Tom Collins Cocktail recipes
This recipe outlines the creation of a refreshing Tom Collins, a classic cocktail featuring Old Tom Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and carbonated water. It's a perfectly balanced, effervescent drink, ideal for warm weather or as a sophisticated aperitif.
Equipment
- 1 Jigger For precise measurement of spirits and mixers.
- 1 Cocktail Shaker To properly chill and mix the ingredients.
- 1 Strainer To separate ice from the mixed drink.
- 4 Collins Glasses Tall, slender glasses traditional for this cocktail.
- 1 Citrus Juicer For extracting fresh lemon juice efficiently.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 oz Old Tom Gin
- 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- 4 oz Carbonated Water
Instructions
- Chill your Collins glasses in advance, either in the freezer or by filling them with ice and water.
- Measure 2 oz Old Tom Gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup using a jigger.
- Combine the measured gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with fresh ice cubes and secure the lid.
- Shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled.
- Discard the ice and water from the chilled Collins glass, then fill it with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker directly into the prepared Collins glass.
- Top the drink with 4 oz of chilled carbonated water.
- Gently stir the cocktail once or twice with a bar spoon to combine the carbonated water without losing effervescence.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel or a maraschino cherry, then serve immediately.
Notes
1. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice; bottled juice will significantly compromise the cocktail's vibrancy and balance. 2. Old Tom Gin is specified here, which is slightly sweeter than London Dry. If substituting, adjust simple syrup to taste. 3. Ensure all ingredients, especially the carbonated water, are well-chilled to maintain effervescence and prevent dilution. 4. Briefly stir the carbonated water in last to integrate without losing too much fizz. 5. Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel and optionally a maraschino cherry for classic presentation and aromatic appeal.