If you’re looking for a quick and delicious cocktail recipe, this Tom Collins cocktail is just what you need. It’s ready in minutes, and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
I’m a big fan of gin cocktails – especially in the summertime. I find them to be so light and refreshing compared to other heavy liquors and beers.
This Blackberry Ginger Gin cocktail is one of my all-time favorite drinks. And I even put gin in my dessert sometimes – check out these Gin and Tonic Lemon Tarts!
I’ve recently rediscovered the classic Tom Collins, a drink with a much-debated origin, and have fallen in love.
This super simple Tom Collins recipe doesn’t require a cocktail shaker or any fancy equpment. Everything you’ll need is probably already in your kitchen.
This Tom Collins cocktail recipe is:
- super easy
- vegan
- vegetarian
- gluten-free
- ready in 5 minutes!
While you’re here, be sure to snag this free printable e-book with my favorite cocktail recipes!
What’s in a Tom Collins?
A Tom Collins is made from:
- Gin
- Club Soda
- Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Fruit Garnish, such as orange or lemon slices
How to Make a Tom Collins Cocktail
- Add ice, cane sugar, and gin to a glass.
- Squeeze lemon over the ice.
- Add an orange slice and soda water.
- Stir, and drink!
Scroll down for the full recipe with measurements and detailed instructions.
Tom Collins Variations
Jim Collins
If you want to mix it up a little, add a little maraschino liqueur (or this maraschino syrup) to your Tom collins.
This makes it a “Jim Collins” and gives it a tasty bit of cherry flavor.
Juan Collins
If you want to take a trip south of the border, try the Juan Collins cocktail.
Just switch out your lemon for lime, and swap your gin for tequila. It’s a whole new spin – and perfect for pairing with Mexican food!
John Collins
And finally there’s the John Collins cocktail. To make this drink, just swap your gin for bourbon whiskey. It has a much deeper – and stronger – flavor!
Rose & Cucumber Collins
This homemade cocktail is my own creation. It’s made with refreshing cucumber slices, and a homemade rosewater syrup. Grab the recipe here.
Cucumber & Elderflower Collins
And another one of my own cocktail creations, this delicious drink is made with fresh cucumbers, elderflower liquer, and a spring of mint. Grab the recipe here.
Tips & Tricks
Mix up the Fruit
Orange or lemon slices are the traditional accompaniment to a Tom Collins. But yuo can feel free to get creative.
Try garnishing your drink with whatver fruit is in season near you – strawberries and blueberries are a delicious choice!
Never run out of club soda!
We’re guilty of drinking a lot of mixed drinks in our house – especially in the summer time. That’s why we have one of these awesome little Sodastream machines, which sits proudly next to my coffee maker.
It’s super handy to never run out of soda water – I drink it throughout the day with a squeeze of lime juice to stay hydrated too!
Still thirsty?
Check out all my favorite cocktail recipes right here. A few favorites you might enjoy are:
And don’t forget to grab these free printable cocktail recipes while you’re here! It’s all my favorite drinks in one handy printable.
Recipe
Tom Collins Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 tsp cane sugar
- 2 oz gin
- 1 tsp lemon juice 1 slice squeezed
- 1 orange slice
- 3 oz soda water
Instructions
- Add ice, cane sugar, and gin to drinking glass.
- Squeeze lemon juice into the glass.
- Add an orange slice.
- Add soda water.
- Stir and serve.
What Do You Think?