Tom Collins Cocktail

This Tom Collins Cocktail is so easy to make and refreshing from the combination of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda.

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You guys know I’ve been into the classic cocktails lately and a Tom Collins is a new favorite. It’s a drink made with gin, lemon juice and simple syrup shaken up with some ice and then topped with club soda. You get a drink that’s perfect for all the parties and happy hour get-togethers.

why you’ll love this recipe

• This cocktail is cold, refreshing and so easy to make!
• It is a fun excuse to get the cocktail shaker out and play bartender!
• A Tom Collins drink has the perfect amount of sweet and sour flavors complementing each other.

why is it called a tom collins?

This sweet and sour cocktail has been around a long time and it was in the late 1800s that it was officially named a Tom Collins. Apparently, there was a popular practical joke people played on each other that included a fictional person named “Tom Collins”. The joke was so popular that a bartender named a drink after the joke and the rest is history. Isn’t history fun?

Tom Collins Cocktail ingredients

• Ice – Freezing warm water will give you nice, clear ice cubes.
• Gin – We recommend Old Tom Gin, but any will work.
• Lemon – Freshly squeezed citrus really elevates any cocktail. You can even use lime if you want to switch it up. You will also be using fresh lemon slices to garnish your Tom Collins.
• Simple syrup – You can buy this, but making it is super easy!
• Club soda – Just use your favorite brand, make sure it’s not flavored or it will change the flavor of the cocktail.

what is simple syrup?

It’s just sugar and water that have been simmered together until the sugar is dissolved. You can buy simple syrup already made, but it’s so easy to make you should make your own. I share all the instructions in my Simple Syrup post, so be sure to check it out!

If you like cocktails, simple syrup is great to have on hand and you can use it in lots of different cocktails like an Amaretto Sour.

what kind of gin is best for this cocktail?

There are different kinds of gin and I’m sure your favorite gin (whichever it is!) will work great, but a classic Tom Collins is made with Old Tom gin which is a little sweeter, but use what you like best! If your favorite gin is a dry gin, you might want to add a little more simple syrup to make up for the less sweet gin.

how to make a tom collins

1. Fill a highball glass with plenty of ice and place it in the freezer while you mix the drink.
2. Grab your cocktail shaker and add a cup of ice. Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake it until chilled.
3. Strain the drink into your chilled glass.
4. Top the drink with club soda and add a lemon slice for garnish.

How long do i shake the cocktail for?

It will take about 10 seconds for you to feel a noticeable chill on the outside of the cocktail shaker. The best way to know if your ingredients are chilled, is simply whether or not it is cold to the touch. Ice might also form on the outside of the shaker indicating a cooler temperature.

A Tom Collins is a great sipping drink – so refreshing, lemony with a little bite from the gin. Like all cocktails, you can experiment with how strong you like your drink so play around with it until you get your perfect mix!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

 

5 from 5 votes

Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

The Tom Collins Cocktail is a light and zesty drink made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of soda water.

Prep:5 minutes mins

Total:5 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1 ½ cups ice For serving
• ▢ 2 fluid ounces gin
• ▢ ¾ fluid ounce lemon juice
• ▢ ½ fluid ounce simple syrup
• ▢ 1 cup ice For the cocktail shaker
• ▢ 2 fluid ounces club soda
• ▢ 1 Lemon slice for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a Collins glass with 1 ½ cups of ice, set aside in the freezer.
• Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add 1 cup ice, cover and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled Collins glass.
• Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Tips

What Kind of Gin is Best for this Drink?

There are different kinds of gin and I’m sure your favorite gin (whichever it is!) will work great, but a classic Tom Collins is made with Old Tom gin which is a little sweeter, but use what you like best!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 181kcal (9%), Carbohydrates: 12g (4%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 1g (2%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Sodium: 51mg (2%), Sugar: 11g (12%), Vitamin C: 9mg (11%), Calcium: 11mg (1%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.

what to serve with a tom collins

Of course, if you are having happy hour you are going to need something to nibble on, too! We love to enjoy our cocktails with easy appetizers like perfectly seasoned Ranch Oyster Crackers or a nice warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

Crostini are also a really great option because you can get creative with your toppings.

more refreshing cocktails

• Did you know that the beloved Paloma is actually Mexico’s most beloved cocktail? It’s a tequila-based cocktail and is most commonly prepared with a grapefruit-flavored soda, squirt of lime juice and tequila then served on the rocks with a lime wedge!
• Pink Moscato Lemonade is a lightly fruity, sweet and bubbly drink I love to make for parties! It’s made with Moscato wine which is a sweet wine – it’s so good!
• You only need three ingredients to make a classic Italian Aperol Spritz!
• Of course, you can’t go wrong with everyone’s favorite Margarita! Make one for yourself or a big batch to share at your next party.
• A John Daly is a drink made with iced tea, lemonade and vodka – it’s perfect for summer!