Enjoy This Amazing & Fresh Tom Collins Mocktail

Summer is heating up and that means we need to elevate our mocktail game. Today we are taking one of the most recognized classic drinks and turning it into a nonalcoholic Tom Collins mocktail. It blends citrus, sugar, and gin for the ultimate sipper.

What is a Tom Collins?

The Tom Collins drink has been around for more than a century. The origins of the drink are unclear, but most alcohol historians (did you know that was a thing?) agree it originated in England. There’s some pretty funny folklore around Tom Collins, including how it became a “viral” joke back in 1874.

What is the Difference between a Highball and a Tom Collins?

Did you know there are families of cocktails? The Tom Collins is a member of the highball family. This means there is more of the other ingredients (such as a mixer) than there is of alcohol. This Moscow Mule Mocktail is another highball family member.

When Is it Time to Drink a Tom Collins Mocktail?

Anytime! The advantage to drinking mocktails is that there are no questionable aftereffects, you can have a mocktail any time of day. Tom Collins drinks taste like a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet lemonade. They are perfect for sitting in your porch swing, enjoying the summer breeze and sunsets.

Is a Nonalcoholic Tom Collins Mocktail Low Carb?

In this recipe I’m using nonalcoholic gin which has very few calories and is low-carb. Read the ingredient labels of each brand as some gin substitutes will be more low-carb than others. In general, when you drink a Tom Collins mocktail you’re cutting both the alcohol and the calories.

What Food Should I Serve with a Nonalcoholic Tom Collins?

Choose light appetizers if you need snacks with this seasonal mocktail. Avoid anything that is heavy or really greasy. A diverse cheese board, chips and salsa, or fish would all be delicious alongside a Tom Collins mocktail.

A Few Notes on the Ingredients

Highball drinks are easy to make. If you’re new to making mocktails, don’t worry – they’re pretty hard to mess up. Here are a few pointers on the ingredients, though, to help you get started off right.

Nonalcoholic Gin

Gin tastes a lot like pine needles due to the use of juniper berries. Some brands have a more enhanced floral flavor. Usually mocktails substitute alcohol with juices or syrups, but then you miss the true flavor of the alcohol. If you haven’t tried any yet, let me introduce you to zero proof spirits.

Nonalcoholic gin is a great substitute in a Tom Collins mocktail, so you still get that juniper and floral flavor profile. There are now several companies with gin substitutes. I recommend Lyre’s, Seedlip, and Ritual brands most often. Ritual’s nonalcoholic gin even gives you a bit of that familiar burn.

Lemon Juice

Obviously, fresh squeezed lemon juice will give you the best flavor. Pick lemons that are heavy for their size and bright yellow in color. Pale lemons indicate they are older and won’t give you as much juice. You can use the lemon peel/zest as garnish.

Club Soda

A Classic version uses club soda. I actually skip this step and replace it with my secret ingredient. Choose a sparkling lemon soda water to enhance the flavor in the Tom Collins mocktail. Add this just before serving to keep your drink light and fizzy.

Simple Syrup

You do need a bit of sweetness to balance out the zing of the lemon and nonalcoholic gin. Simple syrup is easy to make. It is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. You can also buy pre-made simple syrups in your local grocery store.

Do I Need any Special Tools to Make a Tom Collins Mocktail?

I love serving mocktails, both for just my own enjoyment and when I host friends and family. Having the right tools makes it more fun and even easier to get everyone’s drinks just right. You can technically make a Tom Collins in the glass itself but if you want a more sophisticated experience, try these:

Collins Glasses

Collins glasses are sometimes referred to as highball glasses and the terms are used interchangeably. If you want to get technical, though, a Collins glass is a bit taller (and larger) than a highball glass. They are usually 10-12 ounces in size.

Citrus Press

If you’re going to make a lot of mocktails, you will be squeezing a lot of lemons. Having a good citrus press makes this so much easier. It is definitely worth the counters pace and cost.

Cocktail Shaker (Optional)

Technically you can mix the Tom Collins mocktail ingredients in a glass with a spoon. It’s way more fun to shake them in a shaker. A cocktail shaker mixes the ingredients together (except the carbonated liquids) and also chills them.

Have you ever had the privilege of tasting the bright and beautiful cocktail that is, the Tom Collins?. (Source: healthyishappetite.com)

Have you ever had the privilege of tasting the bright beautiful cocktail that is, the Tom Collins?. (Source: healthyishappetite.com)

Can I Make Nonalcoholic Tom Collins in Advance?

Yes, you can make these Tom Collins mocktails beforehand and in batches. Mix all the ingredients except for the sparkling water and ice. Keep in the refrigerator in a large pitcher. Just before serving, add the club soda and ice. If you add these too early they will lose their fizz and dilute your drink.

What are Some Other Refreshing and Easy Summer Mocktails?

In the heat I opt for sweet, cold, refreshing drinks. Of course, this usually means they are fruity and floral, too. Here are some of my best mocktail recipes to beat the heat:

• Fresh and Fun Pineapple Mezcal Mocktail
• Non-Alcoholic Vermouth Elderflower Spritz
• Nonalcoholic Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
• Spicy Orange Margarita Mocktail

Now, get out there and enjoy your summer with a bright, and fizzy mocktail in hand. Be sure to tell me in the comments which mocktails are your favorite or if you added any fun twists to them.