I did not grow up around cocktails. My idea of a fancy drink used to be whatever came in a chilled glass with a lemon slice stuck on the rim. Then one summer, during a brutally hot afternoon when even the ceiling fan felt tired, I made my first Tom Collins. I remember taking a sip and thinking, well… that’s it. That’s the drink.
It tasted like grown-up lemonade, but cleaner. Brighter. Not sugary in that sticky way. Just crisp, fizzy, and kind of cheerful. I’ve made hundreds since then, sometimes carefully measured, sometimes eyeballed when friends show up unannounced.
What I love most is how unfussy it is. No dramatic shaking routine. No complicated ingredients I’ll forget to buy. It’s the kind of drink you can make while talking, laughing, or half paying attention to music in the background.
Over time I learned this cocktail has been around since the 1800s, which honestly makes sense. People back then probably needed something refreshing after long days too. Some things never change.
And unlike trend-driven drinks that come and go, this one sticks. It works at barbecues. It works on quiet evenings. It even works when I just want something light but still feel like I made an effort.
Ingredients I Used for the Recipe
- 2 oz dry gin – This is the backbone of the drink. I like a London Dry style because it gives that classic botanical bite without overpowering everything.
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice – Fresh is non-negotiable for me. It brings the bright, tart flavor that makes the drink feel alive.
- 1/2 oz simple syrup – Just enough sweetness to balance the lemon. I make mine with equal parts sugar and water.
- 3 oz club soda – Adds the sparkle and makes the drink refreshing instead of heavy.
- Ice cubes – A full glass keeps everything crisp and properly chilled.
- Lemon slice – For garnish and a little extra citrus aroma when you take a sip.
- Maraschino cherry – Optional, but I like the hint of nostalgia it brings.
How to make Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe?
Step 1 – Start With the Glass, Not a Shaker
This is what’s called a build cocktail, which basically means you skip the shaker entirely. I used to think that felt like cheating. Turns out, it’s exactly how this drink is supposed to be made.
Grab a tall glass. Any tall glass works. No need to overthink it.
Step 2 – Add the Gin, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup
Pour the gin first, then the lemon juice, then the simple syrup. I like doing it in that order because it blends naturally without needing aggressive mixing.
At this point it smells amazing already. Bright and citrusy with that herbal edge from the gin.
Step 3 – Fill the Glass With Ice
Don’t be shy here. A Collins should be cold. I fill the glass almost to the top so the drink stays refreshing instead of diluting too quickly.
Step 4 – Top With Club Soda
Slowly pour in the soda water. You’ll see it lift everything together. That gentle fizz is what makes the drink feel light instead of sharp.
I learned the hard way not to dump it in fast unless I want carbonation all over the counter.
Step 5 – Give It a Gentle Stir
Use a spoon and stir lightly. Just enough to combine. You don’t want to flatten the bubbles you just added.
Think calm, not aggressive.
Step 6 – Garnish and Actually Enjoy It
Add a lemon slice and, if you’re feeling classic, a cherry. I used to skip garnish entirely. Then I realized that tiny detail really does change how the drink feels.
Now I always add it. Takes five seconds. Worth it.
The Little Tweaks I’ve Learned Along the Way
Once I got comfortable with the classic version, I started playing around. Not in a complicated mixologist way. Just small changes depending on mood or what was in my fridge.
If I want it extra tart, I add a squeeze more lemon. If I want it softer, I add a splash more syrup. The balance is incredibly forgiving, which makes this drink great for beginners.
Sometimes I muddle a few raspberries before adding the liquid. It turns the whole thing slightly pink and adds a fresh berry note that feels summery without being sweet.
I’ve also tried it with cucumber slices when I wanted something cooler tasting. That version surprised me. Very clean. Almost spa-like, if that makes sense.
And on nights when gin isn’t what I want, I swap it for vodka. It becomes smoother and more neutral, but still refreshing. Not traditional, but still good.
The beauty here is flexibility. This cocktail doesn’t get offended if you adjust it.
Tips
Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice makes the drink taste flat, and there’s no fixing that later. I tried once out of convenience and immediately regretted it.
Chill your glass if you can. It’s not required, but on a hot day it makes the first sip feel extra sharp and cold.
Don’t over-stir. You’ll knock the carbonation out, and the whole drink loses its sparkle.
Taste before serving. Sometimes lemons are more sour than expected, and you may want a touch more syrup.
Make simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. It lasts for weeks and saves effort later.
Use decent gin, but don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive bottle. This drink is about balance, not showing off.
Fill the glass with ice. A half-filled glass melts faster and waters everything down.
And maybe the most important tip I learned. Slow down and enjoy it. This isn’t a cocktail you rush. It’s meant for long conversations, porch sitting, or that quiet moment after a long day when you finally get to exhale.
That’s when a Tom Collins really does what it’s supposed to do.
Tom Collins Recipe
Description
Light, crisp, and effervescent, the Tom Collins is a timeless gin cocktail that’s perfect for warm days or whenever you’re craving a grown-up lemonade. Made with just four core ingredients—gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda—it’s effortlessly refreshing and easy to customize. Serve it in a tall Collins glass with a lemon wheel and cherry for a classic touch.
ingredients
Instructions
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In a Collins or highball glass, combine gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
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Fill the glass with ice cubes.
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Top with chilled club soda.
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Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine.
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Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
Serving Size 1 cocktail
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 165kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 10mg1%
- Potassium 45mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Sugars 17g
- Calcium 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make ahead: Simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Want it less sweet? Reduce simple syrup to ¼ oz or use a rich simple syrup (2:1) more sparingly.
- Flavor twist: Try muddling fresh herbs like mint or basil before adding other ingredients.
- No gin? Swap for vodka to make a Vodka Collins—cleaner but equally refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
We strongly recommend fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice often contains preservatives and lacks the zesty tang that makes this cocktail shine.
What kind of gin works best?
A London Dry gin is ideal for its clean, juniper-forward profile. However, feel free to experiment with floral or citrus-forward gins for a unique twist!