Tom Collins Cocktail

Irresistible Refreshment: Crafting the Perfect Tom Collins

Delight in the refreshing charm of a classic Tom Collins, a cocktail that marries simplicity with sophistication. This bubbly beverage is perfect for warm afternoons or celebratory evenings, letting the essence of gin and lemon shine through. Get ready to immerse yourself in the delightful experience of creating this timeless libation!

Ingredients

• Club soda (like Fever Tree)
• 3/4teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup gin (Tanqueray is a fine choice)
• Maraschino cherry for garnish
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Start by pouring the fresh lemon juice into a collins glass. Introduce the granulated sugar into the mixture and stir energetically until it has fully dissolved.

Next, fill the glass with ice to keep your drink chilled. Pour in the gin carefully, allowing the ingredients to blend harmoniously.

Top off your creation with club soda, giving it a gentle stir to incorporate all the flavors. Finally, garnish with a zesty lemon wheel and a playful maraschino cherry.

A Sip of History

The Tom Collins made its debut in 1882, chronicled in Harry Johnson's witty cocktail guide titled "New and Improved Bartender's Manual or How to Mix Drinks of the Present Style." This original version called for Old Tom Gin, a sweeter option that elevated the drink's essence. As the gin landscape evolved, the transition to London Dry Gin became prominent, emphasizing botanical flavors rather than the grain-forward nature of its predecessor.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and the Tom Collins started losing its charm as bars resorted to cloyingly sweet sour mix instead of freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Renowned restaurant critic Pete Wells encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: "The Tom Collins never tasted the same after the invention of sour mix." However, making a Tom Collins from scratch is a breeze, and the outcome is far superior! Enjoy the uncomplicated joy of this cocktail any time of year, and savor each fizzy sip.