Tom Collins
When it comes to classic cocktails, few drinks can rival the Tom Collins. This delightful gin-based concoction is a regular feature of any respectable bar menu and makes for an ideal accompaniment to meals or as a refreshing afternoon libation. With its zesty lemon taste, delightfully bubbly texture, and bold juniper flavor – this cocktail has something for every palate.
History of the Tom Collins
The origin story of the Tom Collins is shrouded in mystery. Some say that it was named after a prank played on unsuspecting people in 19th century London bars – where patrons were warned about another drinker with their same name who had been slandering them behind their back! Other stories suggest that it may have been created by John Collins (also known as ‘Old Tom’) at Limmer’s Hotel in Mayfair sometime during the late 1820s.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own delicious Tom Collins you will need: 2 ounces of gin; 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice; ½ ounce simple syrup; 3 ounces soda water; Maraschino cherry (optional). For those looking to add an extra kick to their cocktail experience – feel free to substitute vodka or rum for some or all of the gin to make a Vodka Collins.
How To Make A Perfect Tom Collins
Making this classic beverage is incredibly easy! Start off by filling a highball glass with ice cubes then measure out two ounces of your chosen spirit into a shaker filled with ice. Next up, add one ounce each of freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup before giving everything a good shake until chilled through. Finally strain over your prepared glass before topping up with soda water and adding garnish if desired.
Tom Collins
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- -2 oz gin
- -1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- -3/4 oz simple syrup or 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
- -Club soda chilled
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a shaker half filled with ice cubes combine the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup or sugar. Shake well for about 20 seconds.
- Strain into an ice filled collins glass (highball).
- Top off the glass with chilled club soda and stir gently with a long spoon to mix in the ingredients.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and fresh orange or lemon slice if desired
Glassware
A Tom Collins is traditionally served in a tall, narrow Collins glass filled with ice. The glass typically holds 10-14 ounces of liquid and can be used for other mixed drinks as well.
Mojito: The classic mojito is usually served in a highball glass, which looks similar to the collins glass but has straight sides instead of tapering out towards the top. A typical highball glass holds between 8-12 ounces of liquid, perfect for serving this popular Cuban cocktail.
Daiquiri: Daiquiris are often served in stemmed glasses such as martini or coupe glasses due to their sweet and refreshing nature. However, you can also serve them in rocks glasses if preferred.
Flavors
The Tom Collins is an iconic, refreshing cocktail made of gin, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water. It has a light, tart flavor with a hint of sweetness that makes it highly drinkable.
The base of the Tom Collins is London Dry Gin which has a distinct juniper-forward taste with citrusy undertones.
The addition of lemon juice brings brightness to the cocktail while also adding some acidity and subtle bitter notes from the peel oils in the juice.
A simple syrup provides just enough sweetness to balance out all of these flavors without making it too cloying or overwhelming. Finally, soda water adds effervescence and keeps this classic drink light yet flavorful.
Overall, this timeless libation offers bright citrus top notes complemented by woodsy juniper tones and softened by a touch of sweetened syrup for an incredibly balanced mix that’s perfect for any occasion!
