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The Tom Collins is a simple, bright, and refreshing classic cocktail perfect for warm sunny days. My family has always been obsessed with the Tom Collins because it’s a citrusy and easy four-ingredient cocktail that can be made with gin or vodka!
The Tom Collins cocktail is traditionally made with gin, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and club soda for a little fizz. It sounds like spiked lemonade, to be honest however the gin adds some nice botanicals that give it a little something extra. While the drink is typically made with gin, you can swap it with vodka—also known as a Vodka Collins.
The Tom Collins, dating back to the 1870s, is referred to as a built cocktail, meaning it’s mixed within the glass it’s served in, eliminating any need for shakers or bar tools. Just like the Tequila Sunrise!
If you enjoyed this cocktail, you should also try the Corpse Reviver 2 and the French 75 cocktail, both are similar citrus-forward gin cocktails.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Gin: I like Hendrick’s for this cocktail because it’s flavored with cucumber. While you can use a London dry gin such as Beefeater or Plymouth, I like to experiment with flavored gins with additional additives. Bar Hill has a nice honey-infused gin.
- Fresh lemon juice: always opt for fresh citrus for best results. A citrus squeezer makes this a really simple task. In a pinch, use ReaLemon.
- Simple syrup: simple syrup is a 50-50 mix of table sugar and hot water. It’s the best way to sweeten cocktails since it easily mixes.
- Club soda: you can also use seltzer or sparkling water. Flavored seltzer (especially lemon) makes a great addition.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses in the freezer. A cold glass prevents warming and keeps your drink colder for longer.
- Serve this drink in a tall, skinny glass. A Collins glass helps keep smaller cocktails chilled with lots of ice. This helps slow dilution, similar to a mojito.
- I like to garnish the cocktail with an orange wedge and brandied maraschino/Luxardo cherry for a classier finish.
More Cocktails You’ll Love
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin or vodka, Hendrick's, Barr Hill, Plymouth
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2-3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 1-2 ounces club soda, or lemon seltzer, sparkling water
- Lemon wheel and brandied/Luxardo cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Add gin, lemon, and simple syrup to a tall Collins glass. Fill to the top with ice and stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Top with 1-2 ounces of club soda and stir again. Add more to taste if needed.
- Garnish with an orange slice and brandied cherry.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
