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.)
- Shake. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake until chilled.
- Pour. Pour into a high ball glass over ice.
- 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:
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!
Tom Collins
Ingredients
- 2 ounces dry gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice , freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces club soda
- 1 lemon slice , for garnish
- 1 cocktail cherry , for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a high ball glass and cocktail shaker with ice
- Pour your gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into the cocktail shaker. Place the lid on the shaker and shake until chilled. Pour it into the high ball glass.
- Top with the club soda, lemon, and cherry.
