A Tom Collins is a refreshing gin cocktail made with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, garnished with citrus wheels and a cherry. This timeless summer drink balances bright citrus acidity with subtle sweetness for an easy-drinking classic.
Recipe Source
Visit Mr. Boston DrinksFrom Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide
Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.
CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.
Prices vary by store
*Service fees apply. Instacart® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.
Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice and strain into Collins
Add several ice cubes, fill with soda water, and stir.
with orange, lemon, and cherry.
Serve with a straw.
cocktail shaker or mixing glass · jigger · bar spoon
The primary difference is the type of gin used. A Tom Collins traditionally uses Old Tom Gin (a slightly sweeter, lower-proof gin), while a John Collins uses Holland gin. Both follow the same basic recipe structure.
Prepare the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture in advance and refrigerate, but add soda water and ice just before serving to maintain carbonation and proper dilution.
Old Tom Gin is the authentic choice, though London Dry Gin is a common modern substitute. Old Tom offers a slightly sweeter, rounder profile that complements the citrus well.
Fill a tall glass with ice, add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, stir well, top with soda water, and stir gently. Alternatively, shake the gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, strain into a glass, and top with soda water.
Fresh squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor. Bottled or concentrated lemon juice will noticeably diminish the brightness and complexity of the drink.
