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Gin

Tom Collins

Tom Collins cocktail served in a Collins glass

Tall, bright, and built for a warm evening — gin, lemon, soda, done.

Every recipe on Sipped Right is tested at home before it's published — not just written.

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Origin

Named after an 1874 prank craze — the "Tom Collins Hoax." The drink predates the joke by decades under a different name, the John Collins, made with genever.

Flavour Profile

Good for a hot afternoon, or anyone easing into gin. Light, tart, effervescent. Not the drink for something strong or spirit-forward.

Glass & Garnish

Collins glass, full of ice.

Garnish for the Tom Collins

Ingredients

  • Gin2 oz
  • Fresh lemon juice0.75 oz
  • Simple syrup0.5 oz
  • Soda water3 oz, to top
Ingredients laid out for the Tom Collins

Method

  1. Shake gin, lemon, syrup with ice 8–10 seconds.
  2. Strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice.
  3. Top with soda water, stir once gently.
Stirring the Tom Collins

Notes

Add soda last and stir gently. Garnish with lemon wheel and cherry. Pairs well with salted nuts.

Tools Used

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Cocktail shakerJiggerBar spoonHawthorne strainerFine strainerCollins glass

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