Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

The Classic Tom Collins is a refreshing gin cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. Its light, fizzy texture and citrusy flavor make it a favorite among cocktail lovers. Its simplicity is its strong suit, making it an easy option for home bartending.

Photos of Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

This recipe calls for Luxardo cherries and simple syrup. Luxardo cherries are a type of maraschino cherry made from Marasca cherries and are known for their intense flavor and firm texture. In comparison to your average cocktail cherry, Luxardo cherries are a gourmet ingredient that can be found in well-stocked grocery or liquor stores. Simple syrup is a basic sugar and water mixture that is commonly used in cocktails. If you don't have any on hand, it can easily be made at home.

Classic Tom Collins Cocktail Ingredients

Ice: Used to chill the drink and dilute the strong flavors slightly.

Gin: The base spirit of the cocktail, providing a botanical, juniper-forward flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, vibrant citrus note to the cocktail.

Simple syrup: A sweetener to balance out the tartness of the lemon juice.

Club soda: Adds a fizzy texture to the beverage, making it light and refreshing.

Lemon: Used both for juice and as a garnish to add a bright, tangy note.

Luxardo cherry: A gourmet garnish that adds a touch of sophistication and additional sweetness.

One reader, Aleda Oden says:

This classic Tom Collins cocktail recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a refreshing and zesty flavor. Topped with club soda, it's a delightful drink for any occasion. The garnish of lemon and cherry adds a touch of elegance. Cheers to the perfect cocktail!

Aleda Oden

Techniques Required for Making a Classic Tom Collins

How to make simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.

How to shake a cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and ingredients. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold to the touch.

How to assemble the cocktail: Fill a tall collins glass with ice. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass. Top with club soda and gently stir with a spoon.

How to garnish the cocktail: Add a lemon wheel or ½ orange wheel, and a cocktail cherry to the glass before serving.

How To Make Tom Collins Cocktail

Don’t miss out on this irresistibly refreshing and fizzy classic drink, Tom Collins, made with gin, lemon, club soda, and simple syrup.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

ice
2ozgin,such as Old Tom Gin, or Rieger’s Midwestern Dry Gin, or Hendrick’s
1ozlemon juice
½ozsimple syrup
club soda,such as Topo Chico, or sparkling water
1lemon,wheel, or ½ orange wheel, for garnish
1Luxardo cherry,or other cocktail cherry, for garnish

For Simple Syrup:

¼cupsugar,traditional, or honey
¼cupwater

Instructions

Simple Syrup:

Combine the sugar (or honey) and water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, whisking occasionally, just until the sweetener has fully dissolved into the water.
Remove the pot from the heat and set aside to cool.

Cocktail:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake for 20 to 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is really cold.

To Assemble:

Fill a tall Collins glass with ice. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass. Fill the rest of the glass with club soda, and give it a gentle stir with a spoon.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or ½ orange wheel, plus a cocktail cherry. Enjoy.

Recipe Notes

Though the cocktail shaker method yields the nicest flavor, you could skip it and mix these drinks in ice-filled glasses. Just stir together the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then add the club soda and gently stir to combine. They’ll taste stronger on the first few sips and mellow as the ice melts.

Nutrition

Calories: 412.06kcal
Fat: 0.25g
Saturated Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.06g
Carbohydrates: 69.82g
Fiber: 1.87g
Sugar: 64.38g
Protein: 0.75g
Sodium: 13.87mg
Calcium: 23.60mg
Potassium: 120.22mg
Iron: 0.93mg
Vitamin A: 0.68µg
Vitamin C: 41.71mg

Technique Tip for Achieving the Ideal Balance in a Tom Collins

When making your simple syrup, it's important to let it fully cool before using it in your cocktail. Adding hot syrup to your cold ingredients can dilute the drink and alter the desired taste. For the best results, consider making your syrup ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator. This way, it's chilled and ready to use whenever you're ready to mix your Tom Collins cocktail.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Classic Tom Collins Cocktail

Prep ahead: Prepare the simple syrup and squeeze the lemon juice in advance to save time when making the cocktail.

Use a citrus squeezer: A citrus squeezer can help you quickly and efficiently extract the juice from lemons, saving time and effort.

Organize your ingredients: Before you start, make sure all your ingredients and tools are laid out and ready to use, which will streamline the cocktail-making process.

Chill the glasses: Place the glasses in the freezer beforehand to ensure they are nice and cold when it's time to serve the cocktail.

Efficient shaking: Shake the cocktail vigorously for a shorter amount of time to achieve the same results, saving time and energy.

Substitute Ingredients For Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka can be used as a substitute for gin in a Tom Collins cocktail to create a slightly different flavor profile while still maintaining the spirit base of the drink.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice to add a slightly different citrus flavor to the cocktail.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar can be used as a substitute for simple syrup to add a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor to the cocktail.
club soda - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water can be used as a substitute for club soda to provide effervescence and a clean, crisp taste to the cocktail.
luxardo cherry - Substitute with maraschino cherry: Maraschino cherries can be used as a substitute for Luxardo cherries to provide a similar sweet and slightly tart flavor to the cocktail garnish.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar to add a natural sweetness and subtle floral notes to the cocktail.

