The Tom Collins, a classic Collins cocktail, blends gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. Jerry Thomas, known as “the father of American mixology,” first documented the recipe in 1876.
Often described as “gin and sparkling lemonade,” it’s traditionally served over ice in a Collins glass. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a “Collins mix” soft drink is available, offering a similar flavor profile without the alcohol.
The Tom Collins stands as perhaps the most famous member of the Collins cocktail family. A Collins, in general, refers to a sour-type cocktail made by blending a spirit with sugar and citrus, typically served in a tall glass over ice and finished with a splash of soda water.
In essence, it’s akin to a sparkling lemonade enhanced with a kick of alcohol.
Tom Collins History
The origins of the Tom Collins cocktail are subject to debate. Drinks historian David Wondrich suggests it likely evolved from the gin punches popular in the early 19th century.
A prevalent tale attributes its creation to a bartender at Limmer’s Hotel in London, John Collins, who supposedly named the drink after himself.
However, there’s some uncertainty over whether Collins actually made the drink or merely popularized it. Initially, these early versions of the cocktail were made with genever or Old Tom gin, leading to the drink eventually being known as the Tom Collins instead of John Collins.
The cocktail gained fame through Harry Johnson’s 1882 “New and Improved Bartender’s Manual: Or How to Mix Drinks of the Present Style.” Since then, it has been a staple in numerous iconic bartending guides.
The Tom Collins has maintained its popularity for over a century, influencing the creation of other sour-sparkling drinks like the French 75 and various modern spritzes.
Tom Collins Cocktail Ingredients
Before we check out the Tom Collins recipe, gather the following high-quality ingredients to ensure your Tom Collins is a crisp and invigorating experience:
- Gin (60ml): Choose a quality gin with a balanced botanical profile to serve as the backbone of your cocktail.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (30ml): Add a bright and citrusy kick to your Tom Collins with the zesty freshness of lemons.
- Simple Syrup (20ml): Create a harmonious sweetness by combining equal parts water and sugar, simmered until the sugar dissolves. Find out here how to make simple syrup.
- Soda Water (60ml): The effervescent element that gives the Tom Collins its signature fizz and lightness.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail to achieve the perfect balance.
- Lemon Slice (for garnish): Elevate the visual appeal of your Tom Collins with a thin lemon slice.
Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of the perfect Tom Collins:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Ensure all your ingredients are ready and within reach. This includes the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water, ice cubes, and a lemon slice for garnish.
Step 2: Measure and Pour the Gin
In a mixing glass, measure out 60ml of your chosen gin. Pour it into the mixing glass, setting the stage for the cocktail’s botanical notes.
Step 3: Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice
Measure and add 30ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the gin in the mixing glass. The citrusy acidity will play a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the simple syrup.
Step 4: Add Simple Syrup
Pour 20ml of simple syrup into the mixing glass. This addition brings a harmonious sweetness to the cocktail without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 5: Shake Well with Ice
Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes, ensuring it’s about halfway full. Secure the lid tightly and shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds. The goal is to thoroughly chill the ingredients and achieve a well-mixed cocktail.
Step 6: Strain Into Glass
Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the shaken mixture into a tall Collins glass filled with ice cubes. Straining ensures a smooth cocktail, free from ice shards or pulp.
Step 7: Top Off with Soda Water
Top off your Tom Collins with 60ml of soda water. The bubbles not only provides the cocktail with its signature fizz but also lightens the overall drink.
Step 8: Stir Gently
Give the contents of the glass a gentle stir to ensure all the components are well integrated. This step helps to evenly distribute the flavors and sparkles.
Step 9: Garnish with Lemon Slice
Place a thin lemon slice on the rim of the glass or let it float on top. This garnish not only adds a visual touch but also hints at the citrusy freshness within.
Step 10: Sip and Enjoy
Your Tom Collins is now ready to be savored. Take a moment to appreciate the crispness, the effervescence, and the perfect harmony of flavors in each sip.
The Tom Collins – A Simple Classic
The Tom Collins is essentially a gin sour elongated with soda water, making it akin to a gin-sour spritz. Its foundation lies in the classic sour drink formula, balancing the sweetness of simple syrup with the tartness of lemon juice, mixed in equal measure with a distilled spirit like gin.
Gin, with its typical botanicals of dried lemon or orange peel, is a natural fit for sour cocktails. Most gin varieties adapt well to the addition of lemon or lime juice.
The soda water in a Tom Collins not only dilutes the mix, allowing the gin’s subtle flavors to shine without being overpowered by the strong taste of fresh lemon and sugar, but its carbonation also adds texture. This fizziness enlivens the palate and keeps it refreshed, preventing the monotony often associated with continuous sipping of the same drink.
The Tom Collins, alongside the Highball, has been instrumental in popularizing ‘long drinks’.
These beverages are characterized by lower alcohol content and are more conducive to leisurely drinking over longer periods.
Its template marked a shift in the cocktail world, transforming these drinks from mere alcohol delivery systems to refreshments savored for their taste and enjoyment.
Cheers to the art of mixology and the joy of sipping on a great cocktail recipe!
