Summer is here, and nothing beats the scorching heat like a tall, icy-cold Tom Collins cocktail recipe in hand. Crisp, citrusy, and endlessly refreshing, this classic drink is a summer staple—but why stick to the original when you can explore delicious twists?
I’ve rounded up five irresistible Tom Collins cocktail recipes that will keep you cool all season long. From fruity infusions to herbal delights, each variation brings something unique to the table. So, grab your shaker, some fresh ingredients, and let’s mix up some magic!]
1. Classic Tom Collins – The Timeless Refresher
Why You’ll Love It:
The Classic Tom Collins cocktail recipe is the gold standard—a perfect balance of tart lemon, sweet syrup, and fizzy soda. It’s light, crisp, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin (London Dry works best)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Club soda (to top)
- Lemon wheel & cherry (for garnish)
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir well to combine.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.
- Sip and enjoy the summer vibes!
How It Looks & Tastes:
Pale gold with a bubbly top, this drink is as refreshing as it looks. Expect a bright, citrus-forward sip with a gentle sweetness and a clean, fizzy finish.
2. Berry Blast Tom Collins – A Fruity Twist
Why You’ll Love It:
If you love berries, this Tom Collins cocktail recipe is for you. Bursting with fresh raspberries and blackberries, it’s a juicy, vibrant upgrade.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz berry syrup (muddle 5-6 berries with simple syrup)
- Club soda
- Mixed berries (for garnish)
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle berries with simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with extra berries.
How It Looks & Tastes:
A gorgeous pinkish hue with floating berries, this drink is sweet, tangy, and packed with summer fruit flavors.
3. Herbal Cucumber Collins – Cool & Crisp
Why You’ll Love It:
This Tom Collins cocktail recipe adds cucumber and mint for an ultra-refreshing, spa-like experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3 cucumber slices (muddled)
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle cucumber and mint in a shaker.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and syrup. Shake with ice.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice.
How It Looks & Tastes:
Pale green with floating mint leaves, this drink tastes like a cool breeze—crisp, slightly herbal, and incredibly refreshing.
4. Spicy Ginger Tom Collins – A Fiery Kick
Why You’ll Love It:
For those who like a little heat, this Tom Collins cocktail recipe with ginger syrup adds a spicy punch.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz ginger syrup (simmer ginger slices with sugar & water)
- Club soda
- Candied ginger (garnish)
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and ginger syrup.
- Stir well.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with candied ginger.
How It Looks & Tastes:
Golden with a spicy aroma, this drink is zesty, warming, and invigorating—perfect for summer evenings.
5. Tropical Coconut Tom Collins – Vacation in a Glass
Why You’ll Love It:
This Tom Collins cocktail recipe brings beachy vibes with coconut water and lime.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 oz coconut water
- Club soda
- Lime wheel & toasted coconut (garnish)
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add gin, lime juice, syrup, and coconut water.
- Stir gently.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with lime and toasted coconut.
How It Looks & Tastes:
Cloudy white with a tropical aroma, this drink is creamy, citrusy, and ultra-refreshing.
Conclusion
There you have it—five Tom Collins cocktail recipes that are perfect for beating the summer heat. Whether you love the classic version or want to experiment with berries, herbs, spice, or tropical flavors, there’s a refreshing twist for everyone.
