
Mallory is a food and beverage blogger and organizer of…
Have a little fun with an old classic; infuse some of your favorite herbs into a simple Tom Collins.
Making cocktails for a crowd? Consider this build-your-own cocktail idea, a simple spin on the classic Tom Collins.
Set up a drink-making station with fresh citrus, a variety of herb-infused simple syrups, soda water, white rum (and/or the traditional gin), fresh herbs for garnish, and a large bowl of ice. Make a display card with the basic recipe (see below) and let each person create their own Collins. Try grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes for the citrus paired with rosemary, thyme, lavender, and mint simple syrups.
It’s a beautiful display and your guests will discover new combinations as they mix and match ingredients.
Print- Author: Mallory Leicht
- Yield: 1 serving (12 oz simple syrup) 1x
- Category: Cocktail
Ingredients
DIY Collins
- 1 1/2 oz Copper Run White Rum
- 1 oz citrus juice
- 1/2 oz herb simple syrup
- soda water to taste
- herbs (for garnish)
Herb Infused Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- herbs (8 thyme sprigs or 4 rosemary sprigs or 1/4 cup dried lavender buds or 1/3 cup packed mint leaves)
Instructions
DIY Collins
- Combine rum, citrus juice and simple syrup in an ice filled glass and stir.
- Add soda water to taste then garnish with fresh herbs.
Herb Infused Simple Syrup
- Combine sugar, water and herbs of choice in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer and stir frequently until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat, cover and let cool to room temperature.
- Strain into a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Mallory is a food and beverage blogger and organizer of flavor-focused workshops with Chase the Flavors, a do-it-yourself resource with a Midwest perspective that celebrates savoring the special in every occasion with recipes and everyday inspiration in the kitchen, home, and beyond. Mallory is a librarian with a special interest in information access across new technologies, seed libraries, audiobooks, and non-dowdy cardigans. She loves to see the ways people use libraries to bring their dreams to life and believes that information access and education empower joyful, creative living. Beyond blogging and books, is coffee. Mallory keeps connected with the specialty coffee industry as a competitions committee member for the Specialty Coffee Association of America, helping judge deliciously inspiring coffee competitions.