Learn how to craft the ultimate Tom Collins with fresh lemon juice, gin, and sparkling soda. This classic cocktail is crisp, refreshing, and easy to make at home. Perfect for any occasion!
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60 ml) Gin (London Dry style recommended)
- 1 oz (30 ml) Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) Simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
- 4-6 oz (120-180 ml) Chilled Club Soda
- Lemon wheel or wedge, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Equipment:
- Collins glass (tall, narrow glass)
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Bar spoon (optional)
Instructions with Step-by-Step Descriptions (Imagine these as accompanying pictures):
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Glass
- Description: Arrange all your ingredients on a clean surface: gin, fresh lemon, simple syrup, club soda, lemon wheel/wedge, optional cherry, and ice. Have your Collins glass and measuring tools ready.
Step 2: Add Gin, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup to the Shaker
- Description: Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. Using your jigger, carefully measure 2 oz of gin and pour it into the shaker.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
- Description: Measure 1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice and add it to the shaker. Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best flavor.
Step 4: Add Simple Syrup
- Description: Measure ½ oz of simple syrup and add it to the shaker. Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your preference based on the sweetness of your lemon juice and your taste.
Step 5: Shake Well
- Description: Secure the lid tightly on the cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled. This chills and slightly dilutes the drink.
Step 6: Fill the Collins Glass with Ice
- Description: Fill your Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
Step 7: Strain the Drink into the Glass
- Description: Remove the lid from the shaker and place a strainer over the opening. Pour the chilled drink into the ice-filled Collins glass.
Step 8: Top with Club Soda
- Description: Slowly pour chilled club soda into the glass, leaving a little space at the top. The amount will vary depending on the size of your glass, but aim for 4-6 oz. The drink should become effervescent.
Step 9: Gently Stir (Optional)
- Description: Use a bar spoon to gently lift the mixture from the bottom of the glass once or twice to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as this can cause the club soda to lose its fizz.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
- Description: Garnish your Tom Collins with a lemon wheel or wedge placed on the rim of the glass. If desired, add a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Tom Collins!
Variations (You can imagine different base spirits being shown):
- John Collins: Substitute whiskey (typically bourbon or rye) for gin.
- Vodka Collins: Substitute vodka for gin.
- Rum Collins: Substitute light rum for gin.
- Tequila Collins: Substitute tequila (blanco or reposado) for gin.
Enjoy making and sipping your classic Collins cocktail!
