The Tom Collins is that one cocktail that never tries too hard but still shows up looking like the moment.
It’s got gin, lemon, sugar and bubbles, nothing complicated, just a clean crisp hit that somehow makes any day feel like a summer afternoon.
No matter if you’re sipping it solo or pouring rounds at a backyard hang, it’s the kind of drink that keeps things easy breezy without being boring. One sip in and it’s like… yeah, this is exactly what I needed.
Why the Tom Collins Still Feels Fresh
The Tom Collins has been showing up strong since the 1800s. Most say it first popped up in London bars, but it really took off in New York. By the 1870s, it was already in bartending books and making the rounds as a go-to refresher.
Back then, it was called a gin punch served in a tall glass with lemon, sugar and sparkling water. Pretty much the same formula we still use today.
The name “Tom Collins” might’ve come from a running joke in old newspapers or possibly from the gin brand Old Tom. Either way, the drink stuck and outlived the punchline.
So why’s it still everywhere? Because it works. It’s bright, fizzy and not trying to prove anything. The Tom Collins is the kind of cocktail that shows up, cools you down and never overstays its welcome. It’s timeless without being stuffy, and that’s kind of the dream.
Tips to Make a Tom Collins At Home
Just a few solid ingredients and a glass full of ice, it’s that simple.
- Use fresh lemon juice: None of that bottled stuff. You’ll taste the difference.
- Shake it right: Combine gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice in a shaker. Give it a good shake to chill everything down.
- Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice: A Collins glass is ideal but anything tall will work.
- Top with club soda: Pour it slow so it stays fizzy.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or cherry: Makes it look finished without overdoing it.
- Stir gently: Just one or two turns with a spoon to mix it all without killing the bubbles.
That’s it. A clean citrusy cocktail with just enough fizz to keep it refreshing all the way through. The Tom Collins is the kind of drink you’ll come back to again and again.
Good Things To Pair a Tom Collins With
The Tom Collins is bright citrusy and loaded with fizz so it pairs best with food that’s light fresh and a little salty. You want snacks that vibe with lemon and bubbles not fight them.
Shrimp cocktail or grilled prawns: Cold or hot both love a lemony drink
Goat cheese crostini with herbs: Tangy creamy and just the right amount of fancy
Cucumber sandwiches or smoked salmon bites: Clean and easy with big flavor payoff
Lemony grilled chicken skewers: Simple grilled stuff always works
Kettle chips or salted nuts: If you’re keeping it lowkey snacks like these hold up great
Nothing too heavy or creamy. Let the Tom Collins do what it does best—keep things chill light and full of that citrusy lift.
The Refreshing Tom Collins Cocktail
The Tom Collins is a refreshing cocktail that balances the botanical notes of gin with the tartness of fresh lemon juice, all topped off with fizzy soda water. This drink is known for its vibrant and invigorating taste, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lemon slice or maraschino cherry for garnish
Zero-proof version: Use non-alcoholic gin or just mix lemon juice and syrup with soda for a crisp mocktail
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker, combine gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass (Collins glass) with ice and strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
- Add Soda: Top off the drink with club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry on top.
- Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Tom Collins cocktail!
Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 215kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
Tom Collins Variations to Keep It Interesting
The Tom Collins is classic but it’s easy to remix without losing that fresh vibe. Switch up a few ingredients and it still holds up—just with a little twist.
Vodka Collins: Swap gin for vodka if you want it smoother and more neutral
Berry Collins: Muddle strawberries raspberries or blackberries before shaking
Herb Collins: Add fresh basil mint or thyme for a garden-style twist
Honey Collins: Use honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a deeper mellow sweetness
Tonic Collins: Swap the soda for tonic water if you like a bitter edge
The Tom Collins is flexible easy and never high maintenance. However you pour it it stays chill and clean and always hits like a breeze.
Need inspiration for some other gin based cocktails? Why not try an Original Pink Gin, a Martini or a Negroni?
To pin for later:
Tom Collins Cocktail
Crisp, fizzy, and perfectly refreshing, the Tom Collins is a timeless classic! Crafted with gin, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling soda.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Gin
- 30 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 30 ml Simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lemon slice or maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker, combine gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass (Collins glass) with ice and strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
- Add Soda: Top off the drink with club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry on top.
- Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Tom Collins cocktail!
Notes
Zero-proof version: Use non-alcoholic gin or just mix lemon juice and syrup with soda for a crisp mocktail.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 215Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 24gProtein: 1g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.
