Tom CollinsCocktail recipe
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The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail with a refreshing, effervescent quality that has stood the test of time. Traditionally served in a highball glass, this cocktail beautifully balances the tartness of lemon juice with the botanical notes of gin, smoothed out by the sweetness of sugar syrup.
The soda water adds a lively sparkle, making the Tom Collins a perennial favorite, especially during the warm summer months. Its garnish, typically a maraschino cherry and a lemon slice, not only adds to the visual appeal but also provides subtle complementary flavors.
The drink's enduring popularity is owed to its crisp, invigorating taste and simple yet sophisticated mix of ingredients.
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Cocktail Colin says:
The Tom Collins is a splendid showcase of how simplicity meets elegance in a glass, blending the sharp zest of lemon with the nuanced botanicals in gin. This cocktail's balance of tart, sweet, and fizzy elements makes it exceptionally refreshing, particularly suitable for those balmy summer evenings where a touch of sophistication is desired. The effervescence of soda water perfectly uplifts the botanical gin and tart lemon, creating a drink that is both vibrant and soothing.
Method
How to make a Tom Collins
- Gin 45ml, Lemon Juice 30ml, Soda water 60ml, Sugar / simple Syrup 15ml
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- Add all the ingredients except the soda into a highball glass with ice
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- Stir and top up with the soda
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- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon slice and serve
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Find out more- Use a high-quality gin with a pronounced botanical flavor to enhance the complexity of the Tom Collins.
- Chill the highball glass before preparing the cocktail to keep the drink colder for longer and to prevent dilution.
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FAQ's
What is the history behind the Tom Collins cocktail?
The Tom Collins is a cocktail that was first recorded in the second half of the 19th century and is believed to have originated in England. The drink gained popularity in the United States and is associated with a bit of a practical joke known as 'The Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874', where people would tell others that a man named Tom Collins was speaking ill of them in another establishment, prompting them to go in search of this nonexistent person. The name stuck and became associated with this refreshing gin-based cocktail.
Can I use another type of citrus instead of lemon juice in a Tom Collins?
While lemon juice is the traditional citrus used in a Tom Collins, you can certainly experiment with other types of citrus for a different flavor profile. Lime juice can be used for a sharper taste, or orange juice for a sweeter, milder cocktail. However, modifying the type of citrus will create a variation of the classic recipe and may alter the original taste significantly.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of a Tom Collins?
Yes, a non-alcoholic version of a Tom Collins, often called a 'Virgin Tom Collins' or 'No-Gin Tom Collins', can be made by omitting the gin and increasing the volumes of the other ingredients slightly to maintain the balance of flavors. Additionally, a non-alcoholic spirit designed to mimic the flavor of gin can be used as a substitute for a more authentic taste.
What is the significance of using a highball glass for a Tom Collins?
The highball glass is tall and narrow, which makes it perfect for cocktails that are served with a large proportion of non-alcoholic mixer, like the Tom Collins. It allows for the right balance of ice, mixer, and spirit, ensuring that the drink is well-diluted, properly mixed, and keeps its carbonation. The shape also makes it easy to hold and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the cocktail.
How does the alcohol content in a Tom Collins compare to other cocktails?
The Tom Collins has an alcohol content of about 12%, placing it in the medium range for alcoholic strength in cocktails. It's less potent than straight spirits or more spirit-forward cocktails like Martinis or Manhattans, which can have alcohol contents upwards of 30%, but stronger than lighter cocktails like a Mimosa. This makes the Tom Collins a refreshing choice that can be enjoyed over a longer period without becoming too intoxicating too quickly.
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