How to Make a Classic Tom Collins Cocktail

If you’re looking for a refreshing summer cocktail that’s easy to make, look no further than the Tom Collins. This classic drink has been popular for over a century for good reason – it’s simple, delicious, and perfect for sipping on a hot day. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a perfect Tom Collins, so you can impress your friends and family with your mixology skills.

First, let’s talk about what a Tom Collins is. It’s a fizzy, citrusy drink that’s made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Some people also like to add a splash of orange liqueur for extra flavor. The drink is traditionally served in a tall glass over ice, garnished with a lemon wedge and a cherry. Despite its simplicity, it’s a beloved cocktail that’s sure to please everyone from cocktail connoisseurs to casual drinkers. So, let’s get mixing!

Ingredients for a Tasty Tom Collins

A Tom Collins is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for a warm day. With its sweet and sour taste, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients needed to make the perfect Tom Collins.

Gin

The first ingredient you’ll need for a Tom Collins is gin. This is a clear alcohol made from juniper berries and is the base for many classic cocktails. There are many different types of gin available, each with its own unique flavor profile, so it’s important to choose one that you enjoy drinking.

Lemon Juice

The sour component of a Tom Collins comes from fresh lemon juice. It’s important to use fresh squeezed lemon juice, as opposed to bottled, for the best flavor. You’ll need about one ounce of lemon juice per cocktail.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water that’s been heated until the sugar has dissolved. It’s used to sweeten many cocktails, including the Tom Collins. You can make your own simple syrup at home by heating one cup of water and one cup of sugar in a saucepan until the sugar has dissolved.

Soda Water

Soda water is used to give the Tom Collins its fizz. You’ll need about three ounces of soda water per cocktail. Make sure to use chilled soda water to keep your cocktail cold and refreshing.

Ice

Ice is an important element of any cocktail, and the Tom Collins is no exception. You’ll need plenty of ice to keep your cocktail cold while you’re sipping it.

Lemon Twist and Cherry

Garnishes are a great way to add a little extra flair to your Tom Collins. A lemon twist and cherry are classic garnishes for this cocktail. Simply twist a strip of lemon peel over the cocktail to release the essential oils, and drop a cherry into the glass.

Cocktail Shaker

To mix your Tom Collins, you’ll need a cocktail shaker. This can be a traditional shaker with a strainer built in, or a mason jar with a strainer added to the lid. Whichever type of shaker you choose, make sure it’s large enough to hold all of your ingredients.

Jigger

A jigger is a small measuring cup used for measuring alcohol and other ingredients in cocktails. For a Tom Collins, you’ll need a jigger to measure out the gin and lemon juice.

Cocktail Glass

Finally, you’ll need a cocktail glass to serve your Tom Collins in. A tall, narrow glass, such as a Collins glass or highball glass, is the perfect vessel for this cocktail.

Putting it All Together

Now that you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to make your Tom Collins! In the next section, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this classic cocktail.

10 Easy Steps to Making a Delicious Tom Collins

Looking for a refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make, yet sophisticated and tasty? Look no further than the Tom Collins, a classic drink that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple cocktail is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and club soda for a drink that’s refreshing, fizzy, and downright delicious. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of making a perfect Tom Collins at home.

1. Start with high-quality ingredients

Like any great cocktail, the Tom Collins relies on the quality of its ingredients. Start by selecting a high-quality gin that you enjoy, and fresh lemons for the perfect citrus flavor.

2. Gather your supplies

To make a Tom Collins, you’ll need a few supplies, including a cocktail shaker, a strainer, Collins glasses, fresh lemons, and gin. Don’t forget ice and club soda!

3. Prep your glass

Before you start mixing your drink, prep your glass by filling it with ice. This will help keep your drink cold, and dilute the drink slightly as the ice melts.

4. Add gin to the shaker

Measure out two ounces of gin and add it to your cocktail shaker. This will be the base of your drink, giving it its signature flavor.

5. Add lemon juice

Next, add one ounce of fresh lemon juice to the cocktail shaker. The lemon juice will balance out the strong flavor of the gin, while adding a refreshing citrus note.

6. Add sugar

To sweeten your drink, add ¾ ounces of sugar to the cocktail shaker. You can use simple syrup or granulated sugar, depending on what you have on hand.

7. Shake it up

Close the shaker and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds, until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. The shaking process will help infuse the flavors of the gin, lemon, and sugar.

8. Strain into a Collins glass

Using a strainer, pour the cocktail mix into your Collins glass over the prepared ice. A Collins glass is tall and skinny, which is perfect for keeping your drink fizzy and refreshing.

9. Top with club soda

To finish off your Tom Collins, add club soda to the glass, filling it almost to the top. This will add a bubbly texture to the drink, giving it a refreshing finish.

10. Garnish and Enjoy

The final step is to garnish the drink with a lemon wheel or twist for a pop of color. Sip and enjoy your cool, refreshing Tom Collins on a hot summer day, or any day that needs a little pick-me-up. Cheers!

Mixing the Tom Collins Recipe

Now that you have gathered all of the ingredients, it’s time for the fun part – mixing the Tom Collins recipe! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Tom Collins drink.

Step 1: Fill the Glass with Ice

Before you start mixing the ingredients, fill a highball glass with ice. This will keep your drink nice and cold throughout.

Step 2: Add Gin to the Glass

Pour 2 ounces of gin into the glass on top of the ice. The gin is the base spirit of the Tom Collins and provides a unique, refreshing flavor.

Step 3: Squeeze the Lemon Juice

Next, you’ll want to add some fresh lemon juice to the mix. Squeeze the juice from half of a lemon into the glass.

Step 4: Add Simple Syrup or Sugar

To sweeten up the drink, add a tablespoon of simple syrup or sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use honey or agave nectar instead.

Step 5: Top with Soda Water

Finally, top off the glass with soda water. You can pour the water straight into the glass, or you can mix it in a separate shaker with the rest of the ingredients before pouring it into the glass.

After following these simple steps, give the drink a good stir to fully mix in all of the ingredients. You can also add a garnish such as a lemon wedge or cherry on top to give the drink an extra pop of color and flavor.

Now you know how to make the classic Tom Collins cocktail! With its refreshing and sweet taste, it’s the perfect drink for any occasion. So why not invite your friends over and impress them with your amazing bartending skills? Cheers!

Enjoy Your Tom Collins!

Now that you’ve learned how to make a refreshing Tom Collins, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your creation. Whether you’re sipping it alone or with friends, this classic cocktail is sure to be a hit. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to visit us again for more exciting recipes and tips. Cheers!