The Best Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
If you like your drinks citrusy, fizzy, and dangerously sippable, let us introduce you to your new best mate: the Tom Collins. It’s light, refreshing, and goes down easier than a yarn at the local.
This classic cocktail has stood the test of time for good reason; it’s simple to make, bloody delicious, and a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a seasoned gin fan or just dipping your toe into the world of grown-up lemonades, the Tom Collins is a go-to for anyone who likes their drinks crisp, not cloying.
So dust off the cocktail shaker, grab some lemons, and let’s get mixing.
What is a Tom Collins?
The Tom Collins is one of those old-school cocktails that’s never gone out of style. Born in the 19th century (allegedly in London, possibly in America, typical cocktail drama), it was originally made with Old Tom gin, which gave the drink its name and slightly sweeter twist.
Think of it as a grown-up lemonade with a splash of sophistication. At its heart, it’s a simple mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water, but the result is pure refreshment.
It shares the stage with other gin favourites like the Gin Fizz, but the Tom Collins goes long, served tall over ice with a good fizz, it’s made for kicking back on a warm arvo.
Tips for the Perfect Tom Collins
Want to level up your Tom Collins game? Here are a few hot tips:
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Fresh is best – use real lemons, not that bottled stuff masquerading as juice.
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Tweak to taste – like it a bit sweeter? Add more syrup. Prefer it tart? Go heavy on the lemon.
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Fizz matters – chilled soda water keeps the bubbles perky and the drink refreshing.
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Ice, ice baby – a tall glass packed with ice is the unsung hero of this cocktail.
Tom Collins Variations
The beauty of the Tom Collins is how easy it is to play around with. If gin’s not your thing, or you’re feeling experimental, try one of these spins:
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Vodka Collins – swap gin for vodka for a cleaner, more neutral flavour.
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Elderflower Collins – add a dash of elderflower liqueur for a delicate, floral note.
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Raspberry Collins – muddle a handful of fresh raspberries before shaking for a berry twist.
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Whisky Collins – use bourbon instead of gin for a deeper, richer flavour (a great one for cooler evenings).
There’s a Collins out there for everyone; you just need to find your favourite.
How to Make a Tom Collins
Ingredients
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50ml gin, we recommend a citrus-forward gin like Good George Lemon Gin
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25ml fresh lemon juice
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15ml simple syrup
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Soda water, to top
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Ice
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Garnish: lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry (optional but fancy)
Instructions
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Add gin, lemon juice, and syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
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Shake briskly for about 10 seconds, enough to chill but not dilute.
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Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
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Top with chilled soda water.
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Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry if you’re feeling flash.
Equipment
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or shot glass (for measuring)
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Tall glass (aka a Collins glass, naturally)
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Bar spoon (optional, for stirring)
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Strainer
Serving Suggestions & Recipe Notes
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Best served on a sunny day, BBQs, picnics, Sunday sessions, you name it
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Looks great in a tall glass with a big wedge of lemon
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Want to impress a crowd? Batch it up in a jug, just scale the ingredients
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Keep your soda chilled and add just before serving to keep that sparkle
Enjoy The Best Tom Collins
There’s no wrong time for a Tom Collins, but it truly shines on a warm afternoon when you're feeling a bit fancy but not too fussy. It’s easy, zesty, and refreshing as hell.
Just remember: great gin makes a great Collins. Start with something top-notch, and the rest takes care of itself. Lucky for you, we’ve got a bloody good range to choose from.
