Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Tom Collins

A classic gin highball that is bright, citrusy, and fizzy with an easy, balanced homemade recipe.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8 (214)
A classic Tom Collins in a tall Collins glass with clear ice, a lemon wheel, and a maraschino cherry on a wooden kitchen counter with soft natural light
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If there is one cocktail that consistently feels like a reset button, it is the Tom Collins. It is lemony and bright, lightly sweet, and finished with that fizzy lift that makes you want to take another sip before you even set the glass down. It is also wildly forgiving, which is my favorite kind of classic.

This version sticks to the classic vibe: gin, fresh lemon, sugar, and club soda over ice. (Historically, you will also see Old Tom gin or different sugar formats mentioned, but the modern home version is the same refreshing idea.) No weird ingredients, no fussy technique, and no need to turn your kitchen into a craft cocktail lab. We are going for crisp, refreshing, and loose enough that you can riff once you have the basics down.

Gin, fresh lemons, simple syrup in a small jar, and a bottle of club soda arranged on a clean kitchen counter with a cutting board

Why It Works

  • Bright, balanced citrus: Fresh lemon brings the snap, simple syrup rounds the edges.
  • Effortlessly fizzy: Club soda keeps it light and refreshing instead of heavy and boozy.
  • Fast and repeatable: Once you learn the ratio, you can make one without thinking too hard.
  • Easy to adjust: More tart, more sweet, or a touch stronger, you are in control.

Pairs Well With

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Storage Tips

Tom Collins drinks are best made fresh because the bubbles matter. That said, you can prep the Collins base ahead of time.

Make-ahead option

  • Mix and chill: Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a jar. Refrigerate up to 1 day, best within 12 to 24 hours.
  • Finish to order: Pour over ice and top with club soda right before serving.
  • Batching tip: If you are making a pitcher, keep the club soda separate and let everyone top their own glass so it stays fizzy.

Leftover lemon

  • Wrap cut lemons tightly or store wedges in an airtight container. Use within 2 to 3 days for best flavor.

Common Questions

What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a Gin Fizz?

They are cousins. A Tom Collins is typically built as a tall drink and finished with club soda in a Collins glass. A Gin Fizz is usually served shorter and is shaken hard for a lighter texture, and some variations (like a Silver Fizz) include egg white for a foamy top. If you want tall and breezy, go Collins.

Do I have to use a cocktail shaker?

No. A shaker gives you a colder drink and better dilution, but you can stir the gin, lemon, and simple syrup in the glass with ice, then top with soda. It will still taste great.

What gin works best?

A London Dry style gin is the classic move, but any gin you like will work. Historically, some Tom Collins recipes call for Old Tom gin, which is a touch softer and sweeter. Use what you have and adjust the syrup to taste.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You can, but fresh lemon is the whole point here. Bottled juice tends to taste flatter and can lean bitter. If you are already squeezing one lemon, you are basically done.

How do I make it less sweet or more sweet?

Start with the recipe as written, then adjust the simple syrup by 1 teaspoon at a time. Lemon varies a lot, so tasting is not optional. It is encouraged.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes. Swap gin for a non-alcoholic spirit, or use extra club soda plus a splash of tonic or a few bruised herbs like mint. Keep the lemon and syrup ratio similar and adjust to taste.

I used to think classic cocktails were like dress codes. Either you knew the rules or you stayed out of the room. Then I started making Tom Collins at home and realized it is basically the friendliest classic in the book. It tastes like sunshine, it forgives imperfect measuring, and it makes any random Tuesday feel like you planned something fun on purpose. If you keep lemons and soda around, you are never far from a good idea.