Tom Collins Cocktail: The Classic Gin Drink with a Mysterious History
- The Rusty Bartender
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're a fan of classic gin cocktails, the Tom Collins should be right at the top of your list. Light, fizzy, and citrus-forward, it's a timeless drink with a history as intriguing as its refreshing taste. But the real surprise? The name Tom Collins actually started as a hoax.
In this post, we'll explore the history of the Tom Collins, break down how to make the perfect version at home, and look at its lasting influence in pop culture and modern cocktail bars.
The Curious History of the Tom Collins Cocktail
The Tom Collins cocktail has one of the most bizarre backstories in mixology. In 1874, an elaborate prank swept through bars in New York and Philadelphia. People would approach strangers and say, “Did you hear what Tom Collins said about you?” Naturally, the offended party would rush off to find this mysterious man, usually directed from one pub to another.
The kicker? Tom Collins didn’t exist.
This running joke became so popular it was dubbed The Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874, and even newspapers printed fake reports about sightings of the elusive man. Clever bartenders jumped on the trend and started serving a cocktail called the Tom Collins—turning a prank into one of the most iconic drinks in history.
The Origin of the Drink
The earliest recorded recipe for a Tom Collins appears in Jerry Thomas’s 1876 edition of “The Bartender’s Guide.” Thomas, considered the godfather of American bartending, listed it as a spin-off of the John Collins, a drink made with Dutch genever instead of English gin.
Tom Collins vs. John Collins:
John Collins: Genever, lemon, sugar, soda
Tom Collins: London Dry Gin, lemon, sugar, soda
Over time, the cleaner, crisper London Dry Gin won out in popularity, and the Tom Collins became the more well-known version of the drink.
How to Make a Tom Collins Cocktail
Making a Tom Collins at home is easy, and you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just fresh citrus and a good-quality gin.
Method:Shake the gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with soda water and garnish.
It's one of the most refreshing cocktails with gin, perfect for warm weather or when you're after something light and zesty.
Tom Collins in Pop Culture
Throughout the 20th century, the Tom Collins became a go-to order in American bars, especially during the golden age of cocktails. It’s featured in old films, jazz clubs, and even the occasional song lyric. In the 1970s and '80s, it was so popular that you could buy Tom Collins mix in cans—though any serious bartender today would recommend the real thing with fresh ingredients.
It’s the kind of cocktail that evokes a sense of old-school charm and effortless cool.
Why the Tom Collins Is Still Popular Today
The simplicity of the Tom Collins recipe makes it a favourite among both home bartenders and professionals. It’s incredibly adaptable—you can try it with different styles of gin, flavored syrups, or even swap out the citrus (grapefruit Collins, anyone?).
As a mobile bartender, I find it’s one of the easiest and most crowd-pleasing drinks to batch for events, cocktail classes, or weddings.
Whether you’re just discovering the Tom Collins cocktail or revisiting an old classic, it’s a drink that stands the test of time—light, effervescent, and never out of style.
Final Sip
The Tom Collins may have started as a joke, but it’s no laughing matter when it comes to flavor. This classic cocktail blends history, simplicity, and refreshment into one tall glass. If you're looking to add a classic gin cocktail to your repertoire—or your event menu—this one's a winner.
Want to try one made for you? Book The Little Mix Cocktail Van or join one of my cocktail masterclasses and I'll shake one up while sharing a few more cocktail stories that are almost too strange to believe.
Watch me make it here.
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