Classic Refreshing Tom Collins Cocktail

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh lemon gives the cocktail a clean, bright flavor without tasting artificial.
• Club soda adds a lively sparkle that keeps every sip light and refreshing.
• The balanced proportions highlight the gin’s botanical character without overwhelming it.
• It takes just 5 minutes and requires only a few easy-to-find ingredients.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 fresh lemon
• Dairy: None
• Pantry: London dry gin, simple syrup, club soda, ice, and maraschino cherries

Full Ingredients

For the Cocktail

• 2 ounces London dry gin
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, from approximately 1/2 medium lemon
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup, preferably made with equal parts granulated sugar and water
• 2 ounces club soda, chilled to approximately 40°F
• 1 1/2 cups ice, divided between shaking and serving

For the Garnish

• 1 thin lemon wheel, cut approximately 1/8 inch thick
• 1 maraschino cherry

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill the ingredients and glass

For the crispest cocktail, chill the club soda to approximately 40°F before beginning. If time allows, place a tall 10- to 12-ounce Collins glass in the freezer for 10 minutes. A cold glass slows ice melt and helps the finished drink stay sparkling.

Step 2: Prepare the glass

Remove the Collins glass from the freezer and fill it with approximately 1 cup of fresh ice. Use solid, medium-to-large cubes when possible; they melt more slowly than crushed ice and prevent the drink from becoming watery.

Step 3: Measure the cocktail base

Pour 2 ounces of London dry gin, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Measure carefully for a balanced drink: the lemon should taste bright, while the syrup should soften its sharpness without making the cocktail noticeably sweet.

Step 4: Shake until cold

Add the remaining 1/2 cup of ice to the shaker. Seal tightly and shake firmly for 10 to 12 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels very cold. Shaking chills the ingredients quickly and lightly aerates the fresh lemon juice.

Step 5: Strain over fresh ice

Strain the chilled gin mixture into the prepared Collins glass. If small pieces of lemon pulp or ice are present, pour through both the shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer for an especially clear, polished cocktail.

Step 6: Add the sparkle

Slowly pour 2 ounces of chilled club soda into the glass. Stir gently from the bottom upward 2 or 3 times with a long spoon. Avoid vigorous stirring, which will release the carbonation and make the drink go flat more quickly.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Cut a small slit in the lemon wheel and place it on the rim of the glass, or slide it down the inside of the glass for a classic presentation. Add 1 maraschino cherry, then serve immediately while the drink is very cold and lively with bubbles.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed juice: Bottled lemon juice often tastes muted or harsh and will not provide the same fresh citrus aroma.
• Choose a botanical gin: A classic London dry gin gives the drink its traditional juniper-forward character and stands up well to the lemon.
• Keep the soda cold: Well-chilled club soda retains more carbonation and causes less ice melt.
• Add the soda last: Never shake carbonated club soda in a sealed cocktail shaker, as pressure can build quickly.
• Adjust carefully: For a slightly drier cocktail, reduce the simple syrup to 1/4 ounce. For a softer, sweeter drink, increase it to 3/4 ounce.

Variations

• Vodka Collins: Replace the 2 ounces of gin with 2 ounces of vodka for a cleaner, more neutral cocktail.
• Elderflower Collins: Use 1/4 ounce simple syrup and add 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur for a floral variation.
• Cucumber Collins: Muddle 3 thin cucumber slices in the shaker before adding the gin, lemon juice, syrup, and ice. Double-strain before topping with club soda.

Storage & Make-Ahead

A finished Tom Collins is best served immediately because the club soda loses carbonation and the ice gradually dilutes the drink. To prepare ahead, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a sealed jar and refrigerate at 40°F or below for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, shake one portion with ice, strain it over fresh ice, and add the chilled club soda. Simple syrup may be refrigerated in a clean, airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 162 kcal | Carbs: 9g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 8g | Sodium: 12mg | Cholesterol: 0mg