The Classic Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe from www.thespruceeats.com
Introduction
Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. It is a refreshing drink that is perfect for hot summer days. The drink is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. It is a simple drink that can be made in just a few minutes. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Tom Collins.
Ingredients
Before we start making the Tom Collins, let's take a look at the ingredients you will need:
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
3 oz club soda
Lemon wheel for garnish
Gin
The first ingredient you will need is gin. Gin is a spirit that is made from juniper berries and other botanicals. There are many different types of gin available, but for this recipe, we recommend using a London Dry gin. This type of gin is the most common and has a clean, crisp taste that pairs well with the lemon and simple syrup.
Lemon Juice
The second ingredient you will need is lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for this recipe. You can use a lemon squeezer to make the process easier. The lemon juice adds a tartness to the drink that balances out the sweetness of the simple syrup.
Simple Syrup
The third ingredient you will need is simple syrup. Simple syrup is made by combining equal parts sugar and water and boiling until the sugar dissolves. It is used as a sweetener in many cocktails, including the Tom Collins. You can make your own simple syrup at home or buy it pre-made at the store.
Club Soda
The fourth ingredient you will need is club soda. Club soda is a carbonated water that adds fizz to the drink. It is important to use club soda and not tonic water, as tonic water has a bitter taste that does not pair well with the other ingredients.
Lemon Wheel
The last ingredient you will need is a lemon wheel for garnish. This is optional, but it adds a nice touch to the drink. You can cut a lemon wheel by slicing a lemon into thin rounds.
Instructions
Now that we have gone over the ingredients, let's move on to the instructions on how to make the perfect Tom Collins.
Step 1: Fill a shaker with ice
The first step is to fill a shaker with ice. You will need a shaker to mix the ingredients together. Fill the shaker about halfway with ice.
Step 2: Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup
The next step is to add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Measure out 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup and pour it into the shaker.
Step 3: Shake well
The next step is to shake the shaker well. Shake it for about 10-15 seconds to ensure that all of the ingredients are mixed together.
Step 4: Strain into a glass
The next step is to strain the mixture into a glass. You can use a Collins glass, which is a tall, narrow glass that is perfect for this drink. Fill the glass about two-thirds of the way full.
Step 5: Add club soda
The next step is to add the club soda to the glass. Measure out 3 oz of club soda and pour it into the glass. Stir the mixture gently to combine.
Step 6: Garnish with a lemon wheel
The final step is to garnish the drink with a lemon wheel. Cut a thin slice of lemon and place it on the rim of the glass. This adds a nice touch to the drink and makes it look more appealing.
Nutrition
The Tom Collins is a relatively low-calorie cocktail. The exact number of calories will depend on the type of gin and simple syrup you use. However, the average Tom Collins has around 150-200 calories. It is also low in sugar, with only 10-15 grams per serving. This makes it a great option for those who are watching their calorie and sugar intake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tom Collins is a classic cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for hot summer days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a refreshing drink that is sure to please. Whether you are hosting a party or just want to enjoy a drink at home, the Tom Collins is a great choice. Give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be!