Classic Tom Collins Recipe | Refreshing Gin Cocktail with Lemon

Tom Collins Recipe – Crisp, bubbly, and citrusy, the Tom Collins is one of the most iconic highball cocktails ever created. Known for its refreshing combination of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, this timeless drink has been a go-to beverage for warm weather, brunches, cocktail parties, and casual evenings for more than a century.

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The Tom Collins Recipe traces its origins back to America in the 19th century, when it gained popularity thanks to its light, sparkling character and easy-to-mix ingredients. Today, it remains a classic staple on bar menus worldwide.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 5 minutes

Resting Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Cuisine: American Cocktail

Course: Drinks / Cocktail

Servings: 1

Calories: ~190 calories per serving

Ingredients

For One Tom Collins:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• ¾ oz simple syrup (or adjust to taste)

• Club soda, to top

• Ice

• Lemon wheel or slice, for garnish

• Maraschino cherry, optional for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Highball glass

• Cocktail shaker (optional but recommended)

• Jigger

• Bar spoon

• Ice

• Strainer

• Citrus juicer (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Highball Glass

Begin by filling a tall highball glass with ice. This chills the drink immediately, helping maintain its crisp and refreshing profile.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Shaker

While shaking isn’t mandatory for a Tom Collins, it creates a smoother, well-blended cocktail. In a cocktail shaker, combine:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• ¾ oz simple syrup

Add ice and shake lightly for 5–7 seconds—just enough to chill and combine.

Step 3: Strain Into Glass

Strain the mixture into your prepared highball glass full of ice. This gives you a clean base for the carbonation that comes next.

Step 4: Top with Club Soda

Slowly top the drink with club soda—usually 2–4 oz, depending on your taste preference. Pouring gently helps maintain the carbonation and keeps the drink light and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Add a lemon wheel or slice to the rim or side of the glass. If desired, drop in a maraschino cherry for color and sweetness.

Serve immediately while cold and effervescent.

 Tips for the Perfect Tom Collins

• Use fresh lemon juice—it makes all the difference.

• Shake lightly, don’t over-dilute.

• Fill the glass with ice to keep the drink cold longer.

• Pour soda slowly to preserve carbonation.

• Adjust sweetness by changing the syrup amount.

• Choose a tall glass for proper fizz expansion.

Why the Tom Collins Stands Out

The Tom Collins is one of the easiest yet most refreshing cocktails you can make. It requires only a handful of ingredients, takes under five minutes, and always delivers a bright, uplifting flavor. Its bubbly, lemony character makes it ideal for hot weather, yet its elegance makes it suitable for dinners, gatherings, and celebrations.

It’s the perfect drink for both beginners and experienced cocktail enthusiasts because it offers:

• Simplicity

• Balance

• Refreshment

• Flexibility

• Classic charm

This cocktail never goes out of style, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll find yourself returning to it often.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Conclusion

The Tom Collins is a true classic—light, citrusy, and wonderfully refreshing. Made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, it’s a cocktail that balances vibrant flavor with sparkling effervescence. Whether you enjoy it on a warm day, serve it at a party, or make it just because you want something bright and uplifting, the Tom Collins never disappoints.