Method
Build:
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a Collins (tall) glass.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Top with about 3 oz of club soda.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine without breaking up the bubbles.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim and, if you must, a maraschino cherry.
Notes
The 'Tom' in Tom Collins originally referred to Old Tom gin, a slightly sweeter style of gin popular in the 1800s. London Dry gin works fine, just bump the simple syrup by 1/4 oz to compensate.
If you only have lemon-lime soda, use it but cut the simple syrup. The soda already has sugar in it.
For a Vodka Collins, swap the gin for vodka. Same recipe, different drink. For a Whiskey Collins, swap for bourbon. Same again.