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Tommy "Two Coolers" Sullivan bartender portrait

Masshole Fratboy · Tommy "Two Coolers" Sullivan

Tom Collins

A citrusy and sweet highball built around gin, with the classic proportions and service that make the Tom Collins endure.

“The Tom Collins comes together faster than a two-minute drill, buddy. Ice it down and let's move.”
Tom Collins cocktail served in a collins glass with lemon wheel and cherry

WHY THIS DRINK WORKS

The Tom Collins works because gin, lemon juice, simple syrup meet in deliberate proportion. Keep the method built, use fresh ice, and give the final garnish enough attention to finish the aroma without distracting from the drink.

Makes1 cocktail
Time5 minutes
GlassCollins glass
FinishLemon wheel and cherry

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • To top soda water

Make it

  1. Build gin, lemon, and syrup in a Collins glass over ice.
  2. Top with soda.
  3. Stir gently.
  4. Garnish with lemon and cherry.

Behind the bar

  • Chill the serving glass while you prepare the drink.
  • Taste balance depends on fresh citrus and accurate measurements.