Tom Collins Recipe
The Tom Collins recipe is a timeless, refreshing gin cocktail that pairs zesty lemon juice, soda water, and a hint of sweetness for the perfect summer sip.
A Tom Collins is more than just a drink—it’s a classic taste of history in a tall glass. Originating in the late 19th century, this cocktail remains a favorite at bars and backyard gatherings alike. What makes it stand out? Freshly squeezed lemon, crisp sparkling soda, and your favorite gin create a low-sugar, lightly tart profile that feels both nostalgic and modern. I first fell for it on a warm July evening at my local community picnic, and ever since, it’s been my go-to when friends drop by.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe (H2)
- No fancy tools—just a shaker and a tall glass
- Ready in under five minutes—ideal for impromptu happy hours
- Bright lemon flavor packed with a touch of vitamin C
- Fizzy soda water for that uplifting sparkle
- Classic yet customizable—swap out gin brands or sweetener
- Perfect for porch parties, summer BBQs, or solo sipping
- Uses common pantry items: sugar, lemon, and maybe mint
- Lower in sugar than many cocktails (around 150 calories)
Ingredients (H2)
- 2 ounces (60 ml) gin (London Dry recommended)
- 1 ounce (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- ¾ ounce (22 ml) simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water; honey syrup optional)
- 3–4 ounces (90–120 ml) soda water (chilled)
- Ice cubes (large, clear ice if you have it)
- Lemon wheel or twist, for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig (optional)
Substitutions & Tips:
– Agave syrup adds a mild floral note.
– Swap half the gin for club soda for an “ultra-light” version.
– For a silky foam, add ½ ounce egg white (use pasteurized eggs).
– Always juice lemons just before mixing to avoid bitterness.
Directions (H2)
- Chill your glass: Pop a Collins or highball glass into the freezer for 5 minutes—cold glass equals slow-melting ice.
- Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
- Strain into your chilled glass over fresh ice cubes. This keeps the drink crystal-clear and cold.
- Top with soda water, gently stirring once or twice to blend. Listen for that fizz—music to a bartender’s ears.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist and a mint sprig if you like a burst of green and aroma.
- Pause, inhale the citrus-soda aroma, then sip slowly—enjoying each lemony bubble.
Servings & Timing (H2)
Yield: 1 classic Tom Collins cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 5 minutes (glass)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations (H2)
- Berry Collins: Muddle fresh raspberries or strawberries before shaking for a fruity spin.
- Cucumber Collins: Add 3 slices of cucumber to the shaker for a cool twist.
- Herbal Collins: Swap mint for basil or rosemary to change the aroma profile.
- Low-Cal Collins: Replace simple syrup with a few drops of liquid stevia.
- Tropical Collins: Stir in ½ ounce of pineapple juice for a sunny vibe.
- Spicy Collins: Add a thin jalapeño slice to the shaker for a gentle heat.
Storage & Reheating (H2)
You can prepare the sour mix (lemon juice + simple syrup) up to 24 hours ahead—store it in an airtight jar in the fridge (lasts 2 days). Once soda is added, serve immediately to keep those bubbles lively. There’s no reheating—just fresh refills!
Make-Ahead Advice: Measure and mix your citrus-syrup blend, chill, then stash in the fridge. When guests arrive, grab gin, soda, ice, and voilà—a bar-quality cocktail in minutes.
Notes (H2)
• If your drink tastes too tart, reduce lemon juice by ¼ ounce next time.
• Brown sugar in simple syrup adds a subtle caramel note—fun for fall sips.
• Large ice cubes melt slower, so your cocktail stays cold without watering down.
• For extra froth, do a “dry shake” (no ice) first, then a “wet shake” with ice.
• I learned that gin quality really shines here: splurge on a mid-shelf brand if you can.
FAQs (H2)
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh juice is best—bottled often has preservatives that dull the bright, tangy flavor.
Q: What’s the difference between a Tom Collins and a Vodka Collins?
A: It’s the same recipe, but vodka replaces gin—losing those botanical notes but keeping the fizz.
Q: How strong is a Tom Collins cocktail?
A: With 2 ounces of gin, expect around 20–25% ABV before adding soda—refreshingly sippable but watch that sparkle.
Q: Can I make a pitcher for a party?
A: Absolutely—scale ingredients by servings, mix gin/sour, then top each glass with soda to avoid flatness.
Q: Why is my drink cloudy?
A: Over-shaking citrus with ice or using low-quality ingredients can cause cloudiness; shake just 10 seconds and strain well.
Q: What’s the best glass for a Tom Collins?
A: A Collins or highball glass holds 10–14 ounces and shows off the bubbles—plus you can swirl ice easily.
Q: Can I muddle fruit directly in the glass?
A: Sure—just know you’ll get slight sediment; for a cleaner sip, muddle in the shaker, then strain.
Q: Is a Tom Collins gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use a gluten-free gin—distillation removes gluten proteins even if made from grains.
Conclusion (H2)
This Tom Collins recipe brings classic cocktail charm to your home bar with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Crisp lemon, botanical gin, and bubbly soda join forces for a drink that’s both timeless and refreshingly modern. Give it a stir, take a sip, and let me know how you garnish yours—drop a comment below or share a pic on Instagram using #HomeBartenderCheers!
Tom Collins Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin (London Dry recommended)
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water; honey syrup optional)
- 3-4 ounces soda water (chilled)
- ice cubes (large, clear ice if you have it)
- lemon wheel or twist, for garnish
- fresh mint sprig (optional)
Instructions
- Pop a Collins or highball glass into the freezer for 5 minutes—cold glass equals slow-melting ice.
- In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
- Keeps the drink crystal-clear and cold.
- Gently stir once or twice to blend.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist and a mint sprig for aroma and color. Enjoy slowly!
