The Tom Collins is a classic highball that has held the test of time as one of history’s most enduring cocktails. It appears in the first bartending book, “Von Vivant’s Companion” printed in 1877, but was likely popular before the book was printed.

The ingredients are simple—gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. If you don’t have club soda, any sparkling water will do. Its simplicity is why this drink has been around for generations.

For a variation, check out our Cucumber Collins cocktail recipe.

Tom Collins Recipe
Yields 1 cocktail

Ingredients
2 ounces gin
1 ounce simple syrup
3/4 ounce lemon juice
Soda water
Lemon wedge, for garnish
Cocktail cherry, for garnish

Directions
Shake the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice until the liquid is chilled (about 15 seconds). Strain the liquid into an ice-filled highball glass and top it with soda water. Garnish the cocktail with a lemon wheel.