Justin’s Cocktails

Gin

Tom Collins

Spirit-Based · 1 serving · Serve: Collins glass

ginsodaclassicsummer

StrengthGentle Boozy
TasteSweet Dry / Sour

The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail dating back to the 1870s, named after what may have been an elaborate practical joke that swept New York and Philadelphia. This refreshing, tall drink combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar, topped with soda water for a bright, effervescent finish. Often described as a "sparkling gin lemonade," the Tom Collins is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spirit, making it an enduring favorite for warm weather. Its simplicity and refreshing character have made it a staple in cocktail culture for over 150 years, spawning numerous variations and inspiring an entire category of "Collins" drinks.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz Semi-rich simple syrup (1.5:1 sugar to water)
  • 2-3 oz Soda water
  • Garnish: Lemon wheel
  • Garnish: Cocktail cherry

Directions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake quickly for about 5 seconds (a short shake is traditional for this drink).
  4. Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.
  5. Strain the mixture into the Collins glass while simultaneously adding 2-3 oz of soda water.
  6. Gently stir to combine.
  7. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cocktail cherry.

Semi-Rich Simple Syrup

  1. Combine 1.5 parts sugar with 1 part water in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Allow to cool before using.
  4. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes/Tips

The Tom Collins traditionally calls for Old Tom gin, a slightly sweeter style of gin that was popular in the 18th century. However, London Dry gin is commonly used in modern recipes. For an authentic experience, seek out an Old Tom gin if available.

The "semi-rich" simple syrup (1.5:1 ratio of sugar to water) provides a silkier texture and more concentrated sweetness than standard simple syrup, but you can substitute regular 1:1 simple syrup if preferred.

For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.

Goes well with

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