Hey, Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite cocktail recipes with you: the classic Tom Collins through Beyond the Bayou Blog.
Now, let me take you back to a warm summer evening a few years ago. I was hosting a small gathering in my backyard, and everyone was in the mood for something refreshing to sip on. As I rummaged through my cocktail recipe book, I stumbled upon the Tom Collins recipe that my grandma used to make.
Memories of lazy afternoons spent at her house flooded back, and I knew I had to recreate that nostalgic drink for my friends. With a splash of gin, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a generous pour of soda water, I whipped up a batch of Tom Collins that transported us all back to those carefree days.
The zesty citrus flavor and bubbly effervescence were an instant hit, and ever since that evening, the Tom Collins along with Matcha Lime Fizz and Cortisol Cocktail has been a staple at our gatherings. So, grab your shaker and let’s mix up some memories together.
What is Tom Collins Recipe?
Tom Collins is a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. It’s a refreshing and tangy drink perfect for warm weather.
To make it, you mix gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup in a glass with ice, then top it off with soda water. The result is a bubbly, citrusy beverage with a hint of sweetness from the sugar syrup.
Some variations include adding a cherry or a slice of lemon for garnish. The drink is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century and has since become a popular choice at bars and parties worldwide.
Its crisp taste and simple recipe make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts looking for a light and easy-to-make drink.
Classic Tom Collins Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon or stirring rod
- Soda siphon
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups ice divided
- 2 fluid ounces gin
- ¾ fluid ounce lemon juice
- ½ fluid ounce simple syrup
- 2 fluid ounces club soda
- 1 lemon wedge
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice to chill it.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
- Shake the mixture vigorously to combine the ingredients and chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled highball glass filled with ice. Top off the glass with soda water.
- Give the drink a gentle stir to mix everything together.
- Optionally, garnish with a cherry or lemon slice for a decorative touch.
- Serve and enjoy your refreshing Tom Collins cocktail.
Notes
Time for the Tips!
- Shaking Technique: When shaking the cocktail in the shaker, ensure you shake it vigorously and for an adequate amount of time (around 10-15 seconds). This helps properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.
- Straining: Strain the cocktail into the glass using a fine-mesh strainer or the built-in strainer of your cocktail shaker. This removes any ice chips or pulp from the lemon juice, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Carbonation: Adding soda water to the cocktail provides effervescence and lightens the drink. Be mindful not to overpour the soda water, as it can dilute the flavors. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Garnishes: Garnishing your Tom Collins with a cherry or lemon slice adds visual appeal and a hint of flavor. Ensure the garnish is fresh and complements the drink well.
- Presentation: Serve the Tom Collins in a clean, highball glass with plenty of ice. Pay attention to presentation by garnishing neatly and wiping any spills or drips from the glass.
What to Serve With Tom Collins?
