Tom Collins

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.

4. Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.

5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared Collins glass.

6. Top up the glass with chilled soda water.

7. Gently stir the drink with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.

8. Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry.

Trivia

• What does a Tom Collins taste like?

  A Tom Collins offers a bright, refreshing, and well-balanced flavour profile. It's primarily citrus-forward due to the lemon juice, with a pleasant tartness that's mellowed by the simple syrup's sweetness. The gin provides a botanical backbone, often with notes of juniper, while the soda water adds a lively effervescence, making it crisp and easy to drink.

• What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a Gin Fizz?

  The main difference between a Tom Collins and a Gin Fizz lies in the preparation and one key ingredient: egg white. A Gin Fizz traditionally includes egg white, which is shaken with the gin, lemon, and sugar to create a frothy texture. It's typically served without ice in a smaller glass. A Tom Collins omits the egg white, is built over ice in a taller Collins glass, and relies solely on soda water for its fizz.

• What type of gin is best for a Tom Collins?

  A classic London Dry gin is the traditional choice for a Tom Collins, offering a juniper-forward profile that complements the citrus beautifully. However, the simplicity of the drink makes it versatile. You can experiment with Old Tom gin (slightly sweeter, and historically linked to the drink's name) or contemporary gins with different botanical profiles to create variations.

• Can you make a Tom Collins without a cocktail shaker?

  Yes, you can make a Tom Collins without a shaker, although shaking chills and dilutes the drink effectively. To build it directly in the glass, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in the Collins glass. Add ice, stir well for about 20-30 seconds to chill and mix, then top with soda water and garnish as usual. Shaking is preferred for optimal integration and temperature.

• Is a Tom Collins considered a strong cocktail?

  A Tom Collins is generally considered a moderately strong cocktail. While it contains a standard measure of gin (typically 1.5 to 2 ounces or 4.5 to 6 cl), the significant volume of non-alcoholic ingredients like lemon juice, simple syrup, and especially soda water dilutes the alcohol content compared to spirit-forward drinks like a Martini or Old Fashioned. It's refreshing rather than overtly boozy.

• What is the history of the Tom Collins cocktail?

  The Tom Collins likely emerged in the mid-to-late 19th century. Its exact origins are debated, but it's often linked to London bartender John Collins and potentially named after Old Tom gin. The recipe gained widespread popularity after being published in Jerry Thomas's influential 1876 cocktail guide, "The Bartender's Guide," solidifying its place as a classic highball.