tom collins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Casual/Semi-formal; primarily used in social, culinary, and beverage contexts.
Quick answer
What does “tom collins” mean?
A classic alcoholic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, served over ice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A classic alcoholic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, served over ice.
By extension, the name of the cocktail itself. It is a refreshing, tall drink often associated with summertime and casual social drinking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical and the recipe is standard in both varieties, though gin choices may vary (London Dry in the UK vs. a wider range in the US).
Connotations
Connotes classic cocktail culture, leisurely drinking, and a certain timeless sophistication in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally understood and used in cocktail contexts in both the UK and US. Slightly more historically embedded in American cocktail lore.
Grammar
How to Use “tom collins” in a Sentence
[Subject] ordered a Tom Collins.[Bartender] made a perfect Tom Collins.Would you like [a Tom Collins]?Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality industry discussions (bar management, menu planning).
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or cultural studies of food and drink.
Everyday
Common in social settings involving drinking (pubs, bars, parties, restaurants).
Technical
Used in mixology (the study of cocktails), bartending manuals, and culinary arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tom collins”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tom collins”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tom collins”
- Incorrect capitalisation (e.g., 'tom collins').
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a tom collins').
- Confusing it with a 'gin and tonic'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, because it is a proper noun referring to the specific name of the cocktail.
They are very similar. Traditionally, a Tom Collins is served over ice in a Collins glass, while a Gin Fizz is served without ice in a smaller glass and is shaken more vigorously for a frothier top.
Yes, a common 'mocktail' version substitutes the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply uses extra lemon and soda, sometimes called a 'No-Tom Collins' or 'Tom Collins Mocktail'.
It is served in a tall, narrow glass called a Collins glass, which holds 10-14 ounces (300-400 ml).
A classic alcoholic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, served over ice.
Tom collins is usually casual/semi-formal; primarily used in social, culinary, and beverage contexts. in register.
Tom collins: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒm ˈkɒl.ɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːm ˈkɑː.lɪnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a polite man named Tom holding a tall, fizzy, Collins glass.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REFRESHING DRINK IS A COOLING AGENT / CLASSIC COCKTAILS ARE ARTIFACTS OF CULTURE.
Practice
Quiz
What is a Tom Collins primarily made with?