I’m here, I’m there, I’m everywhere,
And rather hard to find,
So don’t attempt to look me up,
Unless you’re well inclined.
. . .
“Have you seen Tom Collins?” If you were asked this question in a bar in 1874, the chances are you were the unwitting subject of a hoax. For rumor had it this mythical fellow was talking trash about you, sending you on a wild goose chase in search of his whereabouts. And if you asked the barman, he was likely in on it too. But if you were lucky, he might also serve you a refreshing