The first recorded recipe of a Tom Collins was in the Bar-Tender's Guide of 1876 by Jerry Thomas. The recipe included three variations. One simply changed the alcohol. The recipe is as follows:
In 1874, there was a hoax going around New York. People were told a certain Tom Collins was in a bar talking down about them. When the insulted person found the bar and asked for Tom Collins, they were handed this drink.
The second legend is of a headwaiter by the name of John Collins. A certain gin punch was served at his hotel that was apparently similar to the Tom Collins recipe. The Collins name was added to the punch, and the Tom came from the use of Old Tom gin used in the punch.
Like all recipes, however, the Collins recipe existed prior to it being written down. In The Bar-tender's Guide, the whiskey version is listed first. In my opinion this would make it the primary version of the drink. The whiskey version is known as the John Collins, which is the headwaiter's name. This little thesis of mine is partially confirmed.
Seems the original Collins was made with an aged Dutch gin "with a whisky-ish body and subtle juniper notes (Regan)." This evolved into the sweeter Tom Collins, with Old Tom gin replacing the Dutch gin. When whiskey was introduced back into the Collins, John was revived for its similar flavor.
The modern Collins continued to evolve, as all things do. Sweet and sour mix replaced the syrup and lemon juice, and a cherry garnish was added. All of this lays the groundwork for my Willy Collins.
The pictures on the page appear smaller than they are. To see them larger, simply double click on the picture. Also, I always welcome your constructive criticism. Click on the Comment link below next to the icon of a pencil; it may say "No" or have a number in front of it.
References:
O'Neil, Darcy, ed. "Jerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide." Art of Drink. Art of Drink, 31 July 2007. Web. 3 May 2014. <http://www.artofdrink.com/jerry-thomas/pg36.php>. Rpt. of Thomas, Jerry. The Bar-Tender's Guide, How to Mix All Kinds or Plain and Fancy Drinks. New York: Dick & Fitzgerald, 1887. Print.
Regan, Gary. "The Cocktailian: The story behind the story of a drink with no name." SFGate. Hearst Communications, Inc., 11 July 2008. Web. 3 May 2014. <http://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/The-Cocktailian-The-story-behind-the-story-of-a-3205753.php>.
Ward, Oliver, ed. "Tom Collins." Gin Foundry. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 May 2014. <http://www.ginfoundry.com/cocktail/tom-collins-cocktail/>.
- Take 5 or 6 dashes of gum syrup.
- Juice of a small lemon.
- 1 large wine-glass of whiskey.
- 2 or 3 lumps of ice.
- Shake up well.
- Strain into a large bar-glass.
- Fill up the glass with plain soda water.
In 1874, there was a hoax going around New York. People were told a certain Tom Collins was in a bar talking down about them. When the insulted person found the bar and asked for Tom Collins, they were handed this drink.
The second legend is of a headwaiter by the name of John Collins. A certain gin punch was served at his hotel that was apparently similar to the Tom Collins recipe. The Collins name was added to the punch, and the Tom came from the use of Old Tom gin used in the punch.
Like all recipes, however, the Collins recipe existed prior to it being written down. In The Bar-tender's Guide, the whiskey version is listed first. In my opinion this would make it the primary version of the drink. The whiskey version is known as the John Collins, which is the headwaiter's name. This little thesis of mine is partially confirmed.
Seems the original Collins was made with an aged Dutch gin "with a whisky-ish body and subtle juniper notes (Regan)." This evolved into the sweeter Tom Collins, with Old Tom gin replacing the Dutch gin. When whiskey was introduced back into the Collins, John was revived for its similar flavor.
The modern Collins continued to evolve, as all things do. Sweet and sour mix replaced the syrup and lemon juice, and a cherry garnish was added. All of this lays the groundwork for my Willy Collins.
The pictures on the page appear smaller than they are. To see them larger, simply double click on the picture. Also, I always welcome your constructive criticism. Click on the Comment link below next to the icon of a pencil; it may say "No" or have a number in front of it.
References:
O'Neil, Darcy, ed. "Jerry Thomas' Bartenders Guide." Art of Drink. Art of Drink, 31 July 2007. Web. 3 May 2014. <http://www.artofdrink.com/jerry-thomas/pg36.php>. Rpt. of Thomas, Jerry. The Bar-Tender's Guide, How to Mix All Kinds or Plain and Fancy Drinks. New York: Dick & Fitzgerald, 1887. Print.
Regan, Gary. "The Cocktailian: The story behind the story of a drink with no name." SFGate. Hearst Communications, Inc., 11 July 2008. Web. 3 May 2014. <http://www.sfgate.com/wine/article/The-Cocktailian-The-story-behind-the-story-of-a-3205753.php>.
Ward, Oliver, ed. "Tom Collins." Gin Foundry. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 May 2014. <http://www.ginfoundry.com/cocktail/tom-collins-cocktail/>.
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