Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe — Classic Gin & Lemon Sparkler

Mixing this classic Tom Collins cocktail always brings back fond memories. It’s a timeless, refreshing drink that’s simple and delicious.

One of my favorite Tom Collins memories goes back to the early days of dating Christopher. We were at a restaurant near the university and I ordered a Tom Collins. What I remember most is how delicious it was—and how laughter and a sip at the same time made me cough and sputter. It was our second date; I managed to compose myself well enough that he asked for another one. The rest, as they say, is history.

This cocktail always reminds me of youthful nights, warm late summers, and good laughs.

How to make the Tom Collins cocktail

The Tom Collins is straightforward: gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. That’s it. It surprised me the first time I learned it’s a gin drink—I couldn’t detect the alcohol. That’s part of its charm and a gentle warning: it’s easy to drink and even easier to have one too many if you’re not paying attention.

Nothing like a great glass

I’ll admit I hunted for a proper Collins glass for a long time. A true Collins glass is tall, cylindrical, and straight-sided from base to rim, which showcases the drink beautifully. For this post I used a long drink glass with a slight flare—close enough for everyday use even if purists might roll their eyes.

Here’s how I make a Tom Collins:

• Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
• Measure and pour 2 ounces of gin into the shaker. I like Bombay Sapphire for its clean, balanced flavor.
• Cut a lemon and squeeze out fresh juice. Measure 1 ounce of lemon juice and add it to the shaker.
• Add 1 ounce of simple syrup to the shaker.
• Cap the shaker and give it a good shake—about 10 firm shakes to chill and combine the ingredients.
• Pour the mixture, ice and all, into a Collins glass or another tall glass.
• Open a bottle of club soda slowly and top the glass with soda until almost full. The fizz creates a lovely foam on top.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim and serve immediately.

Simple, bright, and effervescent—this cocktail is perfect for warm evenings or anytime you want a light, citrus-forward drink.

Cap and shake

After shaking, pour everything into your glass, add club soda, and place the lemon wheel on the rim. The carbonation lifts the flavors and adds a refreshing finish. Take a sip, smile, and enjoy—just maybe don’t laugh mid-sip if you’re prone to coughing as I was on those early dates.

I hope you enjoy making and sipping this Tom Collins as much as I enjoy the memories it brings back. It’s a classic for a reason: light, citrusy, and endlessly refreshing.

Totally Tasty Classic Tom Collins Cocktail

A refreshing gin cocktail that’s simple to make and delightful to sip.

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: Cocktails

Keyword: tom collins, tom collins cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 cocktail

Calories: 213kcal

Author: Elaine Benoit

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin I used Bombay Sapphire
• 1 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• Club soda to fill glass

Garnish

• lemon wheel

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Cap the shaker and shake at least 10 times to chill and combine.
4. Pour the contents, including ice, into a Collins glass or a tall glass.
5. Open club soda slowly and top the glass with soda.
6. Place a lemon wheel on the rim for garnish.
7. Sip and enjoy—smile and savor the bright, fizzy flavors.

Notes

Some bartenders use a pre-made sweet and sour mix, but I prefer fresh lemon juice and simple syrup for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cocktail
|
Calories: 213 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 22 g
|
Sodium: 17 mg
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Sugar: 21 g