There are some drinks that never go out of style, and this is one of them. A Tom Collins is crisp, bright, and endlessly refreshing, the kind of cocktail you reach for when the weather is warm and you want something that feels light but still special.
I’ve always loved how simple it is. No complicated techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few basics coming together in a way that tastes balanced, fizzy, and a little nostalgic.
To me, it’s the cocktail version of fresh lemonade for grown-ups. It has that citrusy sparkle, softened by a touch of sweetness and rounded out by the botanical notes of gin.
Once you make it yourself, you’ll see why this classic has stuck around for generations. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and surprisingly satisfying for something so uncomplicated.
Choosing the Right Gin
Gin is the backbone of this drink, so picking one you actually enjoy makes all the difference. You don’t need anything fancy, just something balanced and not overwhelmingly sharp.
I tend to reach for a smoother gin with gentle herbal notes. Those subtle botanicals blend beautifully with the lemon instead of competing with it, which keeps the drink tasting clean and refreshing.
If you usually think you don’t like gin, this cocktail might change your mind. A softer style works wonderfully here and lets the citrus shine without that heavy pine flavor some people expect.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- Gin – Provides the herbal backbone and gives the cocktail its classic character.
- Fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and that signature tart, lemonade-like flavor.
- Simple syrup – Balances the acidity with a gentle sweetness without making the drink heavy.
- Club soda or sparkling water – Brings the fizz and keeps the cocktail light and refreshing.
- Ice – Chills the drink properly and slightly dilutes it for a smoother sip.
- Lemon round or orange slice – Adds a fresh citrus aroma and a polished look.
- Cocktail cherry – A small but delightful garnish that gives a hint of sweetness at the end.
- Sugar or honey (for simple syrup) – Dissolves into water to create the sweetener base.
- Water (for simple syrup) – Helps form a smooth syrup that blends easily into the drink.
How to make Best Tom Collins Recipe?
Step 1 – Make the Simple Syrup
Combine sugar or honey with water in a small saucepan and warm it gently. Stir occasionally until everything dissolves completely and the mixture looks clear.
Remove it from the heat and let it cool. This step only takes a few minutes, but it creates a smoother sweetness than adding sugar directly to the drink.
Step 2 – Fill the Shaker with Ice
Add plenty of ice to a cocktail shaker. The goal here is to chill the mixture quickly while giving it just the right amount of dilution.
A well-chilled cocktail tastes cleaner and more refreshing, so don’t be shy with the ice. It’s doing more work than you might think.
Step 3 – Add the Gin, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup
Pour in the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a splash of your cooled simple syrup. This is where the magic starts to happen.
The ratio creates a balance of tart, sweet, and botanical. Nothing should overpower the other, which is what makes the drink so easy to enjoy.
Step 4 – Shake Until Properly Chilled
Shake the mixture for about 20 to 30 seconds. You’ll notice the outside of the shaker turning cold and slightly frosty.
That’s your signal that everything inside is perfectly chilled and blended. A good shake gives the cocktail a lively texture.
Step 5 – Prepare the Glass
Fill a tall glass with fresh ice. This keeps the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
A classic Collins glass works beautifully, but any tall glass will do just fine. No need to overthink it.
Step 6 – Strain and Top with Club Soda
Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass. Then top it off with club soda to add that signature sparkle.
Give it a gentle stir to combine. You want to keep the bubbles lively, not flatten them.
Step 7 – Garnish and Serve
Add a lemon slice or half an orange round, then drop in a cocktail cherry if you like. It’s a small touch that makes the drink feel finished.
Serve immediately while it’s cold and fizzy. This cocktail is at its best the moment it’s made.
Easy Variations to Try
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Once you understand the base, you can adjust it to suit your mood or what you have on hand.
For a floral twist, use honey instead of sugar in the simple syrup. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the gin’s botanical notes and adds a subtle depth.
You can also infuse the syrup with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even lavender. Let the herbs steep as the syrup cools to create a gentle aromatic layer.
If you want something extra refreshing, muddle a few cucumber slices in the shaker before adding the liquid ingredients. It gives the drink a cool, spa-like feel.
And for a celebratory version, replace some of the club soda with sparkling wine. It turns the cocktail into something festive without losing its bright character.
Tips
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the cleanest, brightest flavor.
- Chill your glass beforehand if you want the drink to stay cold longer.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding slightly more or less syrup.
- Shake long enough to fully chill the mixture, not just combine it.
- Use plenty of ice to maintain balance and prevent a flat-tasting cocktail.
- Choose a gin you enjoy on its own since its flavor is very noticeable here.
- Add the club soda last to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnish right before serving so everything looks and smells fresh.
This Tom Collins is proof that a great cocktail doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you get something bright, fizzy, and incredibly satisfying.
It’s the kind of drink I come back to again and again. Reliable, refreshing, and always welcome, whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a relaxed evening at home.
Once you try it, you may find yourself keeping lemons and club soda around just in case the craving hits. It’s that easy to love.
Best Tom Collins Recipe
Description
This Tom Collins recipe is the best! Tom Collins cocktails are made with gin, lemon juice, club soda, and simple syrup. They’re delightfully fizzy, refreshing, and even somewhat hydrating—perfect for warm days or whenever you’re craving a citrusy, grown-up lemonade.
ingredients
Per Cocktail
Simple Syrup (makes ~6–8 servings)
Instructions
Make Simple Syrup (if not using store-bought)
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Combine sugar (or honey) and water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, whisking occasionally, just until the sweetener has fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
Assemble the Cocktail
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
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Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
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Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
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Fill a Collins (tall) glass with fresh ice.
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Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
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Top with club soda and gently stir with a spoon.
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Garnish with a lemon (or orange) round and a cocktail cherry.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 170kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 10mg1%
- Potassium 30mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
- Sugars 13g
- Calcium 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make it quick: Skip the shaker and stir ingredients directly in the glass—just note the flavor will be stronger initially and mellow as ice melts.
- Honey variation: Use honey-based simple syrup for a floral twist that pairs beautifully with botanical gins.
- Gin tip: If you're not a fan of juniper-heavy gins, try Hendrick’s (cucumber & rose) or a Midwestern dry gin for balance.
- Non-alcoholic option: Replace gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or omit entirely for a lemon fizz mocktail.
