What’s not to love about a simple, classic cocktail like the Tom Collins? It’s basically a spiked and sparkling lemonade, served in a Collins glass, obviously, which immediately inducts it into the summer cocktail hall of fame. This fizzy cocktail is as old as it is iconic, having made its first appearance in print in 1876 in the Bar-Tender’s Guide by famed father of American mixology Jerry Thomas. It hasn’t changed much since its inception, meaning that it's probably perfect the way it is.
The classic garnish for a Tom Collins is a lemon wedge and a bright red maraschino cherry, but it’s time for an upgrade. Leave the artificially dyed maraschinos for sundae topping and go for the dark red cocktail cherry that’s been candied or preserved in alcohol like luxardo, amarena, or sour cherries. They aren’t nearly as sweet, and they taste like actual cherries! If you’re in the mood for more refreshing gin drinks, try a Salty Dog or a Rosemary Gin Fizz.
Step 1Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds.
Step 2Pour into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top off with seltzer water. Garnish with cherries and a lemon slice.
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Brooke Caison is the food editor at Delish, where she develops and styles original recipes, writes the weekly membership newsletter, and appears as occasional on-camera talent for Delish's YouTube channel. She's obsessed with the idea of bringing restaurant methods to the home cook with foolproof techniques and organized cooking (like how to safely shuck a clam or tackle a complex baking project). A graduate of ICE, she was previously a line cook, hospitality manager for the opening season of Little Island, and culinary assistant to Top Chef judge and food expert Gail Simmons. Her work has also appeared on Martha Stewart. There's no food she won’t try, but cranberry whipped feta dip has her heart.
