The Tom Collins is a crisp, refreshing classic cocktail perfect for warm, sunny afternoons. It’s a bright, citrus-forward drink made from just four easy ingredients and can be prepared with either gin or vodka, making it versatile and simple to enjoy at home.
Traditionally, a Tom Collins is made with gin, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and club soda for a light effervescence. It resembles spiked lemonade, but the gin contributes botanical notes that lift the drink. If you prefer, substitute vodka for gin to make a Vodka Collins—both variations are classic and delicious.
Dating back to the 1870s, the Tom Collins is a “built” cocktail: it’s mixed directly in the glass it’s served in, so you don’t need a shaker or many bar tools—just a tall glass, fresh ingredients, and ice.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Gin: A London dry gin (Beefeater, Plymouth) works well, but you can experiment with characterful options. Hendrick’s adds cucumber notes, while Barr Hill offers honeyed complexity.
- Fresh lemon juice: Fresh is best for clarity and brightness. Use a citrus squeezer for efficiency; bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Simple syrup: A 1:1 mix of granulated sugar and hot water dissolves quickly and blends smoothly into cold drinks.
- Club soda: Club soda, seltzer, or plain sparkling water are all suitable. A lemon- or citrus-flavored seltzer adds a nice accent.
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and the full preparation method.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glass beforehand. A cold glass keeps the cocktail colder longer and slows dilution.
- Serve the Tom Collins in a tall, narrow Collins glass—lots of ice and a tall shape help preserve the fizz and temperature.
- Garnish with an orange wedge and a brandied maraschino or Luxardo cherry for a polished presentation.
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Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin or vodka, Hendrick’s, Barr Hill, Plymouth
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2–3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 1–2 ounces club soda, or lemon seltzer, sparkling water
- Lemon wheel and brandied/Luxardo cherry for garnish
Instructions
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Add gin (or vodka), fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a tall Collins glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
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Top with 1–2 ounces of club soda (or seltzer) and stir gently. Adjust the soda to taste for more or less fizz.
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Garnish with a lemon wheel or orange slice and a brandied or Luxardo cherry. Serve immediately.
Notes
Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep the drink cold and slow dilution.
A Collins glass or other tall, narrow glass works best to maintain temperature and carbonation.
For a refined garnish, use an orange wedge and a brandied maraschino or Luxardo cherry.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.