The Tom Collins is a classic tall cocktail that balances botanical gin, fresh lemon, simple syrup, and lively soda.
Shake the first three ingredients with ice, then strain into a tall glass and top with soda for a bright, refreshing finish.
Use fresh lemon juice and very cold soda. The drink should be crisp rather than syrupy, so adjust the simple syrup to the gin’s character.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over plenty of ice with a lemon wheel and cherry. A light snack such as salted almonds or olives fits well.
Recipe Notes
For a make-ahead batch, combine gin, lemon juice, and syrup in the refrigerator, then add soda only when serving.
Classic Tom Collins Cocktail
A tall, sparkling gin cocktail with fresh lemon, simple syrup, ice, and a bright citrus garnish.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Highball glass
- Strainer
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
Tom Collins
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup 1:1 sugar and water
- 3 oz club soda chilled
- 1 cup ice
- 1 wheel lemon for garnish
- 1 each maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
Shake:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake hard for 10 seconds until chilled.
Build the drink:
- Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
- Top with chilled club soda and stir once gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice makes the drink noticeably brighter.
- Add the soda after shaking to preserve its sparkle.
- For a less sweet drink, begin with 1/4 ounce of syrup.
Nutrition
Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 15gSodium: 18mgSugar: 14g