Tom Collins co*cktail Recipe | Refreshing Gin-Based Drink (2024)

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Tom Collins:

Cheers to a refreshing, gin-based experience! If you loved this, don’t forget to explore our other co*cktail recipes.

• Gin: Provides the botanical backbone of the co*cktail.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy, citrusy kick.
• Simple Syrup: Balances out the acidity with sweetness.
• Soda Water: Adds effervescence and dilution.
• Ice Cubes: Keeps the drink chilled.
• Lemon Slice: Aesthetic and aromatic garnish.

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 co*cktail

• Use high-quality gin for a more refined taste.
• Always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled.
• Check out this Easy Minty Lime Mojito Recipe if you want more summer co*cktail ideas.

• Tom Collins with a Twist: Add a splash of your favorite fruit juice.
• Herbal Tom Collins: Infuse the gin with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic experience similar to a Thyme Tequila Twist co*cktail.

Easy

Making a Tom Collins is incredibly easy. If you can pour and stir, you’re set!

The story of the Tom Collins co*cktail is as effervescent as the drink itself. It’s a tale that brings us back to the 19th century, with various legends and anecdotes adding to its allure.

The Birth of Tom Collins

The co*cktail is believed to have originated in England, gaining its first wave of popularity in London’s bustling social scene.

The name “Tom Collins” first appeared in writing in Jerry Thomas’s 1876 edition of “The Bartender’s Guide.”

However, there are claims that the drink existed even before this publication, under different names like “John Collins,” named after a headwaiter at a London hotel.

The Tom Collins Hoax of 1874

An interesting chapter in the history of this co*cktail is the “Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874” in the United States.

A popular prank involved telling someone that a man named Tom Collins was bad-mouthing them.

The person would then go from bar to bar searching for this nonexistent man, only to be served the co*cktail instead.

This ingenious marketing stunt helped popularize the drink across the Atlantic.

The Prohibition Era and Beyond

During the Prohibition Era, the Tom Collins found a home in speakeasies where gin was easier to produce than other spirits.

The co*cktail’s simple ingredients made it a popular choice, as they were readily available even in times of scarcity.

After Prohibition ended, the Tom Collins solidified its place in American co*cktail culture and continued to be a staple in bars worldwide.

Modern Day Reverence

Today, the Tom Collins has not only endured but thrived, becoming a symbol of timeless elegance.

Whether enjoyed in a high-end co*cktail bar or made at home, its simplistic charm and refreshing taste have earned it a place in the annals of co*cktail history, right alongside classics like the Negroni and Classic Margarita.

The Tom Collins is a classic co*cktail that never goes out of style. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and highly customizable.

Whether you’re a co*cktail aficionado or a novice, this gin-based delight is worth trying.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Yes, a Lime Daiquiri variation can be made using lime juice.

What can I use instead of gin?

Vodka or tequila can be used for a different flavor profile.

Is it similar to a French 75?

Both are gin-based and citrusy, but a French 75 includes champagne.

How can I make a non-alcoholic version of Tom Collins?

You can replace the gin with non-alcoholic gin or simply omit it for a refreshing lemon soda.

What type of gin works best for a Tom Collins?

A dry gin is traditionally used, but feel free to experiment with your favorite brand or a botanical gin for a unique twist.

Can I use bottled soda water or should it be freshly carbonated?

Either works fine, although freshly carbonated soda water may offer a more effervescent fizz.

Is there a difference between a Tom Collins and a Gin Fizz?

Both are similar but a Gin Fizz is usually served in a shorter glass and may include egg white for frothiness.

How can I make a large batch of Tom Collins for a party?

Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large pitcher. Add the soda water just before serving to maintain fizziness.