TOM COLLINS

We know for a fact that the Tom Collins existed at least before 1876, given its first dedication in the Bartenders Guide by cocktail pioneer Jerry Thomas.

In terms of origin of the actual recipe, Wondrich suggests that a man by the name of John Collins began serving a punch at London’s Limmer Hotel around the 1820s or ’30s called the Tom Collins as it was made with Old Tom gin.

Also in London at the same time, there was an American bartender, Stephen Price, who according to Wondrich is the actual inventor of the drink, but Collins happened to be a much more charming fellow, so the credit is often given to him.

The cocktail crossed the Atlantic around 1864 in more or less its current form.

Recipe for ‘Tom Collins’

• 3cl Gin
• 3cl Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Cane Sugar
• Topping of Club Soda
• Garnish of Cherry, Lemon Wheel & Orange Wheel

Mix gin, lemon juice and sugar in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a highball glass over ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with fruit.