Tom Collins
Tom Collins [The OG Fizz Remix]
Refreshing gin cocktail with fresh lemon and soda that’s perfect for summer sipping. This is garden party elegance that celebrates the brightness of fresh citrus.
Makes
Serves 1
Total Time
5 min (5 min prep)
Ingredients
Main Cocktail:
2 oz (60ml) quality gin
1 oz (30ml) fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz (22ml) pure maple syrup
4-6 oz (120-180ml) club soda
Ice for shaking and serving
Garnish:
1 lemon wheel
1 maraschino cherry (natural, no dye preferred)
Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)
Add a splash of ginger kombucha for probiotics and extra effervescence with digestive benefits. Use lemon juice with pulp for additional fiber and nutrients. Include a few drops of liquid probiotics for gut-friendly bacteria. Consider organic gin made with botanicals for cleaner ingredients and potential antioxidant benefits.
Remix Options
Sweetener Variations: Use raw honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup instead of maple syrup for different flavor profiles. Citrus Swaps: Try fresh lime juice for Tom Collins variation, or mix lemon-lime for complexity. Herb Infusions: Add fresh mint, basil, or rosemary to shaker for aromatic twist. Sparkling Alternatives: Use flavored sparkling water, tonic water, or ginger beer instead of club soda. Mocktail Version: Omit gin and add extra lemon juice with botanical tea for alcohol-free option. Berry Collins: Muddle 3-4 fresh berries in shaker before adding other ingredients for fruity variation.
Good To Know
Fresh Juice Importance: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for bright, clean flavor – bottled juice lacks the vibrancy that makes this cocktail shine. Gin Selection: Choose a London Dry gin with juniper-forward profile for classic Tom Collins flavor, or try floral gins for modern twist. Sweetener Balance: Pure maple syrup adds subtle complexity compared to simple syrup while providing natural sweetness without refined sugar. Shaking Technique: Vigorous shaking for 15 seconds ensures proper dilution and temperature while creating optimal texture and foam. Ice Quality: Use fresh, clean ice both for shaking and serving – cloudy or old ice can affect taste and appearance. Glassware Matters: Collins glass (tall and narrow) showcases the drink’s color and allows proper ice-to-liquid ratio for consistent flavor. Garnish Purpose: Lemon wheel provides aromatic oils when squeezed, while cherry adds classic visual appeal and subtle sweetness.
steps
Combine:
Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup to cocktail shaker. Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better integration.
Shake:
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to properly chill, dilute, and create light foam texture.
Strain:
Strain cocktail through fine mesh strainer into chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice to remove ice chips and create clean presentation.
Top:
Slowly top with chilled club soda, leaving about 1/2 inch from rim. Pour gently to preserve carbonation and prevent overflow.
Garnish:
Stir gently once to integrate, then garnish with lemon wheel and maraschino cherry. Express lemon oils by gently squeezing wheel over drink.
Serve:
Serve immediately with a bar straw for optimal temperature and carbonation. Enjoy while cold for best refreshing experience.