The Tom Collins cocktail is a classic, refreshing drink that has been enjoyed for generations. This delightful mix of gin, lemon juice, and soda water is perfect for a sunny afternoon or a casual evening with friends. Its crisp and tangy flavor, complemented by a hint of sweetness, makes it a timeless favorite.
While most of the ingredients for a Tom Collins cocktail are common, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor, so grab some fresh lemons. Simple syrup can be made at home, but it's also available pre-made in stores. Lastly, make sure you have some soda water on hand to give the cocktail its signature fizz.

Ingredients For Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
Gin: A clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt and flavored with juniper berries.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice from lemons, providing a tangy and citrusy flavor.
Simple syrup: A sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, used to balance the tartness of the lemon juice.
Soda water: Carbonated water that adds a refreshing fizz to the cocktail.
Lemon: A slice of lemon used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and aroma.
Maraschino cherry: A sweet, preserved cherry used as a garnish to add a pop of color and flavor.
Technique Tip for Making a Tom Collins
When making a Tom Collins, ensure that your simple syrup is well-balanced. You can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat until fully combined. This allows you to control the sweetness and avoid any artificial flavors. Additionally, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, as bottled juice can be too acidic and lack the bright, fresh taste that makes this cocktail shine.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka has a neutral flavor that can mimic the clear spirit base of gin, though it lacks the botanical notes.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and tartness, though with a slightly different citrus profile.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and has a mild flavor, making it a good alternative to simple syrup.
soda water - Substitute with tonic water: Tonic water adds a slight bitterness and effervescence, which can complement the other flavors in the cocktail.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime slices provide a similar visual appeal and citrus aroma, though with a slightly different flavor.
maraschino cherry - Substitute with fresh cherry: Fresh cherries offer a more natural and less sweet garnish option, adding a touch of elegance to the drink.
Alternative Recipes Similar to a Tom Collins
How to Store or Freeze This Cocktail
To keep your Tom Collins cocktail fresh, store the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will ensure the flavors remain vibrant and ready for mixing.
For a quick and easy prep, pre-mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup and store in a sealed bottle. This mixture can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours without losing its zest.
If you wish to prepare the cocktail in advance, avoid adding the soda water until just before serving. This will keep the drink fizzy and refreshing.
For freezing, pour the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to pop a few cubes into a glass, top with soda water, and enjoy a perfectly chilled Tom Collins.
When ready to serve, simply thaw the pre-mixed cubes in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a highball glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry for that classic touch.
Always store your maraschino cherries in their original syrup in the refrigerator to maintain their sweetness and texture. This ensures they are always cocktail-ready.
Keep your lemon slices fresh by storing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the slices on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, they are ready to garnish your Tom Collins anytime.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- First, ensure your Tom Collins cocktail is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, pour the cocktail into a highball glass filled with fresh ice to keep it chilled.
- If the cocktail has lost its fizz, add a splash of soda water to revive its effervescence.
- Gently stir the cocktail to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a maraschino cherry to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Essential Tools for Making a Tom Collins
Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, ensuring a well-chilled and blended drink.
Highball glass: The glass in which the cocktail is served, typically tall and used for mixed drinks.
Strainer: Used to strain the mixed ingredients from the shaker into the highball glass, keeping the ice in the shaker.
Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately measure the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Bar spoon: Used to gently stir the soda water into the cocktail, ensuring it is well mixed without losing carbonation.
Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the lemon.
Ice cube tray: Used to make ice cubes for the cocktail shaker and highball glass.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Tom Collins
Pre-mix simple syrup: Make a batch of simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This saves you from making it each time.
Use bottled lemon juice: If you're in a rush, use high-quality bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons.
Chill your glass: Keep your highball glasses in the freezer. This way, you don't need to wait for the drink to chill.
Batch your cocktails: If making multiple Tom Collins cocktails, mix larger quantities in a pitcher and pour over ice as needed.

Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ oz Simple syrup
- 2 oz Soda water
- 1 slice Lemon for garnish
- 1 cherry Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry.
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