Tom Collins
The Tom Collins cocktail belongs to the "Collins" group of cocktails which includes the John Collins and Vodka Collins. A Tom Collins is made with; gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup which is topped up with soda water. The result is quite fizzy and refreshing with subtle herbal flavours imparted from the gin.
The Tom Collins was created in the late 1800s and first appeared in writing in 1876 in The Bartenders' Guide written by Jerry Thomas.
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2
Equipment
- Collins glass
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin
- 30 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- soda water (to top)
- lemon slice
- maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Pour in the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice cubes. Top up with soda water.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a John Collins?
A Tom Collins uses gin, whereas the John Collins cocktail uses bourbon whiskey.
What are the best gin cocktails?
If you like a gin cocktail like this Tom Collins we also have a roundup of the 10 best gin cocktails – it’s not official, but we think you’ll find the list quite inspiring!
Is it the same as a gin fizz?
They’re similar, but a Tom Collins is typically served in a larger glass with more soda, while a gin fizz is shorter and often shaken with egg white.
What gin is best for a Tom Collins?
A London Dry gin works best, but any quality gin with citrus or herbal notes will complement the drink.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always better – it gives the drink its crisp, zesty flavour.
Why is it called a Tom Collins?
It comes from a 19th-century hoax in New York called the “Tom Collins Hoax,” which inspired bartenders to name a drink after it.