A Tom Collins Light is a refreshing drink that cuts calories without losing flavor. This lower-calorie version uses sugar-free simple syrup and club soda to create a cocktail with only 95 calories. That’s less than half of the classic recipe.

The drink keeps the same bright citrus notes and gin base that made the original Tom Collins famous in the 1800s. Many people prefer this lighter take because it tastes clean and won’t weigh them down.

Perfect for warm spring days or summer parties, this cocktail mixes up in under 2 minutes. The recipe needs just four basic ingredients that most home bars already stock.

Tom Collins Light Cocktail Recipe

A refreshing gin cocktail with less sugar and calories than the classic version, perfect for health-conscious drinkers who want to enjoy a fizzy drink.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 oz 60ml gin
1 oz 30ml fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz 15ml sugar-free simple syrup
Club soda to top
Ice cubes
Lemon wheel for garnish

Sugar-free simple syrup: Mix 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar substitute

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar-free simple syrup to the shaker.

Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
Strain the mixture into the glass.

Top with club soda (about 2-3 oz).
Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Notes

This light version has about 120 calories, compared to 200 calories in a traditional Tom Collins.

Store sugar-free simple syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best taste.

For extra flavor, try using flavored sugar-free syrups like elderflower or lavender.

Keep ingredients cold for the best results.

Tasting Notes

The Tom Collins Light offers a bright, fresh taste with less sugar than its classic counterpart. The drink maintains a perfect balance between tart lemon and smooth gin.

A gentle fizz from the soda water adds a light, effervescent quality. The bubbles help carry the citrus and botanical aromas to the nose.

Key Flavor Notes:

Crisp juniper from the gin
Sharp citrus from fresh lemon juice
Clean, refreshing carbonation
Light sweetness

The finish is clean and dry with subtle gin botanicals lingering on the palate. At only 120 calories per serving, this cocktail delivers full flavor without excess sweetness.

The drink’s lighter profile makes it ideal for warm weather sipping. Its clear, pale straw color and fizzy texture create an appealing presentation.

Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed very cold at 35-40°F (2-4°C) to maintain maximum carbonation and crispness.

Tom Collins Light Cocktail Recipe