Tom Collins

Name: Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 Juice of a Lemon; 1 tsp Powdered Sugar; 2 oz Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin

The Tom Collins is a classic gin-based sour cocktail combining dry gin, fresh lemon juice, and powdered sugar. It's a light, refreshing drink defined by its perfect balance of tart citrus and subtle sweetness.

🏷️Equipment: cocktail glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$10–$16

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Deluxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

1/2 Juice of a Lemon
1 tsp Powdered Sugar
2 oz Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin

3 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake with ice and strain into collins glass.
2
Add several cubes of ice, fill with carbonated water, and stir.
3
Decorate with slices of lemon, orange and a cherry.
4
Serve with straw.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Shake the base ingredients (gin, lemon juice, powdered sugar) with ice for 10–15 seconds to ensure the sugar dissolves and the drink is properly chilled.
Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice—bottled juice will make the cocktail taste flat and one-dimensional.
Top with soda water last and gently stir to maintain carbonation; over-mixing will lose the fizz.
Serve in a tall glass (Collins glass) filled with fresh ice to keep the drink cold longer.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → any dry London Dry gin (Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Gordon's)
Powdered sugar → simple syrup (use ¾ tsp) or fresh lemon juice sweetened with ¾ tsp granulated sugar
Fresh lemon juice → lime juice (creates a different but valid citrus profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Tom Collins is a fresh cocktail best served immediately. Do not store mixed; prepare to order.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring tool · Collins glass or tall glass · bar spoon or long spoon

Common Questions

What's the difference between a Tom Collins and a John Collins?

A Tom Collins uses dry gin; a John Collins traditionally uses whiskey or bourbon instead.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?

Yes—fresh lemon juice is preferred and will produce a brighter, more balanced cocktail than bottled.

Do I need club soda or soda water?

Club soda and soda water are interchangeable; both add the carbonation that defines the drink.

How do I chill a Tom Collins properly?

Shake the gin, lemon juice, and powdered sugar with ice, then strain into an ice-filled glass before topping with soda water.

Can I make Tom Collins without powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar dissolves faster than granulated, but you can substitute 1 tsp simple syrup or ¾ tsp granulated sugar dissolved in a small amount of water.