Despite its popularity in the ’50s, as well as its enduring legacy in barware and drink mixes, the Tom Collins isn’t a drink I have run into very often. It doesn’t appear at bars—be they home or business—the way a Whiskey Sour does, and it certainly isn’t as common as a staple Screwdriver.

Regardless, I’d never had one and decided it was a necessary rite of passage for my alcoholic experimentation—so I cut up some lemons and got to work.

2 oz gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 tsp simple syrup
dash of bitters
soda water

Mix gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda, stir, and serve.

Holding one of these makes me feel like I should be participating in a rousing rubber of bridge, or lounging by the pool with a synchronized swim team. It’s tart but refreshing; not overly sweet nor overly sour, but with just enough bite to make you feel like you’re drinking something distinctive. This is definitely a great drink for my next poker game.