Tom Collins is an alcoholic cocktail consisting of gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda. It has a well balanced sweet and sour taste and a refreshing effect. Included in the official list of the International Bartending Association (IBA). The drink is usually served in a special high cylindrical glass with straight walls, which is named after him – Collins. This cocktail has become the progenitor of a whole group, which is prepared on the basis of a strong alcohol base with the addition of lemon juice and soda.
Historical information
In 1874, in the state of Pennsylvania, they came up with an interesting game – by agreement, a group of people started a conversation about the non-existent Tom Collins. At the same time, there was always at least one person in the company who did not know about the conspiracy. It seemed to the “victim” that everyone in the world knew Tom except her.
Gradually, the hoax game spread throughout North America. The excitement was supported by the media. There were articles in the newspapers about Tom Collins, and many performers composed songs in honor of the man of mystery. Sooner or later, someone had to take advantage of the promoted name.
In 1876, Jerry Thomas, who is considered the father of American bar culture, published a printed edition of The Bartender’s Handbook, with a recipe for a cocktail called “Tom Collins”. Thanks to the recognizable name, the drink instantly became fashionable. In 1878, the cocktail was recognized as the most popular in New York.
According to another version, the recipe was invented in 1800 by a British bartender named Collins, who worked at the Limmers Hotel. Initially, the composition of the English version of the cocktail included the Dutch juniper spirit Genever, then it was replaced with the sweet gin Old Tom, hence the name.
If gin is replaced with whiskey or bourbon in the recipe, you get a John Collins cocktail, Pepito is made on the basis of tequila, Pierre is made with cognac, and Pedro or Ron is made with rum. Those wishing to make a drink with the wonderful name “Comrade Collins” should use Russian vodka.
Classic Tom Collins Recipe
Composition and proportions:
- gin (dry London) – 50 ml;
- lemon juice – 25 ml;
- sugar syrup – 25 ml;
- soda water – 100 ml;
- cocktail cherry – 1 piece (optional);
- orange – 1 slice (optional);
- ice cubes – 350 grams.
At home, soda can be replaced with sprite.
Preparation
1. Fill a tall glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Mix syrup, lemon juice and gin in a shaker with ice (or pre-chill ingredients).
3. Pour the mixture into a glass through a strainer (strainer).
4. Gently add the club soda, then stir with a spoon.
5. Garnish the finished cocktail with a cherry and an orange slice.
The cooking process is shown in the video.
