Tom Collins
By
Table of Contents
Tom Collins: Timeless Refreshment in a Glass!
If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing and classic cocktail that has withstood the test of time, look no further than the illustrious Tom Collins. With its delightful blend of gin, lemon, sweetness, and effervescence, this drink has captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts for generations. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of this cocktail, reveal the finest ingredients for an impeccable sip, and guide you on how to serve this delightful concoction in style.
Table of Contents
The History of Tom Collins
The Tom Collins, believed to have originated in the 19th century, has a rich and intriguing history. The tale of its name stems from a famous prank in which a fictitious character, “Tom Collins,” was created to incite gossip and amusement. The prank involved people being told that “Tom Collins” was bad-mouthing them at nearby bars, leading to a hunt for the elusive character. However, they would soon realize that “Tom Collins” was nothing more than a made-up persona, and the joke took on a life of its own, transcending into a popular cocktail name. Over time, the drink evolved, becoming the beloved classic that graces our cocktail glasses today.
To craft a truly exceptional Tom Collins, the choice of ingredients is key. Here’s what you’ll need to create this exquisite drink:
Ingredients List
- 2 oz 60 ml London Dry Gin (or your preferred gin)
- 1 oz 30 ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- ½ oz 15 ml Simple Syrup
- Club Soda Soda Water
- Ice Cubes
- Lemon Wheel and Maraschino Cherry for garnish
Selecting the Perfect Gin
Crafting an exquisite Tom Collins hinges on the choice of gin, as it sets the tone for the cocktail’s flavor. With various gins available, each boasting distinct botanical blends, let’s explore the top contenders to aid you in making a well-informed decision:
1. London Dry Gin: The go-to and traditional choice for a classic Tom Collins, London Dry Gin boasts dominant juniper notes with a well-balanced blend of botanicals like coriander and citrus peel. This creates a crisp and refreshing taste, ideal for the perfect Tom Collins experience.
2. Old Tom Gin: A touch sweeter than London Dry, Old Tom Gin offers a luscious and smooth drinking experience. With added sugar or sweeteners, it pairs splendidly with the citrus and simple syrup in a Tom Collins, delivering a delightful twist on the classic.
3. Plymouth Gin: Hailing from Plymouth, England, this gin showcases a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor compared to London Dry. Its mellow character adds sophistication to your Tom Collins, making it a worthy choice for those seeking something distinctive.
To find the ideal gin for your Tom Collins, consider your flavor preferences. If you relish pronounced juniper notes, opt for London Dry. For a sweeter and more complex taste, Old Tom Gin may be your best bet. Regardless of your choice, each gin variation brings its unique charm to this timeless cocktail.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable for an authentic Tom Collins. The tangy citrus burst is what brings this cocktail to life, creating a bright and refreshing profile that’s hard to resist. To achieve the right touch of sweetness, a half-ounce of simple syrup does the trick. Alternatively, you can use sugar or agave syrup as a substitute.
Equipment Needed
The Perfect Glassware
The Tom Collins is traditionally served in a tall, slender highball glass. This elegant glass showcases the cocktail’s effervescence and allows ample space for ice and garnishes.
Method
Now that you have gathered the finest ingredients, let’s guide you through the step-by-step process of crafting a sensational Tom Collins:
- Fill the highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
- In a shaker, combine the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well to combine the ingredients and chill the mixture.
- Discard the ice from the highball glass and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top up the glass with club soda, allowing the effervescence to infuse the drink with bubbles.
- Give it a gentle stir to ensure the flavors are beautifully blended.
- Garnish your Tom Collins with a lemon wheel and a tempting maraschino cherry for that final touch of allure.
Conclusion
With its vibrant history and unbeatable combination of flavors, the Tom Collins remains an all-time favorite for cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Perfect for warm summer evenings or as an effervescent companion to any celebration, the Tom Collins embodies timeless refreshment. So, why not whip up this classic concoction and raise a toast to the past while savoring the present? Cheers to the Tom Collins – a drink that never goes out of style!
Ingredients
- 2 oz 60 ml London Dry Gin (or your preferred gin)
- 1 oz 30 ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- ½ oz 15 ml Simple Syrup
- Club Soda Soda Water
- Ice Cubes
- Lemon Wheel and Maraschino Cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill the highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
- In a shaker, combine the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well to combine the ingredients and chill the mixture.
- Discard the ice from the highball glass and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top up the glass with club soda, allowing the effervescence to infuse the drink with bubbles.
- Give it a gentle stir to ensure the flavors are beautifully blended.
- Garnish your Tom Collins with a lemon wheel and a tempting maraschino cherry for that final touch of allure.
Buy the equipment
Here are our top picks from Amazon of cocktail making equipment to make a Tom Collins.
Other recipes you may enjoy…
3 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
More articles
3 Ice cubes in a glass is pointless, melted in minutes. Fill the glass with ice for a cooler drink. Lovely drink though, and a joy to serve when you’re busy on a saturday night
it’s very nice light drink. . . . one of my favorites
Depend swho makes this drink, some make it too sweet, I perfer it sour!!!