Tom Collins
A timeless and refreshing gin highball, the Tom Collins is a perfect balance of tart lemon, sweet sugar, and botanical gin, lengthened with fizzy club soda. It is essentially a sparkling lemonade spiked with gin, served tall over ice.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by fresh lemon zest and the botanical pine of the gin. On the palate, the flavor is sharp and acidic, balanced by a light sweetness that tapers off quickly. The mouthfeel is carbonated and light, finishing with a crisp, dry citrus note.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Gin2 oz
- Lemon Juice1 oz
- Superfine Sugar1 tsp
- Club Soda3 oz
- Maraschino Cherry1 whole
- Orange1 slice
Preparation
- 1
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- 2
Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and superfine sugar to the shaker.
- 3
Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and the sugar has dissolved.
- 4
Strain the liquid into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- 5
Top with the club soda.
- 6
Stir gently to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.
- 7
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange.
Substitutions
- GinVodka — This creates a Vodka Collins, removing the pine and herbal notes for a more neutral taste.
- Superfine SugarSimple Syrup — Syrup integrates more easily into the cold drink and ensures a consistent level of sweetness.
- Lemon JuiceLime Juice — Substituting lime adds a sharper, more tropical acidity to the drink's profile.
- Club SodaSparkling Mineral Water — Mineral water provides a slightly softer carbonation and a faint mineral saltiness to the finish.
Variations
John Collins
Replace the gin with bourbon or rye whiskey to introduce notes of oak, vanilla, and spice.
Elderflower Collins
Use elderflower liqueur instead of sugar to add a floral, honey-like sweetness to the beverage.