Hello Cocktail Clan. Today we ae going to talk about a timeless classic called the Tom Collins. This cocktail is a delightful mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, is a timeless classic that has quenched thirsts and sparked conversations for centuries. Its origins are a bit murky, with some attributing its creation to a London bartender named John Collins in the 1800s. However, the name “Tom Collins” is believed to have emerged from a bizarre hoax that swept through New York City in 1874.
The Great Tom Collins Hoax, as it came to be known, involved people approaching each other on the streets and in bars, whispering, “Have you seen Tom Collins?” The unsuspecting victim would then be told that Tom Collins had been slandering them, leading to a wild goose chase to find this mysterious and malicious character. Of course, Tom Collins was entirely fictional, but the prank became so widespread that it even inspired a popular song.
Amidst all this chaos, the Tom Collins cocktail emerged, perhaps to soothe the nerves of those caught up in the hoax. Whatever its true origins, the cocktail has become a beloved staple in the world of mixology. Its refreshing tartness, balanced sweetness, and fizzy effervescence make it a perfect drink for any occasion.
Tom Collins Ingredients:
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- .5 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 oz Club Soda
- Cherry for Garnish
Tom Collins Instructions:
- Take a highball glass and add ice
- Add the Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, simple syrup, and club soda
- Give that a stir
- Add a Straw and Garnish with a Cherry
- Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy
Tools:
High Ball Glass
Bar Spoon
Jigger
Tasting Notes:
This is a great refreshing cocktail. A bit tart on my palate with the ingredients as stated. You might add a touch more Simple Syrup or less lemon juice but, give it a try this way and modify the ingredients to your palate. The lemon juice is forward and you may want to switch the Gin to more botanical forward to bring the gin forward in this cocktail. Overall, this is a simple and great refreshing cocktail.
So, the next time you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both delicious and steeped in history, be sure to give the cocktail a try. Just don’t be surprised if someone asks you if you’ve seen Tom Collins lurking about!
The Cocktail Clan
