This twist on the classic Tom Collins drink uses Meyer lemons for a slightly tart, slightly sweet Meyer lemon cocktail you can enjoy all winter long into spring.
(This recipe for Meyer Lemon Tom Collins was originally posted in March 2012, but was updated with new photos in 2018).
Another week is coming to a close and we’ve got another Cocktail Friday on our hands. I have a feeling I don’t need to say anything more on that. Except for maybe Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh (of relief). And perhaps you’d like to hear the sound of gin pouring into a glass, crackling as it hits the ice. Tonight we’re enjoying a Meyer Lemon Tom Collins. I was so excited when I saw a recipe for a Meyer lemon cocktail on Serious Eats since I love me some Meyer lemons and am always looking for food and drinks to incorporate them into. The Tom Collins is one of those classic drinks I hear about all the time, but I am never really exactly sure what it is. I needed to learn and this cocktail gave me the perfect opportunity.
In case you’re wondering, Meyer lemons are basically a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange. Which means they’re nice and sweet and ridiculously tasty. While I know I love Meyer lemons, I wanted to do a little research on them… And guess what I learned? Well, according to this NPR report, Miss Martha Stewart herself is the “fairy godmother” of Meyer lemons. No wonder I love them so much. Allegedly, these little lemon joys weren’t very popular among us common folk until Martha started featuring them in lots of her recipes. What can’t that woman do? I mean, she can suddenly make a piece of produce relevant? You go, girl! Though Meyer lemons don’t ship well because of their thin skin, it’s this same feature that makes them perfect for cooking and baking. Supposedly, you can eat the entire lemon, peel and all, if you so desire. I may have to try that. They’re alllllmost out of season, though, so I’ll have to try it soon. And you’ll have to make this Meyer Lemon cocktail soon. Good thing gin is always in season.
So, it turns out a Tom Collins is cocktail made from gin, lemon juice, sugar, and water. Which is precisely what this is… But with Meyer lemons instead of conventional lemons. I very lightly adapted this recipe from Serious Eats and it comes from Feizal Valli of Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama.
Easiest recipe ever. Juice your lemons, making sure to keep out as many seeds as possible.
Then, in a highball glass or whatever similar glass you have on hand, mix together the gin, Meyer lemon juice, and sugar. I cut my sugar a little bit from the original recipe because I had faith that my fruit would bring in enough natural sugar. Plus, I generally prefer tart over sweet. You can add as much or as little as you choose.
Stir it up. It won’t look like there’s a whole lotta drink in your glass, but once you add the ice and top it off with some soda water, it will be just perfect.
While I’m sure I’d love a traditional Tom Collins, the Meyer lemons were so fragrant and unique that I think I’d probably prefer this. Plus, I love a good traditional cocktail that has a super simple spin on it. Now, I’m imagining I’d like to try a Tangerine Tom Collins as well. Especially if the colors would get all ombre like they did with this one.
If you’re not a fan of gin, you can also make this with vodka. Of course, it won’t be a Tom Collins if you do that, but it will still be jealous. I actually experimented with this and legitimately couldn’t tell the difference between the gin and vodka cocktails. I had to try like 10 sips of each before I could figure it out (hehe I promise this was not just an excuse to keep drinking!).
But honestly, if you’re not sure if you’re a fan of gin, this Meyer lemon cocktail is a good way to introduce yourself to it. The gin taste isn’t super predominant (hence why I had a tough time telling it apart from vodka) and the flavors are quite subtle.
It makes me so sad that Meyer lemons are winter citrus because I really do think this would be the perfect hot weather sipper. Luckily, I still have Meyer lemons in my grocery store at the end of March and I hope they stick around for just a little while longer. I’m strongly considering juicing a bunch and then freezing the juice. But then again, I also like the idea of saving Meyer lemons for some winter cheer when nothing else is working.
In the meantime, I’m thrilled I can now mix up a Tom Collins and am dreaming of a million other twists on the classic I can do.
Have you ever had a Meyer lemon cocktail before?
Meyer Lemon Tom Collins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. gin
- 1 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (from about 1 1/2 Meyer lemons)
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- Soda water
Instructions
- In a highball glass, mix together gin, Meyer lemon juice, and sugar.
- Add ice and top off with soda water.
Notes
Not married… but i have dreams of eloping on a tropical island. lol.
That cocktail is GORGEOUS and looks sooooooo refreshing.
I’m not engaged quite yet, but I have a few details in mind. Like incorporating some pretty, fragrant herbs in my bouquet. I’d also like to get married in a vineyard, but I might have to compromise on that one 😛 In the meantime, hand me a Meyer lemon Tom Collins!
This is a drink I could get behind! So easy, but sounds really fresh and tasty. Plus, I’m a gin girl. Love the save the date idea! I really liked that my boyfriend’s brother had signature drinks named after the bride and groom at their wedding. It was still an open bar, but fun to have the drink specials listed as a Cheryltini and a Moehattan (Moe being his last name).
i love trying new drinks! this looks and sounds so yummy! may have to make one tonight 🙂
Holy thirsty!! And those save the dates are so cute! What a perfect idea. I’m not married (or in a relationship) but I’ve always wanted a really intense and amazing cake at my wedding!!
i like cocktailing as a word. nice work.:)
your save the dates are so adorable. super creative idea!
My favorite part of the wedding planning process had to have been all the DIY projects I took on to save cash. The personal touches did not go unnoticed by guests and it helped make the day feel that much more special. As one could expect some things didn’t go as planned, and some were omitted last minute due to time constraint, but our day was absolutely perfect! Enjoy every second of it because it goes by FAST!
My favorite part was planning the ceremony! Someone once told me, you put so much time and money into planning the reception, but the only thing that truly matters is the ceremony. We planned the whole ceremony down to writing our own vows and planting a tree. Everyone left saying that was SO Abby and Jacob! Then we had one hell of a party!
My fave part of wedding planning was trying all the food. Of course! Also knowing I was marrying my best friend. Have fun! And make sure to enjoy it all. I wish I knew that save the date idea for my wedding. It’s so cool! And the drink is beautiful!
Killer cocktail. Seriously. It was my dad’s favorite.
Adorable save the date idea!
this will be a new favorite summer cocktail, really enjoying them. Mine didn’t separate into 2 color tho. Not surprising sine I am more Swedish Chef and less Martha
I am on such a lemon kick! so much so that I ordered a Meyer Lemon tree for my house…yes to grow inside (it certainly won’t grow outside in Montana 😉 I must try this cocktail. BTW, love the colors of the wedding…they are the same colors as my kitchen makeover!
We’re getting married in September, and I have to say, the most fun so far has been seeing my fiance, family members, and friends show how excited they are for the big day! It makes me so happy.
PS: Delicious drink + those save the dates are awesome!
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i’ll take one on Friday, please! 🙂
This looks so refreshing and delicious. And your invitations are gorgeous. Love the recipe touch – so you! 🙂
I love a good Tom Collins and the Meyer lemons add such a great flavor!
I am obsessed with Tom Collins Cocktails and I LOVE this flavour spin!! I can’t for Happy Hour to give this a try.