Oh, the Tom Collins! Just saying the name makes me feel a little lighter, a little more ready for sunshine. There’s something so utterly perfect about a crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda on a warm afternoon. It’s a true classic, isn’t it?
This isn’t a fussy drink at all. It’s built on simple things you likely have around: gin, fresh lemon juice, a touch of sweetness, and bubbly club soda. That’s it! But when they all come together, magic happens in that tall glass.
I remember the first time I had a really good one. It was at a little place by the beach, and the bartender used fresh lemons right in front of me. The vibrant citrus smell hit me first, then that lovely fizz. It was so clean and refreshing, not heavy or overly sweet. It just tasted like pure summer.
For me, making a crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda at home brings back that same feeling. It’s my go-to when I want something easy but still feels special. It’s the kind of drink you can sip slowly while chatting with friends or just enjoying a quiet moment. Ready to mix one up?
Why do I keep coming back to a crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda? Let me tell you!
- It’s so easy to make. Seriously, just a few simple steps.
- The taste is incredibly refreshing. That lemon and gin combo with the fizz is just perfect.
- It’s a timeless classic for a reason. It never goes out of style.
- You can easily tweak the sweetness to your liking.
- It’s a great drink for any time of year, though I love it most in warmer months.
It’s just a feel-good drink that delivers on taste without any fuss.
Equipment for a Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
Making a crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda doesn’t require a whole bar setup. You really just need a few basics to get it right. Here’s what I use:
- A Collins glass is essential. It’s that tall, slim glass that gives the drink its name!
- A jigger or measuring tool is super helpful for getting the proportions just right.
- A bar spoon is perfect for a gentle stir.
That’s really all you need for a perfect crisp Tom Collins cocktail.
Ingredients for a Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
Alright, let’s talk about what goes into this lovely drink. It’s a short list, which I love! You want good quality ingredients here, they really shine through.
- 2 ounces of your favorite gin.
- 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, squeezed right before you mix.
- Half an ounce of simple syrup. You can buy it or make it easily at home.
- Chilled club soda, to top off the glass.
- A slice of lemon or a cherry for a little garnish.
See? Simple, fresh, and ready to mix into a crisp Tom Collins cocktail.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
A few little tips on the ingredients for your crisp Tom Collins cocktail. For the gin, I like a classic London Dry style, but use what you enjoy! Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable for me; it makes a huge difference in the brightness of the drink. Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and hot water stirred together until dissolved – super easy! If you don’t have simple syrup, you could use a little granulated sugar, but it won’t dissolve as well in the cold liquid. As for garnishes, a lemon slice is traditional, but a maraschino cherry adds a fun pop of color and sweetness.
How to Make a Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
Okay, let’s get to the fun part: mixing up this delightful crisp Tom Collins cocktail! It’s really very straightforward. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a perfect drink in no time.
First things first, grab your tall Collins glass. You want to fill it up nicely with ice. I like to use fresh ice cubes, not ones that have been sitting in the freezer forever and might give your drink a funny taste.
Next, carefully measure out your ingredients. Add the gin, that bright, fresh lemon juice, and the simple syrup right over the ice in the glass. Precision helps here, so use that jigger!
Now, here’s a little trick: give it a gentle stir. I use my bar spoon and just stir a few times to combine the liquids. You don’t want to over-stir; we’re not trying to melt all that ice away just yet.
The final step before garnishing is topping it off with chilled club soda. Pour it slowly over the back of your bar spoon if you want to be fancy, it helps keep the bubbles lively. Fill the glass almost to the top.
Finally, add your garnish. A lemon slice slipped onto the rim or dropped into the glass is classic. If you like, pop in a maraschino cherry too.
And there you have it! Your very own crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda, ready to be enjoyed.
Tips for Making the Perfect Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
Want to make your crisp Tom Collins cocktail truly sing? Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way. Always, always use fresh lemon juice. The stuff in a bottle just doesn’t compare. Make sure your club soda is well-chilled. Warm club soda makes for a sad, flat drink. Adjust the simple syrup to your taste. Some folks like it sweeter, some less so. Taste and adjust! And don’t skimp on the ice. Lots of ice keeps the drink cold and dilutes it just enough as you sip. A cold glass helps too!
Variations of the Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
While the classic is perfect, sometimes it’s fun to play with your crisp Tom Collins cocktail! You could muddle a few fresh berries in the bottom of the glass before adding the ice. Raspberries or strawberries work wonderfully. Try swapping the simple syrup for a flavored one, like lavender or ginger simple syrup. Or, add a sprig of mint or a few basil leaves for a fresh, herbal twist. You could even use a flavored gin to change things up a bit!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
Got questions about making this lovely drink? Here are some things people often ask about a crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda.
What is the best gin for a Tom Collins? I think a classic London Dry gin works best. Its juniper and citrus notes really complement the lemon. But honestly, use a gin you enjoy drinking on its own!
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon? You could, but then you’d technically be making a Gin Rickey! The Tom Collins really needs that specific brightness from fresh lemon juice for its signature taste. Lime juice gives a different, tarter flavor.
How do I make simple syrup? It’s super easy! Just heat equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool down before you use it in your crisp Tom Collins cocktail. Store it in the fridge.
Is club soda the same as seltzer or tonic water? Not quite. Club soda has added minerals, which gives it a slightly different taste than plain seltzer. Tonic water has quinine and sugar, making it bitter and sweet – definitely not the same for a crisp Tom Collins cocktail!
Why is my drink not fizzy enough? Make sure your club soda is very cold! Also, avoid over-stirring after you add the club soda, as that can flatten the bubbles.
Serving Suggestions for a Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
A crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda is just perfect for so many occasions! I love serving them at casual gatherings. They pair beautifully with light appetizers like bruschetta or fresh fruit platters. They’re also amazing with grilled chicken or fish on a warm evening. Honestly, it’s my go-to summer sipper!
Storage and Reheating for Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
Okay, let’s be real. A crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda is best enjoyed right after you make it! The fizz from the club soda is key, and that fades quickly. You really can’t save a mixed one.
However, you can definitely prep your ingredients ahead of time. Squeeze your lemon juice and keep it in the fridge. Simple syrup lasts for a few weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator too. Just keep your gin and club soda separate until you’re ready to mix!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re sipping on, here’s an estimated look at the nutritional info for one crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda.
- Calories: Around 200
- Sugar: About 10g
- Sodium: Roughly 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: About 10g
- Protein: 0g
Keep in mind, these are just estimates! The exact numbers can change based on the specific brand of gin or simple syrup you use. But it gives you a general idea.
Enjoy Your Refreshing Drink
So there you have it! Everything you need to make a truly wonderful crisp Tom Collins cocktail with gin and club soda. I really hope you give this classic a try.
Mix one up, sit back, and enjoy that bright, bubbly goodness. Let me know in the comments what you think! Did you add any fun twists? I’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe.
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Crippling Thirst for a Crisp Tom Collins Cocktail with Gin and Club Soda
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A classic and refreshing Tom Collins cocktail featuring gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Club soda, to top
- Lemon slice or cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the glass.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or cherry.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your desired sweetness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tom Collins, cocktail, gin, club soda, lemon, refreshing