Sip on a cocktail legend with this quick and easy recipe for a light and fizzy gin-based drink that began as an elaborate joke!
Tom Collins was never a real person. This cocktail and its name emerged from a playful joke known as the “Tom Collins hoax” of 1874. Pranksters in New York and Philadelphia would ask unsuspecting bar goers if they’d heard what “Tom Collins” was saying about them. The trusting targets would then go from bar to bar searching for the nonexistent provocateur—only to be met with further jokes or confusion. Bartenders soon began serving a gin-based, lemony, fizzy cocktail to anyone asking for the fictional character, and the drink’s name quickly caught on. By the late 19th century, recipes for the Tom Collins appeared in bartending guides, solidifying its reputation as a refreshing highball and adding a playful, uniquely American twist to cocktail history.
This recipe for a classic Tom Collins is a serious take on that humorous history. It streamlines the traditional ingredients to deliver tart, herbaceous, and slightly sweet notes in every bubbly sip. Serve this cocktail anytime you want clean refreshment with a zesty kick and a charming origin story.
Glassware matters: Collins vs. highball glass
You can use any tall, narrow, cylindrical glass for your Tom Collins—but I highly recommend a Collins glass. It was designed specifically for the entire family of “Collins” drinks that all share a similar formula: a base spirit, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, served long over ice. Members include the vodka, rum, tequila, and brandy Collins, all of which swap gin for their eponymous liquors. There’s also the John Collins that uses bourbon or whiskey, the Michael Collins with Irish whiskey, and the Jack Collins with French apple brandy.
The Collins glass differs from other glassware in height and capacity. A highball glass typically holds eight to 12 ounces, where a Collins glass can accommodate 10 to 14 ounces. This design allows for a larger amount of ice and mixer, keeping drinks cold and fizzy longer. Collins glasses also provide a more elegant presentation than shorter, broader glasses.
How do I store leftovers?
A fully assembled Tom Collins cocktail does not store well. The carbonation of the soda dissipates quickly, and melting ice will dilute the drink, so keep its components separate until you’re ready to serve. To prep ahead for a party, you can mix together the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then store the mixture in a well-sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Pour individual portions over fresh ice, add club soda, stir, and garnish just before serving.
Serving suggestions
The crisp and bubbly character of a Tom Collins makes a great pairing with a wide range of dishes. From spicy appetizers like Jalapeño Poppers to sweet-and-savory entrées like Honey-Lemon Chicken to fruity desserts like Peach Cobbler and Lemon Pie, there’s no end to the possibilities with this versatile cocktail!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3/4 to 1 ounce simple syrup to taste
- Club soda about 3-4 ounces, to taste
- Lemon wheel, maraschino cherry optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Cover and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and/or maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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