Classic Tom Collins

Don‘t miss the Tom Collins, a legendary blend of gin, lemon, and sweet syrup complete with a fizzy club soda finish.

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While it might feel like there’s no possible way to improve a day spent sunning in your backyard, book in hand, consider a zingy cocktail to sip on and really set the mood. In particular, the classic Tom Collins.

The Tom Collins is a classic for a reason. It is a refreshing blend of gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup drowned in fizzy club soda. It’s sweet, sour, and bitter all at once yet perfectly drinkable. Honestly, it’s the kind of drink that has you wrestling with the straw for that very last drop.

Ever enjoyed a gimlet? Then you’ll love this guy, with its mix of gin, citrus, and sweet syrup. It also shares a lot with the French 75, but with soda water instead of champagne. You’ll find the Tom Collins a familiar but exciting twist on two established favorites.

Who Is Tom Collins?

A Tom Collins is kinda like one big GOTCHA! It’s not the name of its inventor but rather, a reference to a practical joke that dates back to 1874 New York City. Folk would be told that a certain “Tom Collins” was badmouthing them in a nearby bar. Oh, how others would laugh when the target asked about Tom in said bar and be met with confused stares. A bartender named Jerry Thomas seized the opportunity to create a drink and name it after the punchline. I guess having people ask about a “Tom Collins” at bars and be served this cocktail was good for business.

INGREDIENTS

Put down that book and remove the shades—it’s time to make a Tom Collins! Here’s what you’ll need…

2 oz. gin
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. simple syrup
club soda
lemon wheel (for garnish)
cherry (for garnish)

Bar Checklist

Collins glass (highball glass also works)
cocktail shaker
strainer
jigger or measuring tool
garnish picker or toothpick

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Cover and shake well.

Strain

Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda.

Garnish

Add the lemon wheel and/or cherry as garnish.

ENJOY!

How to Make a Healthy, Low-Calorie Tom Collins

Make your simple syrup at home with equal parts water and white sugar. You can also use honey or agave.
Premium gin tastes better and is cleaner than its cheaper counterpart.
Use freshly squeezed lemons.
Use a jigger to ensure you’re not adding more than you should.
For a Tom Collins mocktail, just skip the gin—you’ll have a delicious lemonade spritzer that’s perfect for all to enjoy.

Classic Tom Collins featured image below

Tips & Tricks to Make a Perfect Tom Collins

Chill your glass by filling it with ice before you begin mixing.
Give it a vigorous shake to thoroughly chill the drink and dilute it just a touch.
Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.
Don’t skimp on the garnish.

FAQs

how many calories are in a Tom Collins?

A Tom Collins has about 200 calories.

How should I drink a Tom Collins?

A Tom Collins tastes best cold and straight from the glass, no frills needed. Sip it slowly on hot summer days to really appreciate the flavors.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

You can, but seriously, fresh gives it an unbeatable zingy, refreshing taste.

What gin should I use?

Any gin will do, but one with a balanced mix of botanicals and not too much of a juniper kick is what you should be after.

any variations of a tom collins you recommend?

There are a few ways you can change up a Tom Collins. Replace the gin with bourbon and you’ve got a John Collins (clever, huh?). If you’re partial to the gin, choose one infused with cucumber to produce—you guessed it—a Cucumber Collins.

how to prep and store A Tom Collins

To prepare your Tom Collins ahead of time, mix your gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup together and store in the fridge. But save the ice and club soda for later.

Before serving, pour the chilled mixture into glasses loaded with ice and top them off with club soda and the garnishes (can’t forget the lemon and cherry!).

If you have leftover mix, you can store it (minus the soda and ice) in the fridge. It should keep for up to a week. Pro tip: The club soda’s bubbles will fade fast though, so don’t crack it open until you’re about to serve.