The Classic Tom Collins: A Refreshing Timeless Favorite!
Refreshing Spirit Lift with Tom Collins Cocktail Mixture
Sip back and enjoy the simplicity of the timeless Tom Collins - a classic cocktail dating back to the late 1800s! Today, we're serving up this crisp, delightful drink that'll have you coming back for more.
What You'll Need for a Perfect Tom Collins:
Gather the following ingredients for a chef-worthy pour:
- A handful of ice cubes for shaking and serving
- 2 ounces London dry gin - The juniper-forward spirit that adds a kick to your Collins
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice - Fruity, tangy, and simply scrumptious!
- 1 teaspoon superfine sugar - To sweeten the deal without any graininess
- 4 ounces chilled club soda - Your fizzy partner-in-crime
- A thin lemon slice - For garnishing and a pop of flavor
Let's Shake Things Up!
Follow these steps to create a Tom Collins that'll do Jerry Thomas proud:
- Drop your ice cubes into a cocktail shaker, then add the gin, lemon juice, and superfine sugar.
- Give it a good shake for about 15 seconds until chilled.
- Pour the contents into a chilled collins glass filled with ice cubes.
- Add the chilled club soda, give it a quick stir, garnish with a thin lemon slice, and serve.
The Yarn of Tom Collins: A Fascinating History
The Tom Collins is more than just a tasty beverage; it has a captivating history worth exploring. Early variations of this drink, called John Collins, used whiskey, genever, or Old Tom gin[1][3]. It first appeared in Jerry Thomas's 1876 "Bartender's Guide" and gained its name due to a widespread 19th-century practical joke[1].
The cocktail's name wasn't always "Tom Collins," but the joke that went along with it stuck and inspired a song and play[1]. Despite legends attributing its creation to a bartender named John Collins at Limmer's Hotel in London, this claim has been disputed[1].
Throughout the years, the drink evolved, and by the late 1800s, the modern classic recipe emerged, using London dry gin that provides a crisp, refreshing taste[1][3]. The Tom Collins is still a staple in both classic and contemporary cocktail culture today, appreciated for its delightful balance of flavors.
Enjoy the refreshing beauty of the Tom Collins, and remember - in the world of mixology, history never goes out of style!
[1] "The Story of Tom Collins" by David Wondrich, Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails, 2004[3] Difford's Guide, "Tom Collins" accessed on March 1, 2023, https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/475/tom_collins
- While crafting a Tom Collins, use superfine sugar to avoid any graininess, resulting in a smoother, more enjoyable drink.
- The popular Tom Collins cocktail, with its origins traced back to the late 1800s, is an uncategorized drink that is often found in both classic and contemporary cocktail collections.
- Jerry Thomas, a renowned bartender, first published the recipe for the Tom Collins in his 1876 "Bartender's Guide," giving credit to its timeless flavor and popularity.
- To stay true to the traditional Tom Collins recipe, replace the use of whiskey, genever, or Old Tom gin with London dry gin to achieve a crisp, refreshing taste that embodies the essence of this classic cocktail.
