Tom Collins

Pro tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice—bottled juice will produce a flat, less vibrant drink.
• Chill your glass with ice before assembling to keep the cocktail cold longer.
• Stir gently after adding soda water to preserve carbonation and avoid over-mixing.
• Maintain a 2:1:1 ratio of gin to lemon juice to simple syrup for proper balance; adjust sweetness to taste.

Substitutions

• Old Tom Gin → London Dry Gin (lighter, drier profile; increase simple syrup by ½ oz if desired)
• Fresh lemon juice → lime juice (creates a different citrus profile; use sparingly as lime is more acidic)

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · jigger · bar spoon

What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a John Collins?

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.

Can I make a Tom Collins ahead of time?

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.

What type of gin works best for a Tom Collins?

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.

How should I chill a Tom Collins?

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.

Can I substitute fresh lemon juice?

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.