The Tom Collins is one of those classic cocktails that often gets overlooked. This simple and refreshing cocktail comprised of spirit and sparkling lemonade dates back to the mid 19th century, and since its inception, has had numerous variations created in its stead. With low ABV drinks trending at the moment, the Tom Collins is well positioned to make a comeback.
Who is Tom Collins?
The Tom Collins and its predecessor, the John Collins, were very popular during the mid to late 19th century. The Collins came to fruition at the Limmer’s Hotel in London, where a bartender by the name of John Collins is credited with its creation. Originally calling for genever as the base spirit, the John Collins is a kissing cousin to the Gin Punch, which was extremely popular during this time and at the Limmer’s Hotel. The Tom Collins is merely a John Collins with old tom gin instead of genever and since its inception, there have been numerous variations that call for a specific kind of spirit in lieu of gin (for example, the Joe Collins uses vodka instead of gin). Our adaptation of the Collins uses dry sherry and gin, which we affectionately call the Jerez Collins.
What is the best gin for a Tom Collins cocktail?
If you want to stay true to the recipe, the best gin for a Tom Collins is any Old Tom Gin. However, most people today use London Dry Gin, so try both and see which gin you prefer.
Best sherry for a Collins cocktail is Lustau Fino Jarana
Since we are using sherry in conjunction with gin, the best type of sherry to use is any biologically aged sherry, such as fino or manzanilla. We decided to go with Lustau Fino Jarana as we found it worked best with the gin. Finos from Jerez de la Frontera tend to be a little more structured than the ones from El Puerto de Santa María or manzanilla from Sanlúcar de Barrameda as the sherry is more distant to water, which is ideal for full bodied but still classy finos. Consequently, Fino Jarana is very vibrant and full of character, which prevents the sherry from getting lost in the cocktail, creating the perfect balance between gin & sherry.
Tom Collins with Sherry ingredients
- 1oz Lustau Fino Jarana Sherry
- 1oz Hayman’s Old Tom Gin
- 1oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- .5oz Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- Club Soda
- Garnish: orange wheel and cherry
Tom Collins cocktail recipe: How to make the perfect gin and sherry cocktail
- Add the sherry, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaking tin.
- Add ice, shake, and (double) strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top off with club soda and garnish with the orange wheel and cherry.
Tom Collins variations
Pierre Collins
- 2oz Lustau Brandy Solera Reserva
- 1oz Lemon Juice
- .5oz Simple Syrup
- Club Soda
- Garnish: Orange Wheel & Cherry
Joe Collins
- 2oz Belvedere Vodka
- 1oz Lemon Juice
- .5oz Simple Syrup
- Club Soda
- Garnish: orange wheel & cherry
FAQ
Who is John Collins?
John Collins was a bartender at the Limmer Hotel in London who is credited with creating the John/Tom Collins
What is the best sherry for a Tom Collins cocktail?
Any dry, biologically aged sherry
What Is the Best Gin for Tom collins?
Any Old Tom or London Dry Gin
When was the Tom Collins cocktail invented?
The Tom Collins was invented in the mid 19th century
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