Refreshing Tom Collins Delight
The Refreshing Tom Collins Delight is a timeless cocktail that brings together the zesty brightness of lemon juice, the botanicals of quality gin, and a sparkling touch of club soda. This delightful beverage harks back to cherished memories of family gatherings, evoking nostalgia with every sip. Perfect for a summer afternoon or a classy evening gathering, this drink is guaranteed to brighten your day and impress your guests. Enjoy the sweet solace of a maraschino cherry on top, reminiscent of joyful moments shared with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon juice
1 ounce (freshly squeezed)
Gin
2 ounces (your choice of quality gin)
Slice of orange
1 slice (for garnish)
Club soda
3 ounces (chilled)
Maraschino cherry
1 (for garnish)
Superfine sugar
1 teaspoon (to enhance sweetness)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing a cocktail shaker. Fill it halfway with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.
2
Pour in 2 ounces of gin, followed by 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of superfine sugar.
3
Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure everything is well combined.
4
Take a collins glass and fill it generously with ice cubes, then strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
5
Slowly add 3 ounces of club soda to the glass, stirring gently to combine without losing the fizz.
6
Garnish your cocktail with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry on top for that classic finish.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tom Collins?
A Tom Collins is a classic gin-based cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water to create a refreshing beverage.
What type of gin is best for the Refreshing Tom Collins Delight?
A high-quality London Dry Gin is traditionally used, but any botanical-forward gin that you enjoy will work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of superfine sugar?
Yes, though superfine sugar dissolves faster in cold liquids. If using granulated sugar, you may need to shake it longer to ensure it is fully dissolved.
How do I make superfine sugar at home?
You can pulse regular granulated sugar in a blender or food processor for a few seconds until it reaches a finer consistency.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended as it provide the zesty brightness that defines the flavor profile of this cocktail.
Can I use simple syrup instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 teaspoon of superfine sugar with approximately 1/2 to 3/4 ounce of simple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
Why is the drink called a Tom Collins?
The name is thought to have originated from a popular hoax in 1874 involving a fictitious man named Tom Collins who was supposedly speaking ill of people in bars.
What is a Collins glass?
A Collins glass is a tall, narrow glass usually holding between 10 to 14 fluid ounces, designed specifically for tall cocktails like this one.
Do I have to shake the cocktail?
Shaking the gin, lemon juice, and sugar with ice is essential to properly chill the ingredients and thoroughly dissolve the sugar before adding the soda.
Should I shake the club soda?
No, never shake carbonated beverages like club soda as it will cause them to lose their fizz and potentially cause the shaker to explode.
How much club soda should I add?
This recipe calls for 3 ounces of club soda, which provides the perfect balance of effervescence and botanical flavor.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
Yes, you can substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic botanical spirit or simply increase the lemon and sugar for a high-quality sparkling lemonade.
What is the purpose of the maraschino cherry?
The maraschino cherry provides a classic aesthetic finish and a small sweet treat that complements the citrus notes of the drink.
Is this cocktail suitable for a summer party?
Absolutely, the Refreshing Tom Collins Delight is a quintessential summer drink due to its crisp, cooling, and bright flavors.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While traditionally made with lemon, using lime would technically make it a variation similar to a Gin Rickey, though it will still be delicious.
How long should I shake the cocktail?
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure the mixture is properly chilled and the sugar is fully integrated.
Can I prepare this drink in a large batch?
You can premix the gin, lemon juice, and sugar in a pitcher, but only add the ice and club soda just before serving to maintain the carbonation and prevent dilution.
Why is it important to use chilled club soda?
Using chilled club soda ensures that the ice in your glass doesn't melt too quickly, keeping your drink cold and fizzy for longer.
What garnish should I use?
The classic garnish is a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry, which adds both visual appeal and a hint of fruit aroma.
Is a Tom Collins different from a Gin Fizz?
Yes, a Gin Fizz is typically shaken with the soda and served in a smaller glass without ice, whereas a Tom Collins is served over ice in a tall glass.
Can I use flavored gin?
Yes, using a flavored gin like rhubarb or elderflower can add a modern twist to this classic recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to create one single, perfect serving of the Refreshing Tom Collins Delight.
Is this drink gluten-free?
Gin is generally considered gluten-free due to the distillation process, making this cocktail suitable for most gluten-sensitive individuals.
What if I don't have a cocktail shaker?
You can use a mason jar with a lid or any tight-sealing container to shake the ingredients.
Does the order of ingredients matter?
Yes, shake the spirits and citrus first, then add the soda last to preserve the carbonation.
Can I use sparkling mineral water?
Yes, sparkling mineral water works well, though club soda is preferred for its specific mineral profile which enhances the cocktail's flavor.
How should I stir the drink after adding soda?
Stir very gently with a long spoon to combine the layers without knocking out the carbonation bubbles.
Can I omit the sugar?
You can, but the drink will be quite tart. The sugar is meant to balance the acidity of the fresh lemon juice.
Is this considered an easy cocktail to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an 'easy drink' because it uses common ingredients and simple techniques.
What makes this 'nostalgic'?
The Tom Collins is a mid-century classic often associated with family gatherings and timeless social traditions, evoking a sense of history.