Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Tom Collins is a classic Gin-based cocktail that dates back to the 1880s.

Its popularity remains more than a century later, and has been the inspiration for countless variations and other sparkling drinks like the French 75 and many modern spritzes.

So fresh, so satisfying, the Tom Collins is easy to make and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. While there are many Collins variations, below we’re going to show you how to make a classic Tom Collins.

How To Make the Tom Collins

What You’ll Need

• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Boston Shaker
• Collins Glass or Highball Glass
• Citrus Elbow
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Paring Knife

How to Mix

1. Measure and pour Simple Syrup into the smaller tin of a Boston Shaker.
2. Use a Paring Knife to cut one Lemon in half with a Paring Knife. Using a Citrus Elbow, juice the Lemon. Save the other half for garnishing later.
3. Using a Jigger, measure and pour the Lemon Juice into the Shaker.
4. Measure and pour Beefeater Gin into the Shaker.
5. Fill the Shaker with Ice Cubes and shake until chilled.
6. Place a Hawthorne Strainer over the larger tin of the Boston Shaker and pour the mixture directly into a Collins Glass.
7. Add Ice Cubes to the top of the Glass.
8. Top up with Soda Water.
9. Use a Knife to cut a strip of Lemon Zest, squeeze the oils into the drink and then place the Lemon Twist in the Glass together with a Fresh Cherry to garnish.
10. Sip and enjoy!

What is a Tom Collins Drink?

The Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail that dates back to the 1880s. The epitome of simplicity and proof that less is often more. A classic Tom Collins drink is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water. And it’s just perfect.

What Does a Tom Collins Drink Taste Like?

“You get that nice hint of lemon, that beautiful gin with the juniper coming through nicely, all balanced out with the sugar, and a nice bit of effervescence from the soda water. It’s a perfect drink for the summer,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

The History of the Tom Collins  

“This is one of those drinks that has a disputed origin. No one knows really where it comes from,” shares Rico. Some say it was invented in the UK, others say it was invented in the US. “All I know is that this drink is banging,” says Rico.

The earliest publication of any Collins or Fizz recipe can be found in an 1882 bartender’s manual, featuring both a Tom Collins, which calls for Old Tom Gin, and a John Collins, which calls for Holland Gin (known today as Genièvre).

A drink known as a John Collins has been around since at least the 1860s and is believed to have originated with a head waiter of that name who worked at a popular London hotel and coffee house around 1790–1817. This cocktail is very similar to the Tom Collins we know today and originally contained Old Tom Gin. Due to the use of this specific Gin, some suggest that the name eventually changed to Tom Collins.

Tips for Making the Perfect Tom Collins

Use your favorite Gin
As Rico shares in the video, the original recipe for a Tom Collins calls for Old Tom Gin but Rico makes his with Beefeater London Dry Gin.

If you have a preferred Gin, use that when making your Tom Collins. Taste is personal and your drink is your drink. 

Variations of a Tom Collins

A quick Google search will reveal there are as many Tom Collins variations as there are bartenders crafting them. It would be impossible for us to list every variation, so, instead, we’ll list a few of our favorites:

• Elderflower Collins
  As if the Tom Collins wasn’t already a summer-perfect drink, along comes the Elderflower Collins. Instead of Gin, the Elderflower Collins uses Absolut Vodka but reintroduces the herbal elements with the addition of Elderflower Cordial instead. Lemon Juice, Elderflower, Soda Water and Vodka – now that’s a summer drink! Here’s how to make an Elderflower Collins.
• Colonel Collins (aka Bourbon Collins)
  Swapping Gin for Bourbon, the Colonel Collins is a delightful variation of the Tom Collins where the Lemon and Bourbon combine beautifully to create a fantastic late-night sipper. Take a look at our Colonel Collins recipe.
• Brandy Collins
  Prefer Cognac to Gin? Simply follow the Tom Collins recipe on this page but swap the Gin for Cognac for a completely different taste profile. Discover how to make a Brandy Collins.
• Rum Collins
  Or maybe you prefer the taste of Cuban Rum instead of Gin, Bourbon or Brandy? Whatever the case may be, this deliciously rich Rum variation of a classic Tom Collins is highly recommended. Here’s how to make a Rum Collins.
• Raspberry Collins
  Now, here’s a variation that’s unique and differs quite wildly from the original.It mixes Absolut Raspberri (Raspberry-Flavored Vodka), Black Raspberry Liqueur and Lemon Juice, topped off with Soda Water and garnished with Fresh Raspberries instead of Lemon and Cherry. Summer is always around when you’re sipping a Raspberry Collins.Check out our recipe for a Raspberry Collins.
• Absolut Mandrin Collins
  The Absolut Mandrin Collins elevates the citrus flavors of a classic Tom Collins by blending Lemon Juice with the rich, mature Mandarin notes of Absolut Mandrin (Mandarin-Flavored Vodka). Garnished with both a Lemon Wedge and an Orange Wedge, this Tom Collins variation is so citrusy good. Here’s how to make an Absolut Mandrin Collins.
• Orange Blossom Collins
  This variation gives the Tom Collins fruity and juicy twist mixing Gin, Fresh Pressed Orange Juice, Simple Syrup and Soda Water. Another summer essential! Here’s our recipe for an Orange Blossom Collins.
• Joe Collins
  Here’s another Tom Collins variation with Vodka instead of Gin. But that’s not all, it also mixes Fresh Lime Juice in addition to Lemon Juice and a dash of Bitters for a truly unique and citrusy variation. Sip and enjoy! Here’s how to make a Joe Collins.
• Passionfruit Collins
  A personal favorite, the Passionfruit Collins mixes the deliciousness of Absolut Passionfruit Vodka together with Fresh Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup, Passionfruit Liqueur and Soda Water. If you have a passion for Passion Fruit, this is your drink. Discover our Passionfruit Collins recipe.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Tom Collins

Few cocktails have a glass named after them, but the Tom Collins does. That’s why a Tom Collins should be served in nothing less than a Collins Glass, of course.

Rico likes to garnish a Tom Collins with Lemon Zest, but he says you can switch it up with Orange or any zest you prefer. Since the cocktail rocks Lemon Juice, adding Lemon Zest heightens the experience, perfectly blending the look and taste of this classic drink.