’t have bottled simple syrup just bring equal amounts of granulated sugar and water to a boil until the sugar dissolves then leave to cool completely.
- Although a lot of recipes use club soda I find that there is enough sweetness in the simple syrup. You can definitely use club soda or even tonic water if you prefer though.
- To adjust the sweetness you can add more or less simple syrup.
- A tall glass is best for this filled with ice.
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice please don’t use bottled stuff I’ll ruin your cocktail.
- You should be able to buy Maraschino cherries in jars in most supermarkets.
- If you feel like experimenting you can play with different flavored simple syrup (berry, citrus, or floral) or add in some herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or mint.
- Why not add in some sliced strawberries or blueberries, it looks really impressive when serving it to guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it taste like?
A Tom Collins cocktail tastes like boozy lemonade. It’s refreshing, zesty, and bubbly with herbal notes thanks to the gin. It’s absolutely delicious and best served chilled over ice.
What’s the difference between and Tom Collins and Jonn Collins?
What makes a John Collins different is that it uses whiskey instead of gin but still uses simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and soda. It’s a delicious variation to try!
Is it a strong cocktail?
There are 2 ounces of gin in each cocktail but it’s a very light tasting cocktail thanks to the sweet simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and soda. It’s a great cocktail if you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
What other spirits can I use?
You can use pretty much any spirit you like, this cocktail is super versatile. You could swap the gin for the following; vodka, rum, tequila, brandy or whiskey.
Alternatives to soda water
Instead of soda water, you can opt for tonic water, club soda, or for an extra kick use Prosecco (the cocktail will be much stronger). If you’d rather a still cocktail you can use still water.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Tom Collins cocktail then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Tom Collins
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice fresh
- Soda water
- Lemon wedge for garnish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then pour in lemon juice, gin and simple syrup. SHake well until very cold.
- Pour the gin mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top off with soda water and garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.
Notes
- Don't worry if you don't have bottled simple syrup just bring equal amounts of granulated sugar and water to a boil until the sugar dissolves then leave to cool completely.
- Although a lot of recipes use club soda I find that there is enough sweetness in the simple syrup. You can definitely use club soda or even tonic water if you prefer though.
- To adjust the sweetness you can add more or less simple syrup.
- A tall glass is best for this filled with ice.
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice please don't use bottled stuff I'll ruin your cocktail.
- You should be able to buy Maraschino cherries in jars in most supermarkets.
- If you feel like experimenting you can play with different flavored simple syrup (berry, citrus, or floral) or add in some herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or mint.
- Why not add in some sliced strawberries or blueberries, it looks really impressive when serving it to guests.
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