Tom Collins Cocktail

This classic Tom Collins recipe is light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with gin, lemon, simple syrup, and soda. Perfect for a nightcap or brunch.

The Tom Collins is one of those timeless classic cocktails people keep coming back to: not because it’s trendy, but because it’s actually that good. The first time I ordered one was at a neighborhood bar down the street (that actually opened in the 1930’s). I felt so sophisticated ordering one: and it was just as delicious as I expected!

A cousin of the Gin Fizz, it’s refreshing and complex, with zingy bright lemon juice, botanical gin, a hint of simple syrup, and a load of effervescent bubbles. Once you nail this classic Tom Collins recipe, you’ll understand why it’s endured for over 150 years!

Why You’ll Love This Tom Collins Recipe

This is one of those cocktail recipes that checks every box:

Sweet tart, balanced flavor: The sweet-tart ratio is dialed in so it’s not too sweet
Year-round crowd pleaser: It’s refreshing in summer and uplifting in winter: and it goes over well with just about anyone!
Beginner-friendly: It’s got just four ingredients and basic techniques

Ingredients Needed

Dry Gin: I like to use a London dry gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray for their clean, straightforward profile. (I stay away from very floral gins here.) The original recipe called for Old Tom gin, a slightly sweeter style that’s hard to find these days.
Lemon Juice: Always squeeze your lemons fresh (this is non-negotiable).
Simple Syrup: This classic cocktail sweetener is simple to make in 5 minutes (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved). You can substitute with pure maple syrup for a subtle caramel flavor.
Club Soda: Soda water, sparkling water, or club soda all work: just make sure it’s cold and bubbly.
Garnish: A maraschino cherry and lemon wheel are part of the traditional look of this drink.

Tip: Make Clear Ice

One way to step up this Tom Collins cocktail: make it with clear ice! Clear ice is artisanal ice used in cocktails because of its crystal clear look and organic shapes. It melts slower than regular cloudy ice, keeping the drink cold without diluting it too much.

You can make clear ice at home: all you need is a small cooler and 24 hours. Here’s my full guide on how to make clear ice.

How to Make a Tom Collins

Making a Tom Collins cocktail follows a simple shake-and-build technique:

Combine and shake: Take gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup and shake it together in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
Strain and fill: Strain the drink into a glass with ice cubes. Then top it off with soda water.
Garnish: The garnish is what makes the signature Tom Collins. Add a maraschino cherry for the full effect! You can also add a lemon wheel if you’d like.

No Cocktail Shaker? Use a mason jar with a tight lid and a separate strainer.

Flavor Variations & Adjustments

Here are a few adjustments for the flavor of this Tom Collins recipe:

Sweeter Tom Collins: Start with 1 ounce of simple syrup instead of ¾ ounce.
Tarter Version: Stick with ¾ ounce simple syrup. Add an extra lemon slice for visual appeal and squeeze it in before serving.
Vodka or Whiskey: Make a Vodka Collins by substituting vodka for gin (it’s smoother and less botanical), or a John Collins with whiskey.
Maple Sweetener: Replace the simple syrup with pure maple syrup for subtle caramel flavor notes.

How to Serve It

A Tom Collins is nostalgic and classy, perfect for parties and entertaining, or happy hour. It’s great as a:

Summer patio drink
Happy hour drink
Dinner party drink

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a cocktail shaker to make a Tom Collins?

No! While a cocktail shaker is the traditional tool, you can absolutely make a Tom Collins without one. Use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into your glass.

Can you make a Tom Collins with vodka or another spirit instead of gin?

Yes, the Tom Collins template works well with other spirits. Vodka creates a Vodka Collins that’s smoother and less botanical. Whiskey makes a John Collins with warmer flavors. You can even use tequila for a Mexican-inspired variation.

What’s the difference between a Tom Collins and a John Collins?

These two drinks are almost exactly alike. Technically, the Tom Collins is made with Old Tom Gin, a specific type of gin. The John Collins is the original name of the drink, and sometimes refers to this drink made with any type of gin. However, the modern definition of a John Collins is a Tom Collins made with whiskey. You can also make a Tom Collins with vodka, called the Vodka Collins.