The Recipe · No.1054 · Virgin Tom Collins (Tom Collins Mocktail)
Virgin Tom Collins (Tom Collins Mocktail), and where to source it
Shake the lemon and syrup with ice first, then top with soda in the glass. The base gets shaken cold and frothy on its own; the soda only ever goes in at the end. Shake anything fizzy and it erupts and goes flat.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cook0 min
Makesmakes 1
CuisineHighball
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Fresh lemon
Squeeze real lemons for the sour base. Bottled juice tastes cooked and this is a lemon-forward drink.
1 ozrecommended
Local / market
Simple syrup
Equal-parts sugar syrup to balance the lemon. Adjust to taste since there's no spirit to hide behind.
2 tspto taste
Local / market
Club soda
Fresh and hard-fizzing to lengthen the base into a long drink.
toprecommended
Local / market
Maraschino cherry
A cherry and a lemon wheel are the traditional flag on a Collins.
1recommended
Local / market
Ice
Cubes for the shaker and fresh cubes for the glass so the drink stays cold, not watery.
1 glassrecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
ShakeShake the lemon juice and syrup with ice until the outside of the shaker frosts.
BuildStrain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
TopTop with club soda, one gentle stir, and flag it with a cherry and lemon wheel.
Can you make Virgin Tom Collins (Tom Collins Mocktail) in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze Virgin Tom Collins (Tom Collins Mocktail)? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Virgin Tom Collins (Tom Collins Mocktail) ahead of time? — Partly
The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.
Is Virgin Tom Collins (Tom Collins Mocktail) gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Virgin Tom Collins (Tom Collins Mocktail) vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Made it, tweaked it, or recognize which restaurant this tastes like? Leave a note — first-name basis, no account.