Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a carbonated gin sour that dates to the 19th century and remains a standard in the classic cocktail canon. Built with gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and soda water, it follows a simple template: spirit, citrus, sweetener and effervescence served tall over ice. The drink gained widespread popularity in the 1870s during the so-called “Tom Collins Hoax,” a practical joke that helped cement its name in American bar culture. Its formula later appeared in Jerry Thomas’ 1876 edition of "The Bartender’s Guide," formalizing the recipe.

Structurally, the Tom Collins sits between a Gin Sour and a highball. The citrus provides brightness and acidity, sugar tempers sharpness, and soda water lengthens the drink while keeping it light and refreshing. London Dry gin is traditional, delivering juniper-forward structure that cuts through the lemon. Contemporary gins can shift the balance depending on their botanical profile, but clarity and restraint are key. Proper dilution and fresh ingredients determine whether the drink feels crisp or flat.

Served in a tall Collins glass, the cocktail is designed for warm weather and extended sipping. Its proportions can be adjusted to emphasize acidity, sweetness or effervescence, but the foundation remains consistent: a bright, balanced gin highball with fresh citrus at its core.