Cocktail Recipes: Tom Collins Rules

Years ago, when I went to bartending school, I never learned how to prepare a "Tom Collins", however; as time proceeded and when I worked as a bartender during my college years, I learned naturally. The very first time I prepared a "Tom Collins" I was a bit skeptical, as the drink is really ultimately simple. In fact, it's much more simple than I had expected. It was the name that through me off. I had to ask "Who is Tom Collins?" and the customer just laughed at me.

The Tom Collins drink itself includes: Gin, Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Club Soda. I decided to try something new, yet original without distracting the drink or taking the flavor away from it.

Tom Collins Rules

1 oz. Gin (Lemon based)
1 oz. Vermouth
1 oz. Club Soda
1 oz. Lemon Juice
1 splash of Grenadine
2 tsp. of Sugar
1 tsp. Bitters (optional)

Combine the Gin, Vermouth, Club Soda, Lemon Juice, and Grenadine. Add the sugar and serve in a chilled glass, on the rocks with a maraschino cherry, orange slice, or lemon slice.