Tom Collins Guide – Balancing Gin, Lemon, Sugar and Soda

The Tom Collins is a classic sparkling gin cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon, sugar and soda. It is simple, but depends on a clean balance between acidity and sweetness.

Tom Collins recipe

• 50 ml gin
• 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 20 ml sugar syrup
• 60–100 ml soda
• ice cubes

Shake gin, lemon and syrup briefly with ice. Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice, top with cold soda and stir gently once.

Why shake before soda?

Gin, lemon and sugar need chilling and integration. Soda should never go into the shaker because carbonation creates pressure and is quickly lost.

Which gin?

A classic London Dry works well because juniper and citrus stand up to acidity and soda. More floral gins make a softer variation.

Which glass?

A Collins or highball around 300–450 ml is ideal. See the RCR Timeless Highball 44 cl or browse highball glasses.

Soda and bubbles

Use ice-cold soda and top just before serving. An iSi Classic Sodamaker can be useful if you make soda in-house.

Fresh lemon

Freshly squeezed lemon gives cleaner acidity than juice that has been sitting. A steel citrus press makes regular prep easier.

FAQ

What is the difference between Tom Collins and Gin Fizz?

They are closely related. Collins is typically served as a longer drink over ice, while a Fizz traditionally uses a somewhat different service style.

Can Tom Collins be built directly in the glass?

Yes, but a short shake of gin, lemon and syrup often gives better chilling and integration.