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You are here: Home / Cocktails / Gin / Tom Collins

Tom Collins

By Pam Greer 11 Comments

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The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that is refreshing and delicious!  Gin, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water are all you need to make this!

Click here to pin this Tom Collins now! 

Tom Collins cocktail on a table with a vase of tulips behind it.

Why is it Called a Tom Collins?

Raise your hand if you thought there was a man named Tom Collins who invented a refreshing gin cocktail and called it after himself?  Yeah, me too.

Turns out that it’s not so easy to come to a consensus of how the Tom Collins got it’s name.  There are several theories floating around.

According to The Spirit of Gin by Matt Teacher, one story was the cocktail originated from a bartender named John Collins.  Later the gin in the original cocktail was replaced with Old Tom gin and was then called a Tom Collins.

Others believe that the drink originated from “The Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1847.”  This was a prank where you would tell someone that “Tom Collins” had been spreading nasty rumors about him.  The pranked person would then go searching for this “Tom Collins.”   A bartender developed a drink called the Tom Collins and when the pranked person walked into the bar looking for a Tom Collins, he was basically ordering a drink.

How ever it got it’s name, it’s a classic cocktail that is worth knowing how to make!

Ingredients in a Tom Collins

There are only 4 ingredients in this classic gin cocktail.

  • Gin – to make a classic Tom Collins you should use an Old Tom Gin, which is sweeter style that originated before a London Dry.  We are using a Plymouth Gin, which has more citrus notes.
  • Lemon Juice – fresh squeezed – do not use bottled.
  • Simple syrup – a ratio of half sugar and half water that has been heated until the sugar dissolves.  Can be stored in the fridge for about a month.
  • Carbonated Water  – we use carbonated water that we make in our Soda Stream.

Note – some recipes use sugar cubes instead of simple syrup.  I am using a version of the recipe that I found in one of my favorite cocktail books:  The New Cocktail Hour by Andre and Tenaya Darlington.

Photo showing steps 1 and 2 for making a tom collins.

Photo showing steps 3 and 4 for making a Tom Collins

Photo showing steps 5 and 6 for making a Tom Collins

How to Make a Tom Collins

  • Step 1 – Gather your ingredients – simple syrup, lemons and gin.
  • Step 2 – Fill a cocktail shaker and a tall collins glass with ice.
  • Step 3 – Add 2 ounces of gin to cocktail shaker.
  • Step 4 – Add 1 ounce of fresh squeezed lemon juice to cocktail shaker.
  • Step 5 – Shake and strain into the collins glass.  Top with carbonated water.
  • Step 6 – Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy!

Tom Collins in a tall glass with a lemon slice.

What Does a Tom Collins Taste Like?

This was so good!  I admit it, I am a Gin and Tonic woman.  It’s my drink of choice, so it’s been awhile since I’ve had a Tom Collins.  I forgot how refreshing it is.  You can taste all of the components.  You get the flavor of gin and lemon juice and some sweetness.  It’s the perfect blend.

I might try using some Rosemary Simple Syrup or Ginger Simple Syrup to change it up a bit.  They both sound good, don’t they?

Some other gin cocktails for you to try:

  • This Sloe Gin Collins is so pretty and tasty!
  • How about a sparkling French 75 Cocktail?
  • The Last Word is another favorite classic gin cocktail.

If you make this Tom Collins, be sure and let me know!

I would love it if you would follow me on Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Tom Collins Cocktail in front of a vase of flowers
5 from 5 votes
Print

Tom Collins

This classic gin cocktail contains only four ingredients and is refreshing and delicious! 

Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 175 kcal
Author Pam Greer

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin Old Tom or your favorite gin
  • 1 ounce lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 4 ounces carbonated water

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker and a tall glass with ice. 

  2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to cocktail shaker. 

  3. Shake for about 10 seconds and strain into ice filled tall glass. 

  4. Top with carbonated water and garnish with a slice of lemon. 

Recipe Notes

  • Gin - to make a classic Tom Collins you should use an Old Tom Gin, which is sweeter style that originated before a London Dry.  We are using a Plymouth Gin, which has more citrus notes.
  • Lemon Juice - fresh squeezed - do not use bottled.
  • Simple syrup - a ratio of half sugar and half water that has been heated until the sugar dissolves.  Can be stored in the fridge for about a month.
  • Carbonated Water  - we use carbonated water that we make in our Soda Stream.
Nutrition Facts
Tom Collins
Amount Per Serving
Calories 175
% Daily Value*
Sodium 32mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Sugars 11g
Vitamin C 13.3%
Iron 2.8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Filed Under: Beverage Recipes, Cocktails, Gin, Recipes

About Pam Greer

Pam Greer can be found at her foodie (and wine, and books, and cats) blog: Sidewalk Shoes, at her professional photography business: Pamela Greer Photography, at her daily photography blog: Pamela Greer 365. By the time you've read this, she has probably started another site.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Naveen Sohail says

    February 14, 2019 at 12:32 am

    What a refreshing drink, it can also be used in any diet plan.

    Reply
  2. Valentina says

    February 8, 2019 at 7:55 pm


    This is a drink I’ve always enjoyed. I love all of the theories as to how it got its name. They all somehow seem to make sense. 🙂

    Reply
    • Pam Greer says

      February 9, 2019 at 10:57 am

      I know! It’s fun reading about things like that!

      Reply
  3. Kristine says

    February 8, 2019 at 6:54 pm


    I’ve never actually had a Tom Collins! Pinning this one to try this weekend, sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Pam Greer says

      February 8, 2019 at 7:32 pm

      It is and it’s so refreshing!

      Reply
  4. Praj Sukhatme says

    February 8, 2019 at 6:37 pm


    So fun reading the history of the name Tom Collins. Love Gin , lemon juice and simple syrup combination. Can’t wait to make it later today to kick off Friday🍸

    Reply
    • Pam Greer says

      February 8, 2019 at 7:33 pm

      Perfect way to start a Friday!

      Reply
  5. krissy says

    February 8, 2019 at 6:22 pm


    This is a great summer cocktail! so refreshing!

    Reply
    • Pam Greer says

      February 8, 2019 at 7:33 pm

      It is and I like it year round!

      Reply
  6. Caitlyn Erhardt says

    February 8, 2019 at 4:32 pm


    Looks like a great drink! I also love your photos!

    Reply
    • Pam Greer says

      February 8, 2019 at 7:33 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply

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