Tom Collins

Ingredients

• 2 oz Gin (traditionally London Dry, but Hendrick's offers a lovely cucumber-rose variation)
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• ¾ oz Simple Syrup
• 3-4 oz Club Soda (Sparkling Water)
• Garnish: Lemon Wheel
• Garnish: Maraschino Cherry

Instructions

1. Build in Glass: Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a Collins glass filled with ice.
2. Top & Mix: Pour in club soda and stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
3. Garnish: Add a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry for the classic presentation.

Bartender's Notes

The Tom Collins has been refreshing palates since the 1870s, earning its place in the International Bartenders Association's "unforgettable" cocktail category. While traditionally made with London Dry gin for its juniper-forward profile, this versatile cocktail welcomes experimentation.

Hendrick's gin creates a more floral variation, while botanical-forward gins like The Botanist enhance the aromatic complexity. For the best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice—the bottled variety simply can't match the bright, clean flavor that makes this cocktail shine.

For a modern twist, try infusing your simple syrup with herbs like thyme or rosemary, which complement the botanical notes in the gin beautifully. The perfect Tom Collins should taste like sophisticated, adult lemonade—refreshing enough for a summer day but complex enough for year-round enjoyment.