Did you know that the Tom Collins cocktail originated from a practical joke? So what better day than April Fool’s Day to celebrate it!
In the late 1800’s, it was commonplace to tell your friend who was entering the pub that a man named “Tom Collins” was at the bar had been viciously gossiping about them. Your friend would get so upset that they would rush to the bar seeking out this mythical rogue only to be greeted by a bartender with a Tom Collins cocktail in hand and a good belly laugh.
Ok so by today’s standard it’s a pretty lame prank, but it definitely became the joke-du-jour back in 1874 in New York when local newspapers reported apparent sightings of the fictious Tom Collins.
Eventually bar-tenders all around New York and Philadelphia caught on and named the drink “Tom Collins”. Anyone seen rushing the bar in an agitated state was immediately soothed with a tall gin drink instead!
Tom Collins
60ml gin
60ml lemon juice
30ml simple syrup
Dash of bitters
30ml club soda
Lemon wedge for garnish
Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Top off with club soda and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Enjoy responsibly!