Tom Collins
A tall, sparkling gin sour lengthened with soda; the citrus, syrup and soda mean batching the spirit base separately keeps the carbonation crisp at serve.
Set servings & plan this recipe →
How to make it
Built in the glass · Medium · about 2 minutes
- 1
Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to the collins glass and fill with ice.
- 2
Top with the soda water.
- 3
Stir gently to combine.
- 4
Garnish with lemon wheel and cherry.
Tools you'll need
Making a batch for a party?
This example makes 12 servings with added water at 0% of the full recipe volume before dilution. This is a planning assumption; water from ice at service is not predicted. Edit this recipe and create a purchase sheet → See the pre-calculated 20-serve batch →
| Ingredient | × 12 | mL |
|---|---|---|
| Gin | 24.0 oz | 710 |
| Lemon juice | 12.0 oz | 355 |
| Simple syrup | 6.0 oz | 177 |
| Soda water | 24.0 oz | 710 |
BatchPour tools produce estimates for planning purposes only. Actual dilution, ABV, and ingredient yields vary by technique, ice temperature, and produce. Always taste and adjust. Drink responsibly.
If you like the Tom Collins, try…
Negroni
ginEqual parts, stirred — the quintessential stirred batch cocktail.
French 75
ginGin, lemon, simple syrup, topped with champagne — festive and elegant.
Gimlet
ginGin and lime — clean, tart, and excellent batched.
Dry Martini
ginThe benchmark gin-and-vermouth stirred cocktail; all-spirit and crystal clear, it batches beautifully since precise dilution is the only variable to control.
Tom Collins FAQ
What's in a Tom Collins?
A classic Tom Collins is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water. It's built in the glass and served in a collins glass.
What is the ABV of a Tom Collins?
The listed ingredients calculate to approximately 14.5% ABV before added water or ice melt, with approximately 1.33 US standard drinks per serving. Water lowers the concentration but does not change the alcohol quantity.
Should I shake or stir a Tom Collins?
Neither — the Tom Collins is built right in the glass, so no shaker or mixing glass is needed.
How do I batch Tom Collinss for a party?
Scale each ingredient by your number of servings. Open this recipe in the batch planner to choose added water, package sizes and ingredients to hold for service. Preset water percentages are planning assumptions applied to all recipe liquid before dilution, not predictions of ice melt.