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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!
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
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
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the lemon juice, gin, and simple syrup. Shake until it is nice and cold.
- Pour over a tall glass that is filled with ice.
- Top with club soda at the very end so it stays fizzy.
- You can garnish with a lemon and sometimes you will see it with a maraschino cherry as well.
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.
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.
More Fun Drink Recipes to Try
- Beer Margarita
- Vodka Gimlet
- Amaretto Sour
- Sex on the Beach Drink
- Gin and Tonic
- White Sangria
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Vodka Soda
Tom Collins Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz gin
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 4 oz club soda
- Lemon Slices
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add lemon juice, simple syrup and gin. Shake until cold.
- Pour over glasses filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with lemon to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Looks so refreshing, and just in time for the weekend! 😉
What a crisp cocktail with a kick! Looking forward to enjoying this with dinner tonight; looks so refreshing!
Tom Collins cocktails always make me think of the movie Meet the Parents lol! This is so refreshing 😀
This looks so refreshing! I think I need to whip up a batch this weekend.
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.
This is exactly what I need for my Suturday night! Yes, please!
It looks really refreshing! Great to try this weekend!
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.