A classic gin cocktail, this Tom Collins recipe is made with fresh orange and lemon juice then topped with sparkling club soda. The ultimate party drink!

In this Post: Everything you need for Classic Tom Collins
The entertaining season is right around the corner so I thought it might be a good time to finally share one of my all-time favorite cocktail recipes: the Tom Collins. Made with gin, citrus juice, club soda and a little sugar, it is refreshing, effervescent and not too sweet.

I’m a huge fan of keeping cold foods cold and hot foods hot so I absolutely love serving this Tom Collins cocktail in my Moscow Mule mugs. You can find them on Amazon and they will keep your drink (and your gin!) nice and cold.

I love adding a fresh herb garnish to my drink like the Thai basil leaves pictured above but mint or thyme would work too. Of course, the cocktail will be just as delicious without it so don’t worry if you don’t have any fresh herbs on hand. In fact, it would be just as tasty with a few pomegranate seeds sprinkled about.

Made with fresh lemon and lime juice and just a splash of simple syrup, each sip of this classic Tom Collins gin cocktail is better than the last. If you’re looking for another amazing cocktail try my New Orleans Hurricane Cocktail!
Your straw is waiting.

Classic Tom Collins
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gin
- 2 oranges juiced
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 lemon juiced
- ¼ cup cooled simple syrup (see below)
- 12 ounces club soda
- lime wedges and fresh herbs ((i.e. mint,thyme, basil) – optional garnish)
Simple Syrup
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- To make the simple syrup, place the sugar and water in a microwavable bowl or liquid measuring cup and heat on high for 60 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir until sugar is dissolved. Let cool.
- Place the first five ingredients in a large pitcher (gin through lemon juice) and stir well.
- Fill four cocktail glasses or copper mugs with ice. Pour in gin mixture until glass is 3/4 full.
- Top each glass off with club soda then garnish with lime and herbs to serve.
Nutrition
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Sounds good but is not the “Classic” Tom Collins as the name inplies.
The classic contains only gin (Old Tom gin in the original), lemon juice, simple syrup (or sugar) and soda.
Good to know! That sounds delicious!
This was absolutely wonderful and better than any I have ever had at a restaurant or at an event where they use a mix (horror….shudders). Thank You :-)
That makes me so happy! glad you enjoyed!