How to make a Tom Collins cocktail from scratch without sugary mixes. This classic gin cocktail is super simple to make and is incredibly refreshing.
Think of a Tom Collins cocktail as a sparkling gin lemonade. It’s traditionally served in a tall glass (a highball) and has the perfect balance of tart, sweet, sour, and fizz. It’s easy and one of my favorite cocktails on Inspired Taste with our gin fizz and gin and tonic recipes as two solid runner ups!
The Tom Collins also has the bonus of a maraschino cherry garnish, which apparently wasn’t the traditional when it was created but has become ubiquitous with the cocktail. I can’t say I’m mad about it, but if you prefer to leave out the cherry, there are no official rules, so garnish your Tom Collins however you like!
Key Ingredients
- Gin: A classic Tom Collins is traditionally made with Old Tom gin, which has a slightly sweeter, more botanical flavor. London dry gin is also excellent with its clean and crisp taste. Ultimately, the best gin for your Tom Collins is the one you enjoy most!
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice really makes this cocktail taste amazing. You can also use the lemon for garnishing when serving.
- Simple Syrup: You need a little sweetness to balance the lemon juice and gin, so I use homemade simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved). You can also use a bit of maple syrup or honey, but keep in mind that these will add their own flare to the drink (not a bad thing, though).
- Club Soda: Use what you love. Club soda, sparkling water, or seltzer water are all fine for this cocktail.
- Garnish: A classic garnish is a lemon slice or wedge. I also love one or two maraschino cherries!
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to Make the Best Tom Collins Cocktail
Tip 1: Use your favorite gin. It may seem obvious but the gin you choose for this cocktail is going to make or break your drink. Our favorite gin to use for Tom Collins is London dry because of its clean and crisp flavor. We usually save more aromatic gins for when we make gin and tonic.
Tip 2: Balancing the sweet with lemon juice. This drink is best when you get the balance of sweet and tart just right for you. We gave a range of simple syrup in the recipe below. We usually like our cocktail more on the tart end of the spectrum so we use less simple syrup and squeeze in extra lemon juice.
More of Our Favorite Cocktails
Perfect Tom Collins
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We both love the Tom Collins. It’s easy to make, and thanks to the lemon juice, it’s really refreshing. Take a look at the recipe below for our recommendations on what gin to use.
You Will Need
2 ounces gin
1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ to ¾ ounce simple syrup
Club soda or sparkling water
Lemon or orange slices, for garnish
Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Directions
1Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold, 10 to 15 seconds.
2Strain into a highball or tall glass filled with ice.
3Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon or orange slice and a cherry (or two).
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Gin: A classic Tom Collins is traditionally made with Old Tom gin. London dry gin is also excellent with its clean and crisp flavor. Ultimately, the best gin for your Tom Collins is the one you enjoy most!
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.
what makes it red at the bottom?
The maraschino cherries made the cocktail glass look red at the bottom.
I was the hit of the party tonight with these. Thank you!
Awesome, Won! So happy to hear it!
This looks so inviting….great for a warm summer eve!
That looks great and guess what?
It’s nine minutes past five 🙂
I am not a lover of gin, BUT I don’t know if I’ve given it much of a chance either. I would definitely drink one of these! Gorgeous photo!
Oh, Aggie! Try this recipe, then… I wasn’t a fan either, but the fresh lemon and simple syrup really makes it.
-Joanne