Tom Collins
A tall, refreshing, and classic gin fizz cocktail, the Tom Collins is a simple yet invigorating blend of gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and topped with club soda.
Prep Time
5 min
ABV
10-15% ABV
Servings
Flavor Profile
What is this drink?
The Tom Collins is a timeless gin fizz cocktail that dates to the 1870s — gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup shaken together and topped with club soda in a tall glass. Named either after the legendary 'Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874' prank or the bartender John Collins, it is one of the most refreshing and sessionable cocktails in the canon and the template for countless gin fizz variations.
Why you'll love it
The Tom Collins is the cocktail for a hot summer day. Gin's botanical complexity, bright lemon juice, just enough sweetness, and the refreshing lift of club soda combine in a tall, ice-cold glass that is endlessly drinkable. It is more interesting than a simple G&T, more refreshing than a stirred Martini, and more satisfying than either on a warm afternoon.
When to serve
The Tom Collins is a perfect daytime cocktail — ideal at garden parties, summer brunches, outdoor lunch gatherings, and anywhere the weather demands something long, cold, and refreshing. It pairs well with light cuisine: salads, grilled fish, sandwiches, and appetizers. It is also a brilliant cocktail for gin newcomers as a gateway to appreciating the spirit.
Pro tip
Shake the gin, lemon, and syrup base first with ice to properly chill and dilute it, then strain into a fresh glass of ice before topping with soda — this preserves the carbonation better than shaking with soda in the shaker. Use cold club soda straight from the bottle, poured slowly down the side of the glass. The balance of lemon to syrup is the key adjustment — taste as you go and find your ideal sweet-tart ratio.
Gin
The spirit that gives the Tom Collins its botanical character. London Dry gin is traditional, bringing juniper, citrus peel, and herbal notes that shine through the lemon and soda. A contemporary citrus-forward gin makes an especially vibrant version.
Fresh Lemon Juice
The acid backbone that gives the Collins its bright, refreshing tartness. Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable — its aromatic vibrancy is the difference between a great Tom Collins and a mediocre one.
Simple Syrup
The balancer that softens the lemon's tartness and rounds out the gin's botanical edges. Standard 1:1 simple syrup keeps it clean; honey syrup adds a floral dimension that pairs beautifully with gin.
Club Soda
The effervescent lengthener that transforms the shaken sour base into a tall, refreshing highball. The carbonation lifts the gin's aromatics and makes the drink feel light and refreshing even in summer heat.
Swap Options
Swap gin for bourbon to make a John Collins — richer and more spirit-forward. Use vodka for a Vodka Collins — cleaner and more neutral. Try elderflower liqueur in place of some simple syrup for a floral Hugo Collins. Sparkling lemonade instead of soda and syrup is a quick-build shortcut that still produces an excellent result. St-Germain elderflower cordial plus gin and lemon makes a spectacular elevated variation.
Directions
Step 1
Combine ingredients in shaker
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces (60 ml) gin, 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 ounce (22.5 ml) simple syrup. Add 1 serving of ice to the shaker.
Pro Tip
- →Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Step 2
Shake well
Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
Pro Tip
- →Shake just long enough to chill; over-dilution will occur later with the soda.
Step 3
Prepare glass and strain
Fill a chilled Collins glass (or a tall highball glass) with fresh 1 serving of ice. Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass.
Pro Tip
- →A Collins glass is traditionally tall and slender, perfect for this drink.
Step 4
Top with club soda and garnish
Top the drink with 4 ounces (120 ml) of chilled club soda. Stir gently once or twice to combine without losing too much carbonation. Garnish with 1 lemon wheel and optionally 1 maraschino cherry.
Pro Tip
- →Pour the club soda slowly to maintain its effervescence.
Different ways to make this drink your own
John Collins
Replace gin with bourbon for a richer, more spirit-forward Collins with vanilla, caramel, and oak notes. The bourbon's natural sweetness means you can reduce the simple syrup slightly, and the result is a more complex, warming long drink that suits cooler evenings.
Vodka Collins
Substitute gin with vodka for a cleaner, more neutral Collins where the lemon and soda dominate. Lighter and more approachable for those who find gin's botanicals too assertive, the Vodka Collins is refreshingly simple and pairs well with almost any garnish.
Elderflower Collins
Replace half the simple syrup with St-Germain elderflower liqueur for a floral, fragrant variation. The elderflower's honeyed, muscat-like sweetness transforms the straightforward Collins into something more aromatic and sophisticated without adding complexity.
Tools that make this drink come together
Collins Glass (or Highball Glass)
A tall Collins glass is the defining vessel for this drink — long enough to accommodate ice, gin, lemon juice, syrup, and a generous pour of soda, with room for the maraschino cherry and lemon garnish at the top.
Cocktail Shaker
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice before straining into the Collins glass. This chills and combines the base ingredients before the soda is added, ensuring a well-mixed cocktail without losing carbonation.
Citrus Juicer
Fresh lemon juice is the foundation of a great Tom Collins. A simple hand juicer extracts the maximum juice from each lemon cleanly and efficiently, and the aromatic difference between fresh and bottled lemon juice is immediately noticeable.
Can't Find These?
Any tall glass works. Shake in a large jar and strain through a slotted spoon. Hand-squeeze lemons over a sieve. The Tom Collins is a forgiving, easy-build cocktail that requires no specialist equipment to make well.
The right glass makes a real difference
Collins Glass (or Highball Glass)
The Tom Collins is named after its glass as much as anything — a tall, narrow Collins glass provides the ideal proportions for this long cocktail. The height accommodates ice, the mixed base, and the soda with room for a garnish without overflow. The narrow profile also slows dilution and preserves the carbonation of the soda water better than a wide-mouthed glass would. A classic lemon slice and cherry garnish perched on the rim complete the iconic presentation.
Alternatives
A highball glass is essentially the same shape and works identically. Any tall glass with sufficient volume is suitable. A pint glass works in an informal setting. Avoid short, wide glasses — the Collins is a long drink that needs height.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Club Sandwiches
A toasted club sandwich with turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato is a classic lunchtime companion to a Tom Collins. The savoury, layered flavours are refreshed by the cocktail's lemon acidity and effervescence.
Smoked Mackerel Pâté on Toast
The smoky richness of mackerel pâté is cut through cleanly by the Tom Collins's citrus brightness. This elegant, British-inspired combination works particularly well for a summer lunch or garden party.
Cucumber Sandwiches
The quintessentially British pairing — cool, mild cucumber between thin bread complements the botanical gin and lemon perfectly. Light, refreshing, and effortlessly appropriate for a garden party or afternoon tea.
Lemon Tart
The sharp citrus intensity of a classic lemon tart mirrors the Tom Collins's lemon backbone. The buttery pastry provides richness while the filling's acidity harmonises with the cocktail's sour element beautifully.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Pre-Mix the Collins Base
Combine gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a sealed bottle and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When serving, shake individual portions with ice, strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice, and top with cold soda water.
Chill the Soda Water
Refrigerate soda water for at least 4 hours before serving. Cold soda maintains its carbonation far better when poured over ice, keeping the Tom Collins lively and effervescent from the first sip to the last.
Pre-Squeeze Lemons
Juice lemons several hours ahead and store in a sealed container in the fridge. Fresh lemon juice retains its bright, aromatic acidity for up to 8 hours, making advance preparation entirely feasible for a party.
Set Up Garnishes
Pre-cut lemon slices and have maraschino cherries ready on cocktail picks. Arrange them in small bowls beside your Collins glasses so each drink can be garnished immediately without hunting for equipment during service.
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