Old Tom Gin substitutes
The closest substitute for Old Tom Gin is Gin, which works and barely changes the drink. Add a small splash of simple syrup. Genever also works.
What to use instead of Old Tom Gin
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
GinAlmost the same Add a small splash of simple syrup. Same amount | Same amount | 40–47.3% ABV | −1 point |
GeneverWorks, tastes different Maltier. Same amount | Same amount | 35–42% ABV | About the same |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Old Tom Gin, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Tom Collins
45ml (1½ oz) Old Tom Gin → 45ml (1½ oz) Gin
About 8% ABV → about 7% ABV−1 point
How they compare
| Property | Old Tom Gin | Gin |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–47% ABV | 40–47.3% ABV |
| Taste | Juniper, Slightly sweet, Botanicals, Smooth | Juniper forward, Citrus, Spice, Herbal complexity |
| Aroma | Juniper, Citrus, Slight sweetness, Botanical | Juniper, Citrus, Pine, Floral notes, Herbal |
| Finish | Sweet, Juniper, Smooth | Dry, Crisp, Lingering botanicals |
| Property | Old Tom Gin | Genever |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–47% ABV | 35–42% ABV |
| Taste | Juniper, Slightly sweet, Botanicals, Smooth | Malty, Grain, Juniper, Rich, Smooth |
| Aroma | Juniper, Citrus, Slight sweetness, Botanical | Malt, Juniper, Grain, Light spice |
| Finish | Sweet, Juniper, Smooth | Malty, Warming, Medium |
Low and zero proof
An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Old Tom Gin: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.
- Zero-Proof Tom CollinsZero proof
Already have one of these?
If you have Hayman's Old Tom, Ransom Old Tom or Jensen's Old Tom, you don't need a substitute: they are all Old Tom Gin.
What is Old Tom Gin?
Old Tom gin is a slightly sweetened style bridging genever and London Dry, popular in Victorian England. Essential for authentic Tom Collins and Martinez cocktails.
Got Old Tom Gin? It also replaces
Questions about Old Tom Gin substitutes
What is the best substitute for Old Tom Gin?
Gin is the closest substitute for Old Tom Gin and barely changes the drink. Add a small splash of simple syrup. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Old Tom Gin in a Tom Collins?
Gin: swap 45ml (1½ oz) of Old Tom Gin for 45ml (1½ oz) of Gin. It ends up about 7% ABV instead of about 8%.
Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Old Tom Gin?
Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there is a zero-proof version of the Tom Collins made with non-alcoholic bottles.
Which Old Tom Gin brands can I use?
If you have Hayman's Old Tom, Ransom Old Tom or Jensen's Old Tom, you don't need a substitute: they are all Old Tom Gin. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Gin instead of Old Tom Gin change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Tom Collins, which goes from about 8% to about 7% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Old Tom Gin?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.