The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail for a reason. When you combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda you get one of the most refreshing libations that Man has ever concocted.

When I think of this particular cocktail I hear Jack Burns saying, “Tom Collins comin’ up!” Then I usually slip into reciting “My Mother, by Jack Burns.” I might have to watch Meet The Parents tonight. I have no idea why people say I get sidetracked…

So, let’s get back to the über refreshing Tom Collins.

The recipe for the Tom Collins was first put on paper in Jerry Bar-Tender’s Guide in 1876. There was also the Tom Collins Hoax of 1874 which actually sounds kind of fun. I think we should start a new one. Anyway, the recipe for the Tom Collins has been around for quite awhile.

Tom-Collins-mixed-and-ready
Your choice of gin will have a huge impact on the flavor

The Tom Collins is a gin-based cocktail and there are several other “Collins” cocktails that use different base alcohol. For this particular recipe I used Hendrick’s Gin, which is a bit more herbal than something like Bombay Sapphire.

Gin gets its flavor from juniper berries and there are a few different styles of Gin. Here are a few of the most common types:
Gin – basic clear alcohol with juniper berry flavoring added
London or Dry Gin – juniper berry flavor is added during re-distillation
Distilled Gin – a slightly different process that I don’t really understand

Hendrick’s Gin is produced in Scotland and they do things a little differently. The predominant flavor is Juniper (of course), but they also use cucumber and Bulgarian roses to add flavor. The addition of those two elements give Hendrick’s a floral taste that goes well in a Tom Collins.

Tom-Collins-Ingredients
Everything you need to make a great Tom Collins

Ingredients: I used the Difford’s Guide recipe

2 oz Gin – Any Gin will work

1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice – Buy a lemon and juice it… makes all the difference

.5 oz Simple Syrup – You can add more or less depending on how sweet you want it

Club Soda

Garnish – Lemon slice and cherry

Tools Needed:

Measuring Shot Class

Pint glass for mixing

Strainer

Tom-Collins-Cherries
A good cocktail is all about the details

This is such and easy drink to make.
Step 1: Combine Gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a pint glass
Step 2: Add ice and aggressively stir for 20 seconds or so
Step 3: Strain into a collins glass and add ice
Step 4: Top with club soda to taste
Step 5: Sip it. You’ll want to take big gulps, but that’s a bad idea
Step 6: Leave a comment below either thanking me for introducing you to this cocktail and changing your life or thank me for reminding you how fantastic this drink is on a hot summer day