The Tom Collins is a long, refreshing drink of gin, lemon, sugar and soda. It is a form of gin and tonic, to some extent.

Two stories have taken hold re the origins of the Tom Collins. The more likely one involves a 19th century London bartender named John Collins, who made a celebrated gin punch with Old Tom Gin and, probably saw the two names melded together over time. The American tale involves a fictitious, slandering gentleman who jokers would claim they had run into just around the corner, and who had bad-mouthed a friend. The friend would then head off on what appears a deeply unfunny, tame goose chase. We prefer the British version. Obviously.

The Recipe

Serving: 1

Ingredients

  • 45 ml Fifty Pounds Gin
  • 30 ml lemon juice
  • 15 ml simple syrup
  • Club soda
  • Garnish: Cherry and slice of lemon

How to make or shake it

  1. Pour the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup in a Collins glass with ice cubes
  2. Stir thoroughly
  3. Top with club soda 
  4. Garnish with the cherry and lemon slice
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