Perfect for Mother’s Day or happy hour on any day! The classic Tom Collins cocktail get a twist with some fresh strawberry puree. Fruity & delicious!
This Strawberry Tom Collins cocktail stole my heart the first time I tasted it. What better way to start off the backyard party season than with a cooling cocktail that highlights fresh fruit? This fruity take on the popular gin cocktail fits the bill perfectly!
If you’re a fan of gin cocktails like I am, give my Passionfruit & Lime Gin Martini or Clementine & Lemon Gin Cocktail a try.
What’s in a Tom Collins? The classic recipe is a simple concoction of gin, simple syrup, lemon and club soda. Simply flavors and perfect in every way.
However, this Tom Collins maker happened to have a heck of a lot of fresh strawberries sitting in her fridge. So, the classic cocktail got a little summertime makeover with a splash of homemade (easy!) strawberry puree, slightly sweetened with agave nectar, and a squeeze of lime juice.
This cocktail is not overly sweet, nor is it overly berry-ish. If you’re hoping for a full-on hit of strawberry, reminiscent of a strawberry margarita, well…then I suggest making a margarita. But if you want something that’s subtly flavored, cold and perfectly refreshing, then this is your drink.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS STRAWBERRY TOM COLLINS COCKTAIL RECIPE:
These are the main components need for this recipe (affiliate links included)…
- Strawberries (of course!): When fresh strawberries are in season, opt for those. In the off months, frozen (defrosted) strawberries are a good option.
- Gin: I happened to use Beefeater Gin because that’s what my dad has used for martinis since the beginning of time. However, a ton of small distilleries have opened up around the country over the past several years and they’re making some great products. If you’re a gin lover, be sure to check those out.
- Agave nectar: Rather than using a simple syrup, which is made from water and granulated sugar, I sweetened this cocktail with agave nectar. Honey would also work.
- Lime juice: Please use fresh lime or lemon juice in cocktails whenever possible. It really does make a difference.
- Club soda: The perfect amount of sparkle to top off these drinks.
Tips for making this drink:
Start by puree the strawberries and agave nectar in a blender until smooth. If you prefer a seedless puree, press the it through a fine mesh sieve. Be sure to place a bowl underneath the sieve to catch the puree (speaking from personal experience on that one – facepalm!)
Place some ice cubes in a couple of Collins glasses (affiliate), then pour in the strawberry puree, gin and lime juice. Give it a stir with a long spoon, fill up the glasses with club soda, then stir again.
Ready to imbibe!
What is a Collins glass?
A Collins glass (affiliate) is a tall, skinny glass that holds between 10 and 14 fluid ounces). And you guessed it – it’s used to served drinks like the Tom Collins.
What’s the difference between a Collins glass and a highball glass? The Collins glass is typically taller than a highball glass, and usually holds a couple of ounces more than the highball.
Other summertime cocktails:
Kicked-Up Avocado Margarita Recipe {Cookin' Canuck}
Pink Grapefruit Greyhound Cocktail Recipe {Cookin' Canuck}
Hotel Inspired White Peach Sangria {Foodiecrush}
Southside Cocktail {Inspired Taste}
Printable Recipe
Fresh Strawberry Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces strawberries hulled & quartered
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- ice cubes
- 3 ounces gin divided
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice divided
- club soda
- lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Place the strawberries and agave nectar in a blender, and puree until smooth.
- Using two collins glasses, place a few ice cubes in each glass.
- Divide the gin, lime juice and strawberry puree between the two glasses. Stir with a long spoon.
- Fill the glasses to the top with club soda. Stir again and garnish with lime wedges. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was first published on May 20, 2013 and updated on May 7, 2020.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Saros Bar & Dining
I like to experiment with my cocktails, therefore I'm always looking for new recipes. I appreciate you sharing this; it's great.
Jamie
I love this! So summery!
Faith Towers
I just made one and it's DELICIOUS!! I skipped the club soda which gave it a more concentrated flavor... SO. GOOD.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I'm so glad to hear that, Faith!
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh, so delicious 🙂 I am loving strawberry drinks lately!
tracy | Peanut Butter and Onion
yay for summer and all the yummy drinks that come with it
Emanuelle @ Manu's Kitchen
These look so incredibly delicious! I love the fact that they're so healthy too! I love cocktails but I hate that they're always so full of sugar!! Can't wait to make these for guests!! 🙂
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
So it's still a couple of days until Friday and Memorial Day weekend but I desperately need a glass of this, stat!
MyKitchenStove
Your cocktail is very refreshing. It is a new idea for the hot summer. Must try the summer treat!!!
sippitysup
I do like the pucker of a collins so I'm like that the strawberry seems understated. Just adding to the complexity. GREG
Donna
We just built a new deck on our house - C'mon over and let's lounge on the deck whilst we have some fancy pretty drinks like these!
jamie @ green beans & grapefruit
I can tell we are kindred spirits. This looks like heaven.