Presentation Tips for a Picture-Perfect Tom Collins

Elevate the glassware: Choose elegant and sophisticated glassware to serve the classic Tom Collins. Opt for tall, slender collins glasses to showcase the cocktail's refreshing and effervescent nature.
Garnish with precision: Adorn the cocktail with a meticulously cut lemon wheel or a half orange wheel, ensuring that the garnish is visually appealing and adds a pop of color to the presentation.
Incorporate a Luxardo cherry: Place a single Luxardo cherry delicately on top of the cocktail as a luxurious and flavorful finishing touch, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Utilize ice artistry: Consider using clear, artisanal ice cubes or spheres to enhance the visual appeal of the cocktail, elevating the overall presentation with a touch of elegance and refinement.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the overall cleanliness and presentation of the glass, ensuring that it is spotless and free from any smudges or watermarks for a polished and professional appearance.
Strategic placement: When serving the Tom Collins, ensure that the garnishes are strategically placed to create a visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing presentation that showcases the cocktail's key elements.

Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Tom Collins

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or sauces.
Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing and chilling cocktails by shaking the ingredients with ice.
Citrus juicer: Used to extract juice from lemons for the cocktail recipe.
Collins glass: A tall glass used for serving the Tom Collins cocktail.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring cocktails.
Saucepan: Used for making simple syrup by heating sugar and water.
Strainer: Used to strain the cocktail mixture into the serving glass.
Ice: Essential for chilling the cocktail and serving it on the rocks.

Random Fact About the Origins of the Tom Collins Cocktail

The Tom Collins cocktail is believed to have originated in the 19th century and is named after a practical joke that became popular in New York City. The prank involved telling someone that a fictitious person named Tom Collins was speaking ill of them at a nearby bar, prompting the victim to go in search of Tom Collins. This playful deception became so widespread that it inspired the creation of the Tom Collins cocktail. The drink's refreshing taste and intriguing history have contributed to its enduring popularity.

Is Making a Tom Collins at Home Cost-Effective?

This classic tom collins cocktail recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, are relatively affordable and can be used for multiple cocktails. The addition of club soda and lemon as garnish are also budget-friendly. Overall, this recipe offers a refreshing and flavorful cocktail experience at a reasonable cost. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it an economical choice for a homemade cocktail.

Is the Classic Tom Collins Cocktail Healthy or Unhealthy?

The classic Tom Collins cocktail recipe is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar content from the simple syrup and potential for excessive alcohol consumption. While the lemon juice does provide some vitamin C, the overall nutritional value of the drink is limited. The main concerns with this cocktail are:

High sugar content from the simple syrup, which can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease when consumed in excess
Alcohol content, as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and increased risk of certain cancers

To make this cocktail healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of simple syrup used or replace it with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol
Use a higher quality, organic gin to minimize the intake of potential impurities and additives
Increase the amount of lemon juice to boost the vitamin C content and provide a more balanced flavor profile
Add a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice for an extra dose of antioxidants and a subtle tartness
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, which contains beneficial compounds like rosmarinic acid and can aid in digestion
Practice moderation and limit your intake to one or two cocktails per sitting to minimize the potential negative health effects of alcohol consumption

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a slightly healthier version of the classic Tom Collins cocktail without sacrificing too much in terms of taste and enjoyment. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to consuming alcoholic beverages, and it's always best to prioritize your overall health and well-being.

Editor's Thoughts on the Timeless Appeal of the Tom Collins

This classic Tom Collins cocktail recipe is a timeless favorite that perfectly balances the crispness of gin with the zing of fresh lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup. The addition of club soda adds a refreshing effervescence, while the garnish of a lemon wheel and Luxardo cherry provides a delightful visual appeal. The simple syrup is easy to prepare and adds a touch of sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Overall, this recipe is a delightful and refreshing choice for any occasion. Cheers!

Enhance Your Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Wings: Crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha glaze, perfect for dipping.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa: Freshly grilled pineapple chunks mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a sweet and tangy salsa with a smoky twist.

Other Classic Cocktails Similar to the Tom Collins

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a colorful and healthy addition to any meal. With a mix of your favorite fruits, it's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and flavorful mushroom risotto that's perfect for a special dinner at home. The rich and earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the creamy rice will leave you wanting more.

Why trust this Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe:

This recipe is a timeless classic, crafted with precision and expertise. The gin lends a sophisticated depth, while the fresh lemon juice and homemade simple syrup balance the flavors perfectly. The addition of club soda adds a refreshing effervescence, enhancing the overall drinking experience. The garnish of lemon and luxardo cherry provides a visual and flavorful flourish. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail in the preparation, ensuring a delightful and authentic Tom Collins experience.

Share your thoughts on the Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe in the Ingredients Spotlight forum section and let us know how you make this classic drink!

FAQ:

What type of gin should I use for the classic Tom Collins cocktail?

You can use any type of gin for the classic Tom Collins cocktail. However, a London dry gin is traditionally used for this cocktail, as it provides a balanced and crisp flavor.

Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice in the Tom Collins cocktail?

While the classic recipe calls for lemon juice, you can certainly use lime juice as a substitute if you prefer the flavor. It will give the cocktail a slightly different citrusy twist.

How can I make the simple syrup for the Tom Collins cocktail?

To make simple syrup, combine equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved. Then, let it cool before using it in the cocktail.

What is the best way to garnish the Tom Collins cocktail?

A classic garnish for the Tom Collins cocktail is a lemon wheel or a half orange wheel, along with a luxardo cherry. This adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness to the drink.

Can I prepare the Tom Collins cocktail ahead of time for a party?

While it's best to mix the cocktail just before serving to enjoy its freshness, you can prepare a large batch of the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pour the mixture over ice, top with club soda, and garnish as desired.