Smooth and refreshing, this Tom Collins cocktail is the perfect go-to for hot summer evenings relaxing on the porch or pool side. It’s a sophisticated classic drink, but made with just 4 ingredients, you can whip it up in minutes anytime.

More cocktails ideal for summer sipping are a long island iced tea and a mojito!

Easy Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

I’m not a huge gin drinker, but I do love a Tom Collins. The flavor is refreshing, with citrus undertones, and it honestly tastes a bit like lemonade. Even better, it’s made with just 4 ingredients. While I love my frilly cocktails with extra ingredients, there are just some moments that call for something quick and easy. It’s wonderful for enjoying by the pool on a hot summer night and great for dinner parties.

What is a Tom Collins?

A Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail made with dry gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s shaken then served over ice, before being topped off with a splash of club soda. It tastes a lot like adult lemonade, just with a boozy twist (and it’s not necessarily sweet unless you make it so).

It’s very similar to a gin fizz, which is simply shaken and served without ice, and if you love a gin and tonic, you’ll probably love this too!

Ingredients Needed

This gin cocktail is made with just 4 ingredients, plus a cherry garnish. How easy is that?!
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Gin – See below for my recommendations.
• Lemon juice – Use freshly squeezed if possible.
• Simple syrup – You can find simple syrup at the liquor store. If you want to make it yourself, you can bring equal parts of water and sugar to a boil just till the sugar has dissolved.
• Club soda – Adds a bit of fizz to the drink and balances out the gin.
• Garnishes – I like to garnish my cocktail with a lemon slice and cocktail cherry.

What’s the Best Gin for a Tom Collins?

You can use any gin you like for a Tom Collins but I prefer a dryer gin like Bombay, Beefeater, or Tanqueray.

Recipe Variations

As with any classic cocktail, there are a few popular variations on the original gin cocktail.

• John Collins. Though John Collins was the original name for a Tom Collins, it is now the name for a Tom Collins made with whiskey instead of gin.
• Vodka Collins. As you may guess, a Vodka Collins is simply a Tom Collins made with vodka instead of gin.

How to Make a Tom Collins

Making this gin cocktail at home takes just a few seconds. All you need is a high ball glass and a cocktail shaker.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

1. Shake. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake until chilled.
2. Pour. Pour into a high ball glass over ice.
3. Serve. Top with club soda, lemon, and cherry.

Tips & FAQs

Here are a few common questions and tips for making a Tom Collins cocktail.

• What glass should a Tom Collins be served in? The Tom Collins glasses are just a highball glass. You can find them at most stores including online here.
• Cocktail cherries vs maraschino cherries. Cocktail cherries are normally cherries made in a natural process vs. the bright red artificial maraschinos. You can find them in the garnish section of a liquor store, or some grocery stores carry them with liquor items.
• Try using clear ice. For an ultra fancy cocktail vibe, try using clear ice in your cocktail instead of regular ice.

More Summer Cocktail Recipes:

• Alabama Slammer
• Blue Hawaiian
• Sex on the Beach Drink
• Dirty Shirley
• Tequila Sunrise
• Sea Breeze Cocktail

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!