The Refreshing Raspberry Tom Collins: Spring in a Glass

Are you searching for a cocktail that balances tartness, sweetness, and a delightful botanical twist, then look no further than the Raspberry Tom Collins! This drink is a fruity revamp of the classic Tom Collins, offering a burst of berry goodness.

With its origins dating back to the 1800s, the Tom Collins has been a refreshing favourite for a long time. It is a simple base of gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda that has made it a perfect foundation for experimentation. The Raspberry Tom Collins puts a fruity spin on the classic, making it a must add to your gin cocktails this weekend.

The History of The Tom Collins Cocktail

John Collins

In the early 19th century, London's well-heeled crowd sipped on the John Collins. Picture a drink similar to the Tom Collins, but instead of gin, it featured genever – a Dutch spirit with a malty sweetness and juniper notes. No one knows exactly where the John Collins came from but the drink is closely tied to an old establishment, Limmer's Old House based in London. A head waiter named John Collins is the most likely namesake but the records of this are scarce, adding to the murky origins of the Tom Collins.

As tastes evolved, gin started gaining popularity in England. Old Tom Gin, a slightly sweetened style, became the choice for bartenders. By 1869, you'd find recipes for the John Collins made with Old Tom Gin. Slowly, it morphed into the "Old Tom" Collins, and eventually, just the Tom Collins.

The Tom Collins Hoax: A Twist in the Tale

To add to the clouded history of the Tom Collins, an article written in 2006 by George Sinclair revealed a fascinating alternative: The Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874. This New York and Philadelphia prank involved people asking about a nonexistent "Tom Collins" who supposedly spread rumours about the individual being asked. This imaginary figure was created simply to stir up trouble and send people on pointless errands, all for a bit of amusement. The search for this fictional person often led the duped individual straight to a bar, where they'd encounter the refreshing Tom Collins. This likely boosted the drink's fame!

The Timeless Classic

While cocktail menus today may be full of complex concoctions, the John Collins and the Tom Collins hold their own. Their simplicity is part of their enduring charm. And who knows – maybe one of today's trendy drinks will become the forgotten classic that future mixologists rediscover.

Raspberry Tom Collins Recipe: 

1. 40mls Wild Rose Gin
2. 15mls Raspberry Liqueur
3. 15mls Lemon Juice
4. 10mls Sugar Syrup
5. Soda Water
6. Raspberries, for garnish

1. Muddle: In a tall glass (ideally a Tom Collins glass), muddle a few raspberries to release their juices.
2. Combine: Add your wild rose gin, raspberry liqueur, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to the glass along with a generous scoop of ice.
3. Mix it Up: Give all the ingredients a mix.
4. Top and Garnish: Top with soda water, and garnish with fresh raspberries.

Enjoy your Raspberry Tom Collins – a sophisticated and irresistibly refreshing gin cocktail! If you are looking for more cocktail ideas or recipes please follow this link: Cocktail Recipes.