A Classic Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe For Home Hosting On The Long Weekend
Taking the basic building blocks of a sour cocktail into account – the Tom Collins highlights its base spirit – gin’s – botanical character by lengthening the drink using soda water. The carbonation of the cocktail not only keeps the palate active due to the fizz but also provides distinct texture that is reminiscent of most modern spritzers. Suitably served as a highball, the template of the cocktail isn’t limited to being a vehicle for alcohol consumption but also as a way to experience the foundational spirit in an elevated setting.
Ingredients
- 30 ml Tanqueray No. Ten gin or any gin of your choice
- 20 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Chilled soda water, to top
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
- Fill a Collins glass with ice before pouring in the gin, fresh lime juice and sugar syrup.
- Stir the ingredients gently with a bar spoon for 15-20 seconds to fully incorporate and cool the mixture.
- Top up with cold soda water and swirl once more.
- Skewer a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry to a toothpick before placing horizontallhy across the rim of the glass before serving.
Key Tips To Make The Perfect Tom Collins
- Avoid over-stirring once the soda water has been added because it flattens the carbonation and reduces the drink’s distinctive fizz.
- Using ginger ale instead of soda water to create a spicier variation laced with sweetness, though it isn’t part of the original recipe.
- Avoid overtly botanical or flavoured gins and opt for a London Dry gin to prevent overwhelming the balance of the cocktail.
- Crack open a can of soda just before serving since pre-opened mixer can flatten the texture of the drink and disrupt its mouthfeel.
- For additional citrus aroma, add a lemon peel twist into the serving glass along with the standard garnishes – to help infuse citrus oils into the drink as well as provide a lift to the effervescence.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
