Here is a cool twist on a classic Tom Collins cocktail.
The Tom Collins is a very popular drink, mainly because of its simplicity, but also you’re likely to have all the ingredients on hand. Even better it doesn’t require anything expensive or exotic to make it.
This Tom Collins recipe features kombucha in place of the traditional soda for a flavorful, refreshing cocktail.
Beats and Eats (recipe music pairing)
Kombucha cocktails are bubbly and energetic. Larry June's "You Can Be Rich" is the perfect pairing. It's upbeat, optimistic, and most importantly drops major gems regarding how to not just survive and get by, but how to thrive and live your best life.
What is in a Tom Collins?
A traditional Tom Collins recipe simply calls for gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. For my version there are a couple of tweaks. Notably, I use kombucha in place of soda. It’s as bubbly if not more and has the added benefit of being flavored. I also used lime juice instead of lemon, mainly because it was the only citrus I had available.
I’m a bit biased but my Tom Collins recipe is better than the original. It might be deserving of a name change. The Marwin Brown sounds about right lol.
- Gin
- Kombucha Multi-Green
- Simple Syrup
- Lime Juice
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented drink made with green or black tea. It primarily has somewhat of both a sweet and tart flavor and is very fizzy. Kombucha has been on fire the last few years in terms of its popularity and use, yet it’s expected to grow even more mainly because of its perceived health benefits.
Fermented drinks and foods are known for their gut health benefits thanks to the presence of probiotics similar to foods like yogurt and sauerkraut.
How to Make A Tom Collins (step by step)
As you’ve learned if you didn’t already know, Tom Collins recipes are very basic and simple requiring just a few easy steps.
Step 1: Combine the gin, simple syrup, kombucha, and lime juice in shaker along with ice and shake everything together.
Step 2: Strain everything into a glass and then garnish with a thin slice of lime.
That’s all there is to it!!! So few ingredients, two super easy steps, and a highly enjoyable finished cocktail.
Tips and Considerations For Making a Tom Collins cocktail
- A typical Tom Collins recipe calls for high ball type glasses, which make sense given the recommended ice “requirements.” Definitely feel free to follow tradition. Since I decided to shake all the ingredients together I went with a shorter glass but about equal volume when you factor in that I didn’t use cubes in the glass.
- If using ice in your glass, keep the number down so your tasty drink doesn’t get watered down.
- Maraschino cherries are the typical garnish for a Tom Collins. Admittedly, I don’t just have jars of cherries chillin out in my cupboard or bar set up. Garnish as you see fit using what you have available to you. I used a simple lime wheel.
- Serve with a nice rack of lamb smoked or crispy lemon pepper wings.
- Kombucha and Cocktails are both big in Austin which is where I'm based. If you find yourself visiting here checkout this local cocktail spots.
Making A Tom Collins Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make a Tom Collins without a shaker?
Yes indeed. Though a shaker makes things easier as far as chilling the drink, ice plus a tall glass jar does the trick. You’ll just have to figure out a creative way to strain it.
What If I Don’t Have Simple Syrup On Hand?
Simple syrups are true to their name and easy to make. Sugar and water are the base ingredients. Simple syrup is made by boiling sugar essentially and then allowing to cool. In other words it’s just sugar water.
What Kombucha Flavor works best in this recipe?
I prefer the green flavored kombuchas. Depending on the brand it may be referred to as "Multi-green" or "Pure Green."They'll be different shades of green colors but they both are compatible.
Who In The Hell Is Tom Collins?
The history behind the drink is it was named after a London waiter named John Collins. The name was updated to Tom Collins after the gin (Old Tom's Gin) that was used to make the drink.
What kind of Gin works best in a Tom Collins?
Many of the older stalwarts like Beefeater, Bombay or Plymouth work great and fit the old classic vibe. I like some of the newer ones that are a bit more craft like St. George. The key is to choose a gin that you like vs. being bound by a certain tradition. All gins aren’t equal and there is so much variety across the different brands.
Can you make a Tom Collins with vodka?
Yes, and similar to martinis, you’ll just have to make the distinction. For example a Tom Collins made with vodka just becomes a Vodka collins.
Additional Cocktail Recipes
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Simple Syrup
- Kombucha Multi green flavor enough to top off
- 1 ounce Lime Juice
- 2 ounces Gin
Instructions
- Combine the gin, simple syrup, kombucha, and lime juice in shaker along with ice and shake everything together.
- Strain everything into a glass and then garnish with a thin slice of lime.
Video
Notes
- Most Tom Collins recipes call for high ball type glasses, which make sense given the recommended ice “requirements.” Definitely feel free to follow tradition. Since I decided to shake all the ingredients together I went with a shorter glass but about equal volume when you factor in that I didn’t use cubes in the glass.
- If using ice in your glass, keep the number down so your tasty drink doesn’t get watered down.
- Maraschino cherries are the typical garnish for a Tom Collins. Admittedly, I don’t just have jars of cherries chillin out in my cupboard or bar set up. Garnish as you see fit using what you have available to you. I used a simple lime wheel.