Meyer Lemon Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

Fans of gin-based cocktails may be familiar with a classic Tom Collins recipe, but have you heard of a Meyer lemon Tom Collins? Indeed, it has the ingredients you'd expect from any rendition of the cocktail — gin, lemon juice, and club soda — but this recipe gives you the "option to switch out regular lemons for Meyer lemons which are less acidic and sweeter," recipe developer Jaime Shelbert explains. The result is a cocktail that's "light and refreshing," and ideal for summer sipping.

There's another ingredient that enhances the freshness of this cocktail, which is a fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme as garnish. It's a simple addition, but it really gives the cocktail an extra boost of elegance. The herbs also pair well alongside the natural piney flavor of gin, rounding out the flavors and making one refreshing cocktail. Otherwise, the Tom Collins is straightforward and classic, and it's somewhat like a boozy, sparkling lemonade — which, when it comes to summer cocktails, does it get much better than that?

To make this rendition of a Tom Collins, you'll need those Meyer lemons, along with gin, club soda, and simple syrup. To add extra freshness and visual appeal to the cocktail, you may also want a sprig of rosemary or thyme on hand, for garnish. 

Grab your trusty cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice, then add in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. No club soda just yet — otherwise, when you shake it up, you'll have quite the mess on your hands. Instead, pop the lid on and shake with just the non-sparkling ingredients inside, thoroughly combining and chilling them. 

Strain the liquid into 2 cocktail glasses, and be sure both glasses are filled with fresh ice. Then, top off each glass with the club soda, as needed. 

Garnish each cocktail with a rosemary or thyme sprig, then you're ready to start sipping. "This classic cocktail is best served during a cocktail hour and is sure to be popular with guests," Shelbert says. And, it'll be even more popular if you're serving it alongside food. "The lemon in the Tom Collins pairs nicely with Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, and even a charcuterie," Shelbert suggests. A light drink with some light fare? Perfect for a relaxed night in with friends.