A Tom Collins is a timeless gin-based highball that earns it’s refreshing reputation through the interplay of botanical-forward gin, bright lemon juice, and a whisper of sweetness balanced by effervescent club soda. The lemon juice adds a clean tartness that lifts the floral and herbal notes of the gin, while the simple syrup rounds out any sharp edges. Served tall over ice, it is a long, slow sipper that stays cold and bubbly to the last drop. It pairs beautifully with light appetizers, seafood, cucumber sandwiches, or a warm summer evening on the porch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin (London Dry style recommended, such as Tanqueray or Beefeater)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 3 to 4 oz club soda, chilled
• Ice, preferably large cubes or Collins ice spear
• Garnish: lemon wheel and maraschino cherry

Directions

1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well for about 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
4. Strain into the ice-filled Collins glass.
5. Top with chilled club soda and stir gently once or twice to combine.
6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry on a pick.

Tips and variations

• Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice, never bottled, for the brightest flavor
• Chill your Collins glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before building the drink for extra refreshment
• Adjust simple syrup up or down by 1/4 oz to suit your sweetness preference
• Sparkling water can substitute for club soda in a pinch, though club soda adds a subtle mineral quality that complements the citrus
• A small pinch of salt added to the shaker can amplify and brighten all the flavors
• Honey Collins – Substitute honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water) for simple syrup
• St. Germain Collins – Add 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur for a floral, elegant twist
• Sloe Gin Collins – Swap standard gin for sloe gin for a berry-forward, slightly sweeter version
• Vodka Collins (Joe Collins) – Substitute vodka for a cleaner, more neutral profile
• Whiskey Collins (John Collins) – Use bourbon or blended whiskey instead of gin for a richer, warmer variation

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