Tom Collins

One taste of this easy Tom Collins cocktail will confirm why it deserves its own special glass. While a drink like this is usually only entrusted to an experienced bartender, this simple cocktail recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients and easily stirred or shaken up at home in a cocktail shaker. The bubbly concoction yields a drink with a subtle citrusy sweetness paired with an herbaceous note from the gin. It'll become your favorite gin cocktail after just one sip!

Why is a Tom Collins served in a Collins glass?

Commonly used for sparkling cocktails, the famous Collins glass is taller and narrower than other glasses to keep carbonation from escaping—just like a champagne flute!

What is the best gin for a Tom Collins?

Everyone knows about Collins glasses, but did you know that Tom Collins cocktails used to be made with a special gin? Rather than the ubiquitous London Dry-style gin, this popular drink was originally mixed with Old Tom-style gin. A slightly sweeter gin than London Dry, Old Tom was popular in 18th century England and almost faded into history. It has seen a resurgence with the craft cocktail movement and can be found in some liquor stores. Even the staunchest London Dry companies have started making their own batches of Old Tom to follow the demand such as Tanqueray and Hayman’s. If Old Tom is not available at your local store, London Dry will definitely work since that is likely what the local bar is using. Or, talk to a local liquor store employee and try to find a brand that emphasizes botanicals such as Drumshanbo, Roku Gin, or Aviation.

What are some variations on Tom Collins?

There are all sorts of ways to utilize and substitute gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water to create an entirely new cocktail. A French 75 is a Tom Collins that substitutes soda water with sparkling wine. A gin sour omits the soda water and occasionally has an egg white shaken in. A John Collins uses whiskey instead of gin.