Comparison
Gimlet vs Tom Collins
Gimlet and tom-collins get compared often because they occupy similar territory — but the differences matter. This page puts the data side by side so you can see exactly where they diverge on flavor, nutrition, and use case.
Option A
Gimlet
Reach for Gimlet when you want something Citrus and Sweet.
Option B
Tom Collins
Reach for Tom Collins when you want something Citrus and Sugar, or you want something on the lighter, more sessionable side.
Quick verdict
Gimlet is stronger at 24.2% ABV vs 8.0% for Tom Collins. Tom Collins is sweeter — Gimlet is the drier choice.
Gimlet vs Tom Collins — at a glance
| Metric | Gimlet | Tom Collins |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (est.) | 221kcal↓ | 239kcal |
| Sugar (est.) | 10.7g↓ | 20.5g |
| Carbs (est.) | 14.3g↓ | 26.1g |
| ABV | 24.2% | 8% |
| US standard drinks | 1.82 | 1.46 |
| Ingredient count | 4↓ | 6 |
| Glass | Martini Glass | Collins Glass |
| Drink type | Cocktail | Cocktail |
↓ = lower in this metric. Nutrition values are estimates. — = data not available.
Taste difference
Both drinks share Citrus character. Gimlet adds Sweet and Lime on top. Tom Collins leans more Sugar and Lemon.
Nutrition difference
The calorie difference between Gimlet and Tom Collins is small (about 18 kcal). The more meaningful variable is usually the ABV and pour size.
When to choose each
→ Gimlet
Reach for Gimlet when you want something Citrus and Sweet.
→ Tom Collins
Reach for Tom Collins when you want something Citrus and Sugar, or you want something on the lighter, more sessionable side.
Recipe data
Nutrition values are estimates based on standard recipe quantities.
Methodology
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between gimlet and tom-collins?
- The most noticeable difference is in flavor profile and ingredient structure. Gimlet and Tom-collins are built around different spirits or flavor combinations. The nutrition comparison on this page shows how they differ on calories, sugar, and alcohol — but flavor is usually the deciding factor.
- What does a gimlet taste like?
- Gimlet has a distinct flavor defined by its core ingredients. The tasting notes and flavor tags on this page draw from WhatDrink recipe data. See the individual gimlet page for a full flavor breakdown.
- What does a tom-collins taste like?
- Tom-collins has a different character shaped by its own ingredient combination. The comparison table above highlights how the two drinks differ on flavor direction as well as nutrition.
- Can you substitute a gimlet for a tom-collins?
- They differ enough that a direct substitution will change the drink meaningfully. If you enjoy both flavors, you can swap in some contexts — a bartender can usually advise on the closest adaptation.
- Which is lower in calories?
- The comparison table above shows the estimated calorie difference from WhatDrink recipe data. The actual gap depends on the specific recipe and portion size used. Neither should be assumed to be "low calorie" without checking the number.
- When should I order a gimlet vs a tom-collins?
- Gimlet tends to suit different occasions and moods than Tom-collins. The "When to choose" section above gives a side-by-side guide based on flavor intensity, ABV, and occasion fit from WhatDrink data.
- Which is stronger?
- ABV estimates for both drinks are shown in the comparison table. Strength depends on the recipe — some variations of gimlet are stronger than some versions of tom-collins and vice versa. Always check the specific recipe.