Tom Collins | A Refreshing & Simple 4-Ingredient Gin Cocktail

The Tom Collins is considered a classic cocktail. Some even consider it the classic gin cocktail. Its origin dates back to the 1860s (!!!) and has quite the story. Now, I just did a lot of internet reading about this drink’s history but I’ll do my best to pare it all down. Supposedly, a man named John Collins originally created the drink in a hotel in London in the 1860s.

Fast forward several years and jump the pond to New York in 1874. There was a popular joke going around, where an innocent soul would be told “someone named Tom Collins at such-and-such bar is saying all kinds of awful things about you”. The victim would then head off to the particular bar to find this slanderer; upon arriving, they would ask the bartender “Have you seen a Tom Collins?” and they would be promptly served this sour drink. There were even several newspaper articles about it, many initially reporting Tom Collins was a real person. Eventually, people caught on and it became known as the Tom Collins Hoax of 1874. What a time to be alive.

If you’re fascinated by this moment in history, you can read the full story here. There are some pretty awesome newspaper quotes in it.

The Tom Collins is one of my favorite cocktails for two reasons: 1) it’s easy to make, and 2) it’s easy to customize. Simply swap the simple syrup for a flavored one and bam, new drink! My favorite rendition is a Lavender Collins, made with lavender simple syrup. It’s bright and floral, perfect for spring. You could also use honey simple syrup, rose simple syrup, matcha simple syrup, or beet simple syrup. If you made one with beet syrup, you could call it Tom Collins’ Beetdown. Get it? Like, a bar fight? With Tom? For always talking smack? Too far? Sorry.

This drink is served in a highball or “Collins” glass. Yep. As in Tom Collins. This hooligan was so famous he got a cocktail AND glassware named after him. A Collins glass is just a tall glass but if you refer to it as a Collins glass, it can make even your tap water feel fancy.

The Ingredients for a Tom Collins

• 2 oz gin (due to Covid, I’m down to my Opihr spiced gin– I’m not complaining, but usually I’d go for a more floral gin for a TC)
• 3/4 oz freshly-squeeze lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (try a flavored one- see a list of ideas below)
• club soda

The How-To

Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top off with club soda. Stir to incorporate.

Modify & customize your Tom Collins with one of these simple syrups:

• matcha simple syrup
• rose simple syrup
• lavender simple syrup
• honey simple syrup
• beet simple syrup
• cardamom simple syrup

60

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