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 Mr. Boston Gin

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The Tom Collins is a timeless gin-based cocktail built on fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar, topped with soda water for a refreshing, citrusy finish. Its simple three-ingredient base makes it a reliable classic for home bartenders.

🏷️Equipment: collins glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide 50th Anniversary Edition

Ingredients

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

3 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake with ice and strain into collins glass.
2
Add several ice cubes, 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 gin, lemon juice, and powdered sugar vigorously with ice for 10–15 seconds to fully dissolve the sugar and chill the drink.
Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice, not bottled—the acidity and flavor are noticeably brighter and make the cocktail sing.
Add fresh ice to the serving glass just before straining; warm or melted ice dilutes the drink unevenly.
Top with soda water last and stir gently to avoid losing carbonation; cold, crisp soda water is essential.

Substitutions

Mr. Boston Gin → any dry London Dry gin (Tanqueray, Beefeater, Gordon's)
Fresh lemon juice → lime juice for a Tom Collins variant (though this changes the classic profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best enjoyed fresh; prepare and serve immediately. Do not store mixed drinks.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · bar spoon · Hawthorne strainer

Common Questions

What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a Gin Sour?

A Tom Collins includes soda water, making it longer and more refreshing; a Gin Sour omits the soda and focuses on the spirit, lemon, and sugar alone.

Can I make a Tom Collins without powdered sugar?

Yes, use an equal amount of simple syrup (or ½ tsp regular sugar dissolved in a little water), though powdered sugar dissolves faster and is traditional.

How much soda water goes in a Tom Collins?

Top the drink with 2–4 oz of cold soda water, depending on how strong you prefer it; start with 3 oz and adjust to taste.

Should a Tom Collins be shaken or stirred?

Shake the gin, lemon juice, and powdered sugar with ice, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice and top with soda water.

What gin works best for a Tom Collins?

A dry London Dry style gin (like Tanqueray or Beefeater) is traditional, but any quality gin will work; avoid heavily botanical gins that may overpower the citrus.