Tom Collins: A Refreshing Classic with a Citrus Spark

The Tom Collins is a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century, known for its light, refreshing, and slightly sweet flavor. This gin-based drink is a combination of gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, served over ice. It’s a simple cocktail that highlights the botanical flavors of gin while offering a bright, citrusy sparkle, making it perfect for warm days or any time you want something crisp and revitalizing.

First appearing in the late 1800s, the Tom Collins has become a staple in the world of cocktails, especially for those who enjoy the clean and refreshing taste of gin paired with citrus. The drink is similar to a sparkling lemonade but with an adult twist, making it a great cocktail for gin lovers and those looking for something easy to sip.

Quick Facts: Tom Collins

Method: Built in the glass
Flavor profile: Bright, citrusy, slightly sweet, and fizzy
How to serve it: Over ice
Glassware: Collins glass (or highball glass)
Alcohol content: ~ 10-12% ABV, depending on the gin-to-soda ratio

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Ingredients

The Tom Collins is a simple cocktail that relies on fresh ingredients to make it pop. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz Gin (London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire works well, but you can experiment with floral or citrus-forward gins too)
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice (Always freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor)
• ¾ oz Simple syrup (You can adjust this for more or less sweetness)
• Club soda (To top off the drink and add effervescence)
• Ice (To keep the drink cool and refreshing)
• Lemon wheel and maraschino cherry (For garnish)

Ingredient Notes:
A high-quality gin is essential for the Tom Collins, as it’s the backbone of the drink. London Dry gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater offer a crisp, juniper-forward taste, but if you prefer something softer, you can experiment with a more floral gin like Hendrick’s. Fresh lemon juice is key to achieving the bright, zesty flavor that makes this cocktail so refreshing. Adjust the amount of simple syrup based on your preference for sweetness—some prefer a more tart drink, while others like it a bit sweeter.

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Equipment Needed

Making a Tom Collins is straightforward, but having the right tools ensures the best result:

• Jigger: For measuring the gin, lemon juice, and syrup accurately.
• Bar spoon: To gently mix the ingredients.
• Citrus press or reamer: To extract fresh lemon juice.
• Collins glass: The tall, slim shape of the glass helps show off the effervescent bubbles and keeps the drink cool longer.
• Strainer: If you prefer a smoother drink with no pulp, you can strain the lemon juice.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a Tom Collins is quick and easy. Follow these steps to create the perfect, refreshing cocktail:

1. Chill the glass: Before you start, place your Collins glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice water to chill it. This helps keep the drink colder for longer.
2. Fill with ice: Once your glass is chilled, fill it with ice cubes. Larger cubes will melt more slowly, keeping your drink cold without too much dilution.
3. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup: Measure out 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and ¾ oz of simple syrup. Pour them into the glass over the ice.
4. Stir gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup together. This ensures that the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.
5. Top with club soda: Slowly pour in the club soda to fill the glass, usually about 2-3 oz depending on the size of your glass and your taste preference. Stir gently once more to combine the soda with the other ingredients.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry for a classic presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, effervescent flavors of your Tom Collins!

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Tom Collins is a light, crisp, and highly refreshing cocktail. The fresh lemon juice provides a tart, zesty burst of citrus, balanced by the sweetness of the simple syrup. The gin adds a subtle botanical complexity, with juniper, citrus, and herbal notes shining through. The drink is topped with club soda, adding a delightful effervescence that lifts the flavors and makes the cocktail feel light and refreshing.

The overall flavor is similar to sparkling lemonade, but the gin gives it a more sophisticated, grown-up twist. Each sip is bright and invigorating, with the fizz of the soda enhancing the fresh citrus and sweet undertones.

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Garnishing and Presentation

A Tom Collins is traditionally garnished with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry, adding both visual appeal and a touch of flavor. The lemon wheel enhances the fresh citrus aroma of the cocktail, while the cherry provides a pop of color and a sweet finish. You can also experiment with different garnishes like a lemon twist for a more elegant look, or a sprig of mint to add a fresh herbal aroma.

Serve the cocktail in a classic Collins glass to highlight its tall, fizzy appearance. The slim shape of the glass also keeps the drink colder for longer and shows off the bubbles, making the cocktail even more inviting.

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Pairing Suggestions

The Tom Collins is a light, citrus-forward cocktail that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, especially fresh, bright, and savory dishes. Here are some pairing ideas to complement the cocktail’s refreshing flavors:

• Seafood: Grilled shrimp, oysters, or ceviche pair beautifully with the citrusy brightness of the Tom Collins. The cocktail’s acidity enhances the fresh, briny flavors of seafood.
• Salads: A light salad with citrus vinaigrette, fresh greens, and goat cheese complements the bright lemony notes of the cocktail.
• Grilled chicken or fish: The clean, zesty flavors of the Tom Collins are a great match for simply grilled meats and fish, especially when seasoned with lemon, herbs, or garlic.
• Cheese boards: The cocktail’s acidity cuts through rich cheeses like brie, camembert, or ricotta, balancing the richness with its light, effervescent quality.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Tom Collins has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The drink was first mentioned in Jerry Thomas’ 1876 bartending book How to Mix Drinks, where it was referred to as a “gin and sparkling lemonade.” Its creation is tied to the “Tom Collins Hoax” of 1874, an elaborate practical joke that swept through New York City and other major cities.

The hoax involved people telling friends that a man named Tom Collins had been speaking ill of them at a nearby bar, prompting them to search for this non-existent character. Bars across the country caught on, creating a cocktail named after this fictitious figure, and the Tom Collins was born.

Over time, the Tom Collins has remained a popular summer cocktail, beloved for its bright, citrus-forward flavors and its easy-to-make simplicity.

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Serving Suggestions

The Tom Collins is perfect for sipping on warm days or at casual gatherings. Its light and refreshing nature makes it ideal for outdoor events like barbecues, picnics, or garden parties. It’s also a fantastic choice as a pre-dinner cocktail or as a brunch drink.

For larger groups, you can easily make a Tom Collins Punch by multiplying the ingredients and serving the cocktail in a pitcher or punch bowl. Simply mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time, and add the club soda just before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

The Tom Collins typically has an ABV of around 10-12%, making it a relatively light cocktail compared to other gin-based drinks. The dilution from the club soda keeps the drink crisp and easy to sip without being overly strong.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of gin and add more soda to lower the alcohol content. Alternatively, you can create a non-alcoholic version by replacing the gin with a botanical, alcohol-free spirit like Seedlip, or simply using a mix of fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water for a refreshing mocktail.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is always recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just be sure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added sugar or preservatives.

Can I use flavored gin in a Tom Collins?
Yes! Flavored gins, like those infused with citrus, herbs, or berries, can add a unique twist to the traditional Tom Collins. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination.

Can I substitute club soda with another fizzy drink?
Club soda is ideal for a classic Tom Collins, but you can also experiment with tonic water for a slightly bitter edge or sparkling water for a lighter flavor.

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Conclusion

The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time, beloved for its light, refreshing flavors and easy preparation. Its balance of gin, lemon, and club soda creates a bright and fizzy drink perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a summer afternoon or hosting a casual get-together. With its citrusy sparkle and botanical depth, the Tom Collins is a timeless favorite that will never go out of style.