Tom Collins Cocktail And Creative Twists To Try
Tom Collins cocktails is a classic gin that has stood the test of time. With its refreshing flavours and intriguing history, this iconic gin cocktail has been a staple drink in many bars and restaurants. Whether you are hosting a house party or simply looking for a cocktail to unwind, Tom Collins is a perfect choice. Bonus? Mixing this cocktail at home is quick and easy!
If you are interested to know more about this delightful gin cocktail read on. We have compiled everything we know about Tom Collins from history to enticing variations that you can explore.
Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe For Home Bartenders
The History Of Tom Collins Cocktail
The origin of the Tom Collins cocktail can be traced back to the 19th century. While the exact origin story remains mysterious, the legend has it that it gained popularity in the US, way back in the 1860s. Apparently, this drink is said to have been named after a practical joke. There was a prank that swept across New York and Philadelphia, where an unsuspecting person was tricked into looking for a man named Tom Collins who was badmouthing them in a nearby bar. When the person arrives at the bar, he finds out that instead of a person, there was a drink with that name. The joke soon captivated the public’s imagination and soon, Tom Collins cocktail became associated with this mischievous character.
Classic Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe
The classic Tom Collins cocktail is fairly simple but packs delightful flavours that will entice the taste buds. The beautiful blend of gin, citrus, and sugar, all topped with a fizz of soda, is refreshing to the senses. To recreate this drink at home, here’s the cocktail recipe for you:
Ingredients
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin - 60ml
- Lemon Juice - 30ml
- Simple Syrup - 15ml
- Club Soda - top-up
- Lemon wheel - 1
- Maraschino Cherry - 1
- Ice
Method
- Grab a Collins glass and fill it with ice
- Next, measure and pour Tanqueray gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup into the glass
- Top up the drink with club soda
- Using a cocktail stirrer or a bar spoon, stir the ingredients gently to combine
- Garnish with a wheel of lime and maraschino cherry
Tom Collins Cocktail Twists That You Can Try At home
Over time, many bartenders and gin cocktail enthusiasts have added their own creative touch to the classic recipe. Experimenting with flavours, unconventional ingredients and so on, many twists to the classic have emerged. Here are a few that you can try:
1. Raspberry Collins Cocktail Recipe
In a Collins Glass, muddle a handful of raspberries and simple syrup. Next, add ice, gin, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the glass. Gently stir the ingredients to combine and top up with club soda. Garnish with raspberries, lemon slices and mint sprig.
2. Elderflower Collins Cocktail Recipe
Fill a Collins glass with ice. Then, pour 50 ml of gin, 25 ml of elderflower cordial and 25 ml of lemon juice. Top up with soda water and stir the ingredients gently to combine. Garnish the drink with a slice of lemon, and a sprig of elderflower.
Expert Tips To Keep In Mind
To elevate your Tom Collins cocktail-making skills, consider the following tips:
1. Always use quality ingredients
Opt for fresh ingredients and high-quality club soda and gin, such as Tanqueray. This will ensure you have a well-balanced and flavourful cocktail.
2. Glassware
Serve Tom Collins cocktails in a Collins glass or any tall glass. This will showcase the beauty of the drink.
3. Garnish
Typically, Tom Collins cocktail is garnished with a wheel of lime and a cherry. Additionally, you can experiment with other options such as berries, cucumber slices or ribbon, fresh herbs such as rosemary or any edible flowers like lavender, etc.
Tom Collins cocktail has marked its place in the cocktail world with its well-balanced and refreshing flavours. If you love to craft cocktails at home or looking for some simple and easy gin cocktails for your house parties, then Tom Collins would be an ideal choice!
