How to Make a Tom Collins: A Refreshing Classic Cocktail

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The Tom Collins is a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. With its refreshing blend of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, it’s the perfect drink for a hot summer day or a casual gathering with friends. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of the Tom Collins. We will explore its origins and provide a detailed recipe. We will also suggest some variations and offer tips on how best to enjoy this classic cocktail.

History of the Tom Collins

The Tom Collins cocktail has a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. The drink is believed to have originated in the United States, although its exact origins are somewhat disputed. One popular theory is that the Tom Collins was created as part of a practical joke known as “The Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874.” During this hoax, people would ask others if they had seen Tom Collins. He was a fictitious person who was supposedly spreading rumors about them. The joke gained widespread popularity, and bartenders began creating a drink named after the fictional character.

Another theory suggests that the drink evolved from an earlier drink called the John Collins, which was made with Holland gin (also known as Genever) and was popular in London in the early 19th century. The John Collins was named after a headwaiter at Limmer’s Old House in Conduit Street, Mayfair, a popular London hotel and coffee house. Over time, the drink made its way to the United States. There, it was adapted to use Old Tom gin, a sweeter style of gin. Eventually, it became known as the Tom Collins.

Recipe for a Classic Tom Collins

Making a Tom Collins is simple and requires just a few key ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect one:

Ingredients:

50 ml Old Tom gin or London Dry
25 ml fresh lemon juice
12.5 ml simple syrup
Club soda
Lemon slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

Combine ingredients: In a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain: Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
Add soda: Top off the drink with club soda.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Old Tom Gin Vs London Dry:

Old Tom gin offers a slightly sweeter and less botanical flavor compared to the more commonly known London Dry gin. It dates back to the 18th century and gained popularity during the gin craze in England. The name “Old Tom” likely originated from wooden plaques shaped like a black cat (an “Old Tom”) that pubs mounted on their exteriors. Patrons inserted a coin into the cat’s mouth. They received a shot of gin through a tube hidden in the cat’s paw. When using Old Tom gin, you can reduce the amount of sugar you use to keep the drink nicely balanced.

Variations of the Tom Collins

While the classic Tom Collins is delightful on its own, there are several variations you can try to add a unique twist to this traditional cocktail:

John Collins: Use Holland gin (Genever) instead of Old Tom gin. This variation has a slightly different flavor profile due to the use of Genever.
Vodka Collins: Substitute vodka for gin to create a Vodka Collins. This variation is perfect for those who prefer vodka over gin.
Rum Collins: Replace the gin with light rum and use lime juice instead of lemon juice. This variation, also known as a Ron Collins, offers a tropical twist on the classic cocktail.
Tequila Collins: Use tequila instead of gin and lime juice instead of lemon juice. This variation, known as a Juan Collins, adds a Mexican flair to the drink.
French 75: Replace the club soda with Champagne. This variation, known as a French 75, adds a touch of elegance and effervescence to the cocktail.

How to Enjoy

The Tom Collins is best enjoyed in a relaxed and social setting. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your experience:

Use fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients can make a big difference in the taste of your Tom Collins. Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality gin for the best results.
Chill your glassware: To keep your cocktail cold and refreshing, chill your Collins glass before serving. You can do this by placing the glass in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
Measure accurately: The balance of flavors in the Tom Collins is crucial. Use a jigger or measuring tool to ensure you add the correct proportions of each ingredient.
Shake vigorously: Shaking the cocktail vigorously helps to mix the ingredients thoroughly and chill the drink quickly. It also helps to dissolve the simple syrup and incorporate it into the cocktail.
Serve immediately: The Tom Collins is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it immediately after making it to ensure the flavors are at their peak.
Pair with light appetizers: The Tom Collins pairs well with light appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, cheese, and fresh fruit. The refreshing and citrusy flavors of the cocktail complement the savory and sweet notes of these snacks.
Enjoy with friends: The Tom Collins is a social drink, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Make a batch of Tom Collins cocktails and enjoy them together at a gathering or celebration.

Conclusion

The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its rich history, refreshing flavor, and versatility make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this drink is sure to delight your taste buds and elevate your cocktail experience. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and enjoy a taste of cocktail history with a refreshing Tom Collins.