THE CHEERS RECIPE COLLECTION
Tom Collins
Tom Collins with Old Tom gin, lemon, syrup and soda water. IBA proportions, a tall ice-filled glass and a simple build without a shaker.
Make this cocktail
Ingredients
Current recipe: 1 serving · US fl oz · Original recipe
Check off each ingredient after adding it to the cocktail.
- Old Tom gin40% ABV1.52 US fl oz
- Fresh lemon juice1.01 US fl oz
- Simple syrup (1:1)0.51 US fl oz
- Soda water2.03 US fl oz
- Lemon wheeloptional1 piece
- Cocktail cherryoptional1 piece
Amounts are for the selected number of servings. Prepare each serving separately; add sparkling ingredients just before serving.
Ice
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add chilled soda water just before serving.
What you need
Jigger · Bar spoon
How to make it
Click a step number to mark it as done.
Prepare a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
Measure in Old Tom gin, lemon juice and syrup.
Add chilled soda water and stir gently.
Optionally garnish with lemon and a cocktail cherry.
Small details, better drinks
- IBA specifies Old Tom gin for the Tom Collins variation.
- Tonic is not a direct flavour-equivalent swap for soda water.
- Stir briefly to preserve carbonation.
Good to know
How does it differ from John Collins?
In the cited IBA recipe, Old Tom gin identifies the Tom Collins variation.
Can I use London Dry?
That is a variation with a different sweetness profile; this recipe uses Old Tom.
Do I need a shaker?
No. The selected source builds it directly in the glass.
Recipe sources
Recipe notes by Cheers. Preparation time is an estimate.
Published: · Updated:
- IBA — John Collins, Tom Collins note ↗ · Accessed: Oct 25, 2026
