Tom Collins
A Tom Collins is a famous gin-based cocktail that’s been around since the late 1800s. It combines gin, lemon juice, and simple soda. It’s served it over ice and topped off with club soda.
It’s a somewhat dry but wonderfully refreshing cocktail.
Its name likely comes from what bartenders call “The Great Tom Collins Hoax.” In 1874, there was a practical joke making the rounds.
One person would ask another if they knew Tom Collins. When the second person said no, the first would respond, “He’s been visiting every bar in town telling lies about you!”. That, of course, would send the unsuspecting person to a local bar inquiring about “Tom Collins.” Legend says that bartenders caught on and named a drink after the joke.
That way, when someone asked about Tom Collins, the bartender could hand him a drink. (Which he would then, of course, charge him for.)
Maybe that story is true, maybe it’s not. Either way, it’s a fun one to tell!
Serves One:
2 1/2 cups of ice
60ml Kawakawa Gin
30ml Koakoa Limoncello (or you can use Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup)
60ml Soda
1 Lemon Wedge
- Add 1-1/2 cups of ice to a Collins glass. Place the glass in the freezer.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Then, add the remaining cup of ice. Cover and shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain the drink into the chilled Collins glass. Top with club soda, and add a lemon wedge garnish (if desired). Enjoy!
Source: Insanely Good
