Name: Tom Collins Recipe: Refreshing and Classic
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 oz gin; 1 oz fresh lemon juice; 3/4 oz simple syrup; 3 –4 oz soda water; Ice cubes; Optional: Lemon slice (maraschino cherry); Suggested Pairings: Sparkling water (shrimp cocktail)

Introduction

Table of Contents

The Tom Collins is a refreshing, classic cocktail, perfect for casual gatherings, summer parties, or relaxing evenings. This timeless drink, featuring a crisp blend of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, delivers bright, citrusy flavors with a fizzy, light texture. Presented in a chilled highball glass, optionally garnished with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry, this Tom Collins recipe offers a vibrant, elegant aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a simple shaken version with accessible ingredients, adaptable for flavor preferences, ideal for home mixologists seeking a crowd-pleasing cocktail that brings vintage charm to any setting.

Ingredients

For the Tom Collins:

2 oz gin (London Dry or similar)
1 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar-to-water ratio)
3–4 oz soda water (to top)
Ice cubes

For Serving:

Optional: Lemon slice, maraschino cherry
Suggested Accompaniments: Light appetizers (e.g., shrimp cocktail, cheese board)
Suggested Pairings: Sparkling water (for non-drinkers), iced tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a chilled highball glass
Suggested Equipment: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, highball glass, citrus juicer, small saucepan (for simple syrup), bar spoon

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Taste a small drop and adjust with more sugar if needed for a balanced sweetness. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Chill Glass: Place a highball glass in the freezer for 10 minutes or fill it with ice water to chill, then discard the water.
Mix Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Serve: Strain into the chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda water and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine. Optionally garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry. Serve with light appetizers, sparkling water, or iced tea.

Tips for a Better Tom Collins

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
Taste and adjust the simple syrup before mixing to balance sweet and tart flavors.
Chill the glass to keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing.
Shake well to properly blend and chill the ingredients.
Present in a chilled highball glass to highlight the fizzy clarity and garnishes.
Make ahead: Prepare simple syrup up to 1 month in advance; store in the fridge.
Use a jigger for precise measurements to ensure consistency.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry for a classic, vibrant pop.

Variations and Customization

Non-Alcoholic Tom Collins: Replace gin with 2 oz non-alcoholic gin or extra soda water; increase lemon juice to 1.5 oz.
Low-Sugar Tom Collins: Reduce simple syrup to 1/2 oz or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
Spicy Tom Collins: Muddle 2 slices of jalapeño in the shaker before adding other ingredients.
Berry Tom Collins: Add 1 tbsp muddled raspberries or blueberries to the shaker for a fruity twist.
Vodka Collins: Replace gin with vodka for a smoother, less botanical flavor.
Elderflower Tom Collins: Substitute simple syrup with 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur for a floral note.
Grapefruit Tom Collins: Use 1 oz grapefruit juice instead of lemon juice for a tart variation.
Herbal Tom Collins: Infuse simple syrup with 1 sprig of rosemary or basil during preparation.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month; shake before using.
Prepare the cocktail fresh for the best flavor and fizziness; do not store mixed cocktails.
Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp, chilled texture.
Use as a refreshing drink for parties or relaxing evenings.
Pair with sparkling water or iced tea to complement the citrusy, fizzy flavors.
Present in a chilled highball glass with garnishes for a vibrant, classic charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 1 serving (1 cocktail):

Calories: 180 kcal
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
Calcium: 0% Daily Value
Iron: 0% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar options reduce carbs). Light in calories; refreshing and balanced.

Conclusion

This Tom Collins recipe delivers a refreshing, classic cocktail perfect for casual gatherings or relaxing evenings. It transforms simple ingredients into a timeless favorite. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a go-to. The crisp gin and citrusy fizz delight with every sip. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing, vintage charm.