Tom Collins Recipe

by | Apr 7, 2026 | Classic Cocktails, Cocktail Recipes, Home Bartending & Entertaining, Popular Cocktails, Signature Drinks

tom collins in a chilled highball glass with a lemon and cherry garnish on a wooden table in a spring background and sunny lighting

Tom Collins

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What is it? Ingredients Instructions Bartender Tips Variations When to Serve Batch Recipe Nutrition FAQs

The Tom Collins is one of the most classic and refreshing gin cocktails you can make. With just gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, it delivers a crisp, citrus-forward drink that feels light and easy to enjoy.

We use this cocktail constantly for summer events and outdoor parties because it’s approachable, refreshing, and quick to make at scale. It’s essentially a sparkling gin lemonade — but when balanced correctly, it becomes a true classic.

What is a Tom Collins?

A Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. It’s served over ice in a tall glass and garnished with lemon and a cherry.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin (Old Tom or London Dry)
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • 3 oz soda water
  • Ice
  • Optional: lemon slice and maraschino cherry

How to Make a Tom Collins

  1. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker.
  2. Fill with ice and shake for 10–15 seconds.
  3. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.
  4. Top with soda water.
  5. Garnish and serve.

Bartender Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice. This makes a huge difference in flavor.
  • Balance is key. Adjust sweetness depending on your lemonade preference.
  • Choose the right gin. London Dry is crisp, Old Tom is slightly sweeter.
  • Don’t over-dilute. Add soda at the end for the best texture.

Variations

  • John Collins: Made with bourbon instead of gin.
  • Vodka Collins: Substitute vodka for a lighter profile.
  • Cucumber Collins: Add fresh cucumber slices.
  • Berry Collins: Add strawberries or blueberries.
  • Elderflower Collins: Add elderflower liqueur.

When to Serve a Tom Collins

This cocktail is perfect for warm weather, brunch, and outdoor gatherings. It’s one of the easiest drinks to serve to a crowd because it’s light, refreshing, and widely enjoyed.

Looking for more refreshing drinks? Explore our spring cocktails or browse gin cocktails.

For visual inspiration, check out our spring cocktail ideas on Pinterest.

Batch Recipe (8 Servings)

  • 16 oz gin
  • 8 oz lemon juice
  • 4 oz simple syrup
  • Soda water (per serving)

Mix gin, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time. Add soda water when serving for best results.

Use our Alcohol Calculator to plan your event.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 160
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Sugar: 9g

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Tom Collins FAQs

What is a Tom Collins made of?

A Tom Collins is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, served over ice with a lemon garnish.

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

The main difference is the spirit. A Tom Collins uses gin, while a John Collins uses bourbon or whiskey.

Do people still drink Tom Collins?

Yes, the Tom Collins remains a popular cocktail because of its refreshing, easy-drinking profile and simple ingredients.

Why is it called a Tom Collins?

The name comes from a 19th-century prank known as the “Tom Collins Hoax,” which popularized the cocktail’s name.