This Tom Collins recipe is easy to make with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Served over ice, this classic cocktail is bright and refreshing.
It’s probably not surprising that I love a Tom Collins cocktail. This sparkling gin drink is only one step removed from homemade lemonade, after all.
Made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, it’s bright, fizzy, and super refreshing. Plus, because it’s a long drink, meaning that the alcohol is mixed with a good amount of soda water, it’s not as strong as some other cocktails. This makes it perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
If you’re new to making cocktails at home, I think this Tom Collins recipe is a great place to start. You don’t need any special equipment like a cocktail shaker or strainer, because this drink is traditionally stirred, not shaken. Plus, once you have gin and simple syrup on hand, you’ll be well on your way to making other gin cocktails too. Make this recipe first, and then add a gimlet or French 75 to your list to try next!
Tom Collins Ingredients
A classic Tom Collins cocktail has 4 basic ingredients:
- Gin – According to Difford’s Guide, the Tom Collins cocktail likely originated in London in the 1800s, and it was first made with Old Tom gin (hence the “Tom” part of its name—the “Collins” part comes from the name of the man who popularized it, John Collins). These days, London Dry gin is the common choice for this drink, but I think you can use any type with a flavor profile you love. My go-to brands are Hendrick’s, St. George Botanivore, and Koval Dry Gin.
- Fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, please! Fresh juice will give this cocktail the best, brightest flavor. Bonus: If you have fresh lemons on hand, you can garnish your glass with a lemon slice.
- Simple syrup – For sweetness. No need to buy this—homemade simple syrup is easy to make with equal parts sugar and water.
- Club soda or sparkling water – It adds fizz to the cocktail and dilutes it into a lower-ABV, sip-able drink.
You’ll also need ice for serving, and—if you like—a maraschino cherry (or Luxardo cherry) for garnish. Optional, but fun!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make a Tom Collins Cocktail
I think a Tom Collins is one of the easiest cocktails to make.
- Just stir together the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a collins glass, highball glass, or other tall glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- And top with sparkling water!
Stir gently, then taste and adjust before you add your garnishes. If you want a tangier cocktail, squeeze in some extra lemon juice. For a stronger, more herbal drink, add a little extra gin. Want it sweeter? Pour in some more simple syrup.
When you love the flavor, garnish with a lemon slice and/or cocktail cherry, and enjoy!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
More Cocktail Recipes to Try
If you love this Tom Collins recipe, try one of these refreshing cocktails next:
Tom Collins Recipe
Serves 1
Learn how to make a Tom Collins cocktail! Made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, this classic drink is like a fizzy gin lemonade. It’s traditionally served in a collins glass, but any tall glass will work here. The size of your glass will influence the amount of sparkling water you use, so make sure to taste and adjust before serving.
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In a tall glass, stir together the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice, top with club soda, and gently stir again.
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Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry and serve.