Tom Collins
cocktailginsourfruitysweet

Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a refreshing classic that perfectly balances the zesty brightness of lemon with the smooth botanicals of gin. Topped with bubbly club soda and garnished with a cherry and orange slice, it's the ideal sip for sunny days and lively gatherings!

5 min
easy
highball glass

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Lemon juice
  • 1 tsp superfine Sugar
  • 3 oz Club soda
  • 1 Maraschino cherry
  • 1 Orange
Garnish: 1 Maraschino cherry, 1 Orange

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar

  2. 2

    Shake well

  3. 3

    Strain into a collins glass alomst filled with ice cubes

  4. 4

    Add the club soda

  5. 5

    Stir and garnish with the cherry and the orange slice.

Pro Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, try using freshly squeezed lemon juice and a high-quality gin. If you're feeling adventurous, add a dash of bitters for a unique twist!

The Story Behind the Tom Collins

The Tom Collins cocktail dates back to the late 19th century and is believed to have originated in the United States. It gained popularity during the "Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874," a practical joke that spread across New York City, where people would ask for Tom Collins, a fictitious person, at bars. The drink itself became a staple, known for its refreshing and effervescent qualities.

What Pairs Well

Food Pairings

  • 🍽️
    Grilled shrimp skewers

    The citrusy notes of the Tom Collins complement the smoky, savory flavors of grilled shrimp perfectly.

  • 🍽️
    Caprese salad

    The fresh, vibrant flavors of tomatoes and basil in a Caprese salad pair beautifully with the gin and lemon in a Tom Collins.

  • 🍽️
    Lemon tart

    A lemon tart enhances the zesty lemon notes in the cocktail, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.

Perfect For

  • Summer picnic

    A Tom Collins is light and refreshing, making it the perfect companion for a sunny day picnic.

  • Brunch with friends

    Its bubbly and fruity profile makes it a delightful choice for a leisurely brunch gathering.

  • Beach bonfire

    The refreshing nature of a Tom Collins is ideal for sipping by the sea as the sun sets.

  • Celebrating a promotion

    Raise a glass of Tom Collins to toast your success with its celebratory fizz and citrusy zest.

Fun Facts

  • The Tom Collins was part of a famous hoax in 1874, where people would claim to have seen a man named Tom Collins, leading to widespread confusion and amusement.

  • The cocktail is traditionally served in a tall glass known as a 'Collins glass,' which is specifically named after the drink.

  • The Tom Collins is often confused with a John Collins, which uses whiskey instead of gin.

Make This Drink with Tom or Tina

Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!