Herbal Gin Collins with Thyme
A botanical twist on the classic Tom Collins featuring fresh thyme and lemon for an herbaceous refresher. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz club soda
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
- Step 2: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim, then shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 3 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
- Step 5: Garnish with one fresh thyme sprig laid across the rim and another lightly bruised sprig inserted upright into the drink for aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbal Gin Collins with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Herbal Gin Collins with Thyme?
Refrigerate any leftover herbal gin collins with thyme in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herbal Gin Collins with Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herbal Gin Collins with Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herbal Gin Collins with Thyme?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
