Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice for my Tom Collins cocktail?

Technically yes but fresh lemon juice gives a much brighter, fresher flavor. Bottled juice tends to taste dull or slightly bitter, which masks the delicate balance that makes a Tom Collins special.

What is the best gin for a Tom Collins cocktail?

For a traditional taste, use a London Dry Gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray. If you want to taste what people drank in the 1800s, try to find a bottle of Old Tom Gin. It is slightly sweeter and softer.

Is the Tom Collins cocktail very strong?

Not especially. Because it is diluted with soda water and served over ice in a tall glass, it tends to be lighter than many cocktails with the same gin amount. It's strong enough to be a real cocktail but won't knock you on your backside after one glass.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Tom Collins?

Absolutely. Simply omit the gin and replace it with more soda water or a non-alcoholic gin alternative. Mix lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda, you'll get a fizzy lemonade with a bit more complexity.

What glass should I use for my Tom Collins cocktail?

Ideally a collins glass, which is tall and narrow. But any tall highball-type glass will do just fine. The tall shape helps keep it cold and bubbly.

Can I use lime instead of lemon for my Tom Collins cocktail?

You can, but then you're no longer making a Tom Collins. You'd be creating something closer to a Gin Rickey. Lemon's particular acidity and flavor profile is essential to the Tom Collins identity. That said, if you love lime, go ahead and experiment, cocktail police won't actually arrest you.

Can I make a Tom Collins cocktails ahead of time for a party?

You can batch the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup together and keep it chilled, but don't add the club soda until you're ready to serve. The carbonation will dissipate if you add it too early, and nobody wants a flat Tom Collins.

How do I make simple syrup?

Simple syrup is ridiculously easy to make. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan (1 cup of each is a good starting point). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool, then store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Can I make a Tom Collins without a cocktail shaker?

Absolutely! While shaking is ideal for properly chilling and mixing the ingredients, you can build this drink directly in the glass. Just add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to your ice filled Collins glass, top with soda, and stir well. It won't be quite as cold or as well integrated, but it'll still be delicious.

What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a Gin Fizz?

This is a common debate. The main difference is the texture and serving style. A Gin Fizz is usually shaken harder to create foam, strained into a smaller glass without ice, and consumed quickly. A Tom Collins is served over ice in a tall glass and is meant to be sipped slowly.