John Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

The John Tom Collins is still a Collins cocktail a long drink stirred with ice and topped with soda using London dry gin believed to have originated mid-19th century with a headwaiter of that name who worked at Limmer's Old House in central London.

The John Tom Collins cocktail is a classic twist on the iconic Tom Collins, a gin-based drink that has delighted cocktail enthusiasts since the early 19th century. Originating in England, the original Tom Collins was named after John Collins, a headwaiter at Limmer’s Old House in London, known for his popular gin punch. The John Tom Collins preserves the refreshing simplicity of the original while allowing modern bartenders to add their own creative flair.

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Traditionally, the cocktail combines gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, served over ice in a tall glass. What distinguishes the John Tom Collins is subtle—sometimes a specific style of gin, a hint of a secondary liqueur, or a slightly different citrus balance, all designed to enhance its crisp, effervescent character. Its elegance lies in the perfect harmony of spirit, sweetness, and fizz.

By the mid-20th century, the John Tom Collins had become a staple in American cocktail culture, particularly in hotel bars and soda fountains, admired for its easy-to-drink yet sophisticated profile. During the late 20th and early 21st-century cocktail revival, mixologists embraced artisanal gins, fresh citrus, and house-made syrups to create refined versions of this timeless classic.

Today, the John Tom Collins is celebrated as both historically significant and versatile. Its enduring popularity stems from its balance, refreshing taste, and historical pedigree, making it a favourite for casual drinkers and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Whether enjoyed at home or in a stylish bar, the John Tom Collins remains a quintessential example of classic gin cocktail craftsmanship.

John Tom Collins

Ingredients

• 2 oz Old Tom Gin or London Dry gin

• 1 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 3 oz Club soda

• lemon or orange wheel or maraschino cherry for garnish

Assembly

Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a Collins glass. Fill with ice, top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a lemon or orange wheel or maraschino cherry. Serve.