Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

Gin: A distilled alcoholic beverage made from juniper berries, providing the primary flavor for the cocktail.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice from lemons, adding a tart and zesty flavor to the drink.

Simple syrup: A sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.

Soda water: Carbonated water used to top off the cocktail, adding a refreshing fizz.

Lemon slice: A slice of lemon used as a garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a hint of citrus aroma.

Maraschino cherry: A preserved, sweet cherry used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.

When preparing a Tom Collins, ensure that the lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor. Pre-bottled lemon juice can have a more muted taste and may contain preservatives that alter the cocktail's balance. Additionally, when shaking the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, make sure to shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to properly chill and dilute the mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a well-balanced drink. Finally, when topping with soda water, pour gently to maintain the carbonation, which adds a refreshing effervescence to the cocktail.

• gin - Substitute with non-alcoholic gin: Non-alcoholic gin provides a similar botanical flavor profile without the alcohol content, making it suitable for a vegan and non-alcoholic version of the cocktail.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with freshly squeezed lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar tartness and acidity, which can provide a refreshing twist to the cocktail.

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a plant-based sweetener that dissolves easily in liquids and provides a similar sweetness to simple syrup.

• soda water - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water offers the same effervescence and lightness as soda water, making it a perfect substitute.

• lemon slice - Substitute with lime slice: A lime slice can provide a similar visual appeal and complementary flavor to the cocktail.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with fresh cherry: Fresh cherries are a natural and vegan-friendly alternative to maraschino cherries, which often contain artificial colors and preservatives.

• To maintain the freshness of your Tom Collins cocktail, store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a month, ensuring you always have a sweetener ready for your next drink.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to a vibrant Tom Collins. Store any extra lemon juice in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the lemon juice in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
• If you want to prepare the cocktail mix in advance, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a sealed bottle and refrigerate. This mix can be stored for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply shake with ice, strain, and top with soda water.
• For garnishes, keep lemon slices fresh by storing them in a container with a bit of water in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days. Maraschino cherries can be stored in their original jar in the refrigerator for several months.
• If you have leftover Tom Collins that you want to save, pour it into a sealed container and refrigerate. Consume within 24 hours for the best taste. Note that the soda water may lose its fizz, so you might want to add a splash of fresh soda water before serving.

• First, ensure your leftover Tom Collins cocktail is stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
• When ready to reheat, pour the cocktail into a saucepan and gently warm over low heat. This method is unconventional but can help to bring back some of the flavors.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the cocktail in a microwave-safe container. Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• Once warmed, pour the cocktail back into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with a splash of soda water to reintroduce the fizz that may have been lost during storage.
• Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a new maraschino cherry to enhance the presentation and flavor.

• Cocktail shaker: A container used to mix the ingredients with ice to chill and blend them thoroughly.

• Highball glass: A tall glass used to serve the cocktail, allowing enough space for ice and soda water.

• Strainer: A tool used to separate the liquid from the ice when pouring the mixed ingredients into the glass.

• Jigger: A measuring tool used to ensure precise amounts of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

• Citrus juicer: A device used to extract fresh lemon juice efficiently.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and layering ingredients.

• Ice cube tray: A tray used to freeze water into ice cubes for chilling the cocktail.

• Knife: A tool used to slice the lemon for garnish.

• Cutting board: A surface used to safely cut the lemon.

Pre-make simple syrup: Prepare a batch of simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when making multiple cocktails.

Use bottled lemon juice: If you're in a hurry, use high-quality bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons.

Batch your cocktails: Mix larger quantities of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher. When ready to serve, just pour over ice and top with soda water.

Pre-slice garnishes: Slice your lemon and prepare maraschino cherries ahead of time to streamline the garnishing process.