Tom Collins

Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a type of cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. First memorialized in writing in 1876 by Jerry Thomas, "the father of American mixology," this "gin and sparkling lemonade" drink is typically served in a Collins glass over ice.

History

The Tom Collins cocktail was first mentioned in Jerry Thomas's 1876 edition of The Bartender's Guide. The drink is believed to have been named after a practical joke that was popular in New York in 1874, known as the "Tom Collins hoax." The hoax involved telling people that a man named Tom Collins was speaking ill of them in a nearby bar, prompting them to go in search of the fictitious character.

Ingredients

The traditional ingredients for a Tom Collins are:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Club soda to top
• Lemon slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Preparation

To prepare a Tom Collins:

1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry.

Variations

There are several variations of the Tom Collins, including:

• John Collins: Made with whiskey instead of gin.
• Vodka Collins: Made with vodka instead of gin.
• Rum Collins: Made with rum instead of gin.

Related Cocktails

• Gin Fizz
• French 75
• Singapore Sling

See also

• List of cocktails
• Jerry Thomas (bartender)