Real Simple's Most Refreshing Two-Ingredient Tom Collins Recipe

A single sip and you'll realize why the Tom Collins has been called one of the best classic cocktails for centuries. It's strong, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Most recipes for Tom Collins cocktails use four ingredients—gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda—but we cut it down to just two by swapping lemon soda for the simple syrup, carbonated water, and lemon juice. Mix the gin with the soda in a 1:2 ratio over ice, and serve in a highball glass (a must) with a lemon wedge and basil leaf garnish.