Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a quintessential long drink that perfectly balances the botanical notes of gin with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup. Topped with effervescent soda water, it's served in a tall glass over ice, making it an incredibly refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail. Its simplicity and elegance have made it a beloved classic for over a century.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail, recognized for its simple yet elegant combination of gin, lemon, sugar, and soda. It belongs to the 'Collins' family of cocktails, which are essentially sour drinks served long over ice with soda water.
Serving
The Tom Collins is a cold, tall drink served in its namesake Collins glass, with an alcohol content similar to a glass of wine. No special glass treatment is required.
Serving size
240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The drink's name is believed to have originated from the "Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874" in New York. People would tell a friend that a man named Tom Collins was insulting them in a nearby bar, sending the victim off in search of the non-existent man. Bartenders capitalized on this joke by creating a drink they could serve to anyone who came in asking for Tom Collins.
Origin
The recipe was first written down in 1876 by Jerry Thomas, the "father of American mixology." While its origins are tied to a New York hoax, the drink is stylistically English, and the gin used, Old Tom, was popular in London in the 18th century.
Tom Collins
The drink is most famously known as the Tom Collins, its original name. It is sometimes referred to more generically as a Gin Collins, distinguishing it from variations that use other spirits.
Original name
Tom Collins
Alternative name
Gin Collins
Characteristics overview
This drink has a crisp, light texture with a refreshing balance of sweet and sour, dominated by flavors of lemon and gin's botanicals. Its bubbly effervescence and clean aftertaste make it an exceptionally refreshing summer cocktail.
Flavor
Lemony, botanical, sweet, tart, refreshing
Aroma
Citrus, juniper, fresh
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent, sparkling
Color appearance
Pale yellow, slightly cloudy, translucent, bubbly
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is dominated by a pleasant sourness and fruitiness from the lemon, balanced by a moderate sweetness. It is not bitter, salty, or creamy, and has a refreshing fizziness and a light alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need a base of gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice for tartness, simple syrup for sweetness, and chilled soda water to top it all off. These simple ingredients combine to create a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink.
- London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 ozOld Tom Gin is the traditional choice, but London Dry Gin is more common today.
- Fresh Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 ozFreshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
- Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust quantity to taste. Use a 1:1 sugar to water ratio.
- Soda WaterTop up, approx. 120 ml / 4 ozAlso known as club soda or seltzer water. Should be well-chilled.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
To prepare a Tom Collins, you will need a cocktail shaker to combine the gin, lemon juice, and syrup, along with a strainer to serve it neatly. A jigger is recommended for measuring ingredients accurately.
- Cocktail shaker to chill and mix the base ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
- Strainer to pour the chilled mix without ice shards.
Instructions
The process is straightforward: shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, then strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Finish by topping with soda water and adding a simple garnish.
1. Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes to chill it while you mix the drink.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Secure the lid and shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
4. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Top the drink with chilled soda water.
6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry before serving.
Garnishing
The traditional garnish for a Tom Collins is a bright lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry. This combination adds visual appeal and a hint of extra citrus aroma.
- Lemon wheel or wedge to place on the rim or in the glass.
- Maraschino cherry for a classic pop of color.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A Tom Collins is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with most of its calories coming from the gin and its sugar content from the simple syrup. It is not a significant source of other macronutrients.
Calories
Averagely 155 kcal / 649 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is ideal for warm-weather events like summer parties, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Its light and refreshing nature also makes it a perfect choice for brunch or a casual afternoon drink.
- Summer Party
- Brunch
- Casual Gathering
- Afternoon Drink
Pairing suggestions
The drink's crisp and citrusy profile pairs beautifully with light and fresh foods. It complements seafood, salads, and simple appetizers, cleansing the palate without overpowering the flavors of the meal.
- Light seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or grilled fish.
- Fresh salads with vinaigrette dressing.
- Salty snacks like olives or light appetizers.
The Tom Collins: A Timeless Classic of Refreshment
The Tom Collins is a timeless and refreshing cocktail that is incredibly easy to make. Its simple composition of gin, lemon, sugar, and soda creates a perfectly balanced drink that is both tart and sweet, with a delightful fizz. A staple in the world of classic cocktails, it is renowned for its crispness and suitability for any casual or celebratory occasion, especially during warmer months. Its storied past and enduring popularity make it a must-know recipe for any drink enthusiast.
Similar Cocktails
Variations
You May Also Like
Spicy Paloma
A fiery and refreshing twist on the classic Paloma, featuring tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, and a kick of jalapeño.
Kentucky Mule
A refreshing and spicy highball cocktail that swaps vodka for rich Kentucky bourbon in a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule.
Coronita Margarita
A fun and festive frozen margarita served in a large glass with a small bottle of Corona beer turned upside down into it.
Hugo Spritz
A light and refreshing floral spritz made with elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and a touch of mint.
Have You Tried These Yet?
Hakam's Cocktail
A rare and intriguing classic sour featuring gin and the unique, funky spice of Swedish Punsch.
Sherry Sour
A sophisticated and nutty twist on the classic sour, balancing the unique flavors of sherry with bright citrus and a touch of sweetness.
El Capitán Cocktail
A sophisticated Peruvian cocktail that masterfully blends the grape-based spirit pisco with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters.
Hot Gin Punch
A warm, aromatic, and comforting gin-based punch, spiced with citrus and botanicals, perfect for festive gatherings.