To make a Tom Collins, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lemon slices and maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine the ingredients.
- Fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into the Collins glass.
- Top off the glass with club soda.
- Garnish with lemon slices and maraschino cherries, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Note: If you don’t have a shaker, you can also mix the ingredients in a glass and then strain them into the Collins glass.
History:
The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is thought to have originated in the United States in the 19th century, although the exact origins of the drink are somewhat disputed.
One popular story about the Tom Collins’ origins dates back to 1874, when a man named John Collins was working as the head bartender at the Limmer’s Hotel in London. According to the story, Collins created a drink called the “John Collins” that was made with gin, lemon juice, and sugar, and served over ice in a tall glass. The drink became popular at the hotel and eventually spread to other bars and taverns in London.
Another theory suggests that the Tom Collins was actually invented in New York City, and that it was named after a popular prank played in the city in the late 1800s. The prank involved telling someone that a man named Tom Collins was talking badly about them and then encouraging them to go and confront him. Of course, Tom Collins was a fictional character, and the prank was meant to cause confusion and chaos. It is thought that the Tom Collins cocktail was named after this prank as a way to capitalize on its popularity.
Regardless of its true origins, the Tom Collins has remained a popular and enduring cocktail for over a century. It is often served at social gatherings and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
There are many variations of the Tom Collins cocktail that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Ginless Tom Collins: If you don’t like gin or want to try something different, you can make a Tom Collins with vodka or tequila instead. Simply replace the gin with your desired spirit and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
- Frozen Tom Collins: To make a frozen Tom Collins, blend all of the ingredients (except the club soda) in a blender with ice until smooth. Pour the mixture into a tall glass and top with a splash of club soda.
- Berry Collins: For a fruity twist on the classic Tom Collins, add a few berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) to the shaker along with the other ingredients. You can also use a flavored simple syrup, such as raspberry or blackberry, to add some extra berry flavor.
- Herb Collins: To give your Tom Collins a fresh, herbaceous twist, try adding a sprig of fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, or rosemary) to the shaker along with the other ingredients.
- Spicy Collins: To add some heat to your Tom Collins, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh jalapeno to the shaker along with the other ingredients.
- Fizz Collins: For a sparkling twist on the classic Tom Collins, try using sparkling wine or champagne instead of club soda.
- Collins Punch: To make a large batch of Tom Collins for a party, try making a Collins punch. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix them together in a punch bowl. Add ice and stir to combine, then garnish with lemon slices and maraschino cherries.
Top Gins to Try in a Tom Collins:
Gin is a popular and versatile spirit that is enjoyed all over the world. Here are ten highly regarded gins that you may want to try:
- Tanqueray No. Ten: This London dry gin is made with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica root, and fresh citrus peels. It has a balanced and complex flavor profile, with a long, smooth finish.
- Hendrick’s: This Scottish gin is made with a unique blend of botanicals, including roses and cucumbers, and is known for its unusual and distinctive flavor.
- Bombay Sapphire: This London dry gin is made with a blend of ten botanicals, including juniper, coriander, almonds, and lemon peel. It has a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
- The Botanist: This gin is made with a blend of 22 botanicals, including nine that are hand-foraged on the island of Islay, Scotland. It has a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
- Beefeater: This London dry gin is made with a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, coriander, and Seville orange peel. It has a bold and spicy flavor profile.
- Monkey 47: This German gin is made with a blend of 47 botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, and cranberries. It has a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
- Martin Miller’s: This London dry gin is made with a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, and cassia bark. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile.
- Broker’s: This English gin is made with a blend of ten botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and angelica root. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile.
- Plymouth: This English gin is made with a blend of seven botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, and coriander. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile.
- Finders Distillery Gin: This Australian gin is made with a blend of botanicals that are sourced from different regions around Australia, including Native Red Limes, and coastal berry. It has a complex and earthy flavor profile.
