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Tom Collins Cocktail

Tom Collins Cocktail – this is a classic gin cocktail that is tart, slightly sweet, and topped with club soda to make it fizzy and delicious.  It is refreshing and perfect for sipping any time! 

We all know that I love a good cocktail, and I have been obsessed with trying out all the old classics lately.  They are so simple to make; not a lot of extras involved, and so good. The last one I made was a French 75, which also involved gin, so apparently I am also on a gin kick!  

Classic gin cocktail with lemon juice, simply syrup, gin and club soda

 

Let’s start with some basics!

Why is it called a Tom Collins

It first appeared in the Bar-Tenders Guide by Jerry Thomas in 1876.  He was famous for American mixology at that time.  The Tom Collins drink was described as a sparkling lemonade, that was serve in a “Collins” glass over ice.  It has evolved a little over the years to use simple syrup instead of a scoop of sugar, but the basic idea remains intact. 

What’s in a Tom Collins

  • Lemon Juice
  • Gin
  • Simple Syrup
  • Club Soda
  • Ice

Classic Tom Collins Cocktail with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda

What Does a Tom Collins Taste Like

With just a couple of ingredients, there isn’t a lot to distract from the flavor.  This tastes like sparkling lemonade that has been spiked with gin.  It really depends on what Gin you use, how floral the taste will be.  You can use a dry gin to give it the classic clean flavor.  Or use a new modern gin to give it more of a twist. 

How to Make a Tom Collins

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the lemon juice, gin, and simple syrup.  Shake until it is nice and cold.
  2. Pour over a tall glass that is filled with ice.  
  3. Top with club soda at the very end so it stays fizzy.
  4. You can garnish with a lemon and sometimes you will see it with a maraschino cherry as well.  

Fresh, sweet, tart and delicious!  Classic Tom Collins is easy and simple to make any night of the week.

You will sometimes see a Tom Collins drink mix at the store, but it is so simple to make and keep the ingredients on hand, you don’t need to buy a mix.  It really is just 4 ingredients, one of which is gin, and that is not in the store bought mix.  I like to use freshly squeezed lemon instead of the bottle of lemon juice, but if that is what you have it will definitely work. 

What Can I Use Instead of Club Soda

The club soda is just there to make the drink fizzy and not really give it any taste.  So if you have sparkling water or that will definitely work in its place.  You could use something like sprite or ginger ale, but they are sweeter, so you would want to cut back on the simple syrup so it isn’t an overly sweet drink. You want it to be slightly sweet and tart, just like lemonade usually is. 

Tom Collins Cocktail - this is a classic gin cocktail that is tart, slightly sweet, and topped with club soda to make it fizzy and delicious.  It is refreshing and perfect for sipping any time! 

Can I Use Something Other Than Gin

Yes, you definitely can.  Whiskey in place of the Gin changes it to a John Collins.  If you use Vodka instead, that is just called a Vodka Collins.  There is a version called a Charlie Collins that uses Jamaican spiced rum.  And if you are feeling crazy and use tequila that is called a Juan Collins.  So yes, you can switch up the alcohol and people have even got creative and named them all!

So many possibilities, and such a simple gin cocktail to make.  Perfect for a Friday night or just to relax on a Wednesday.  This is a light and fresh cocktail that you really can enjoy anytime.  

Tom Collins Cocktail - this is a classic gin cocktail that is tart, slightly sweet, and topped with club soda to make it fizzy and delicious.  It is refreshing and perfect for sipping any time! 

More Fun Drink Recipes to Try

Yield: 2

Tom Collins Cocktail

Tom Collins Cocktail - this is a classic gin cocktail that is tart, slightly sweet, and topped with club soda to make it fizzy and delicious.  It is refreshing and perfect for sipping any time! 

Tom Collins Cocktail - this is a classic gin cocktail that is tart, slightly sweet, and topped with club soda to make it fizzy and delicious.  It is refreshing and perfect for sipping any time! 

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oz lemon juice
  • 3 oz gin
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 4 oz club soda
  • Lemon Slices

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add lemon juice, simple syrup and gin. Shake until cold.
  2. Pour over glasses filled with ice.
  3. Top with club soda and garnish with lemon to serve.

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 128Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 9mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 0gSugar 7gProtein 0g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

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Erin S
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Jacque Hastert

Monday 2nd of March 2020

I am ready to have one of these in my hands and enjoying it on my patio this weekend. Nothing beats a delicious cocktail on a gorgeous spring afternoon.

Toni

Saturday 29th of February 2020

It looks really refreshing! Great to try this weekend!

Catalina

Saturday 29th of February 2020

This is exactly what I need for my Suturday night! Yes, please!

Mimi

Saturday 29th of February 2020

Thanks for the reminder! I used to drink these, and somehow forgot about them. I love how they’re so tasty and refreshing. I never buy the prepared drink mixers. They’re nasty.

Dorothy Reinhold

Friday 28th of February 2020

This looks so refreshing! I think I need to whip up a batch this weekend.

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