If you’re a fan of classic cocktails, then you’ve likely heard of the Tom Collins. This refreshing drink has a long history and is a favorite among many cocktail enthusiasts. The Tom Collins is a simple yet delicious combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day or at any time you’re craving a refreshing citrusy beverage.
Making a Tom Collins from scratch is easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make this iconic cocktail:
- Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of gin
- 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce of sugar syrup
- Soda water
- Lemon peel or cherry, for garnish
- Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water to fill the glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel or cherry.
- Stir gently and enjoy!
Now you have the recipe to create a refreshing Tom Collins cocktail from scratch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to relax with a homemade cocktail, the Tom Collins is a classic choice that never disappoints.
The Basics of Tom Collins Cocktail
To make a Tom Collins cocktail, you will need a few key ingredients: gin, lemon juice, sugar, and club soda. Start by filling a Collins glass with ice cubes. Then, in a shaker, combine 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Shake vigorously to dissolve the sugar. Strain the mixture into the glass over the ice, and top it off with about 4 ounces of club soda. Give it a gentle stir, and garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry. Enjoy!
If you want to get creative, you can try variations of the Tom Collins cocktail by adding different ingredients or flavors. For example, you can make a “Gin Fizz” by adding an egg white to the mix and shaking it vigorously before straining it into the glass. This will give the drink a frothy texture. You can also experiment with different types of gin or add a splash of flavored syrup to enhance the taste. The possibilities are endless!
| Ingredients | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Gin | 2 ounces |
| Lemon juice | 1 ounce |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Club soda | 4 ounces |
What is Tom Collins?
The Tom Collins cocktail is typically made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. It is traditionally served in a tall glass over ice, garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry. The combination of gin and lemon juice gives the cocktail a bright and tangy flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. The soda water adds effervescence and helps to lighten the drink.
Here is a simple recipe for making a Tom Collins from scratch:
- Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes.
- Add 2 ounces of gin to the glass.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the glass.
- Add 1 ounce of simple syrup.
- Stir the ingredients together.
- Top off the glass with soda water.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.
- Serve and enjoy!
The Tom Collins is a timeless cocktail that is loved for its refreshing taste and easy-to-make recipe. It is a versatile drink that can be customized to suit individual preferences by adjusting the amount of gin or simple syrup used. Whether you are a gin enthusiast or just looking for a new cocktail to try, the Tom Collins is a classic choice that is sure to impress.
Origin and History of Tom Collins
One popular theory is that the Tom Collins was named after a popular prank of that era known as the “Tom Collins hoax.” During the 1870s, a prank would be played on unsuspecting individuals where someone would approach them and tell them that a man named Tom Collins was spreading false rumors about them at a nearby bar. The person would then be urged to go to the bar and confront Tom Collins, only to discover that there was no such person. It is believed that the cocktail was named after this prank as a way to capitalize on its popularity.
Another theory suggests that the Tom Collins was actually named after a popular gin brand in the 19th century. According to this theory, the cocktail was created as a way to showcase the brand and promote its sales. This theory is supported by the fact that early recipes for the Tom Collins specifically call for Old Tom gin, which was a popular gin brand at the time.
Regardless of its exact origins, the Tom Collins has remained a popular cocktail throughout history. It is a refreshing and tart drink that is typically made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. The cocktail gained widespread popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world today.
Essential Ingredients for Tom Collins
- Gin: Gin is the main spirit used in a Tom Collins cocktail. It provides the base for the drink and adds a distinctive flavor. Be sure to use a good quality gin for the best results.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is an essential component of the Tom Collins. It gives the cocktail its tartness and acidity, balancing out the sweetness.
- Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that is used to sweeten the cocktail. It dissolves easily in the drink and gives it a smooth and balanced taste.
- Soda Water: Soda water, also known as carbonated or sparkling water, is used to top off the Tom Collins. It adds a refreshing fizz and lightness to the drink.
- Lemon Twist: A lemon twist is a garnish that is added to the cocktail for an extra burst of citrus aroma. It also adds a touch of elegance to the drink.
These ingredients are the essential components of a Tom Collins cocktail. To make the drink, simply combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water in a glass filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with a lemon twist. Enjoy this classic cocktail and savor its refreshing flavors!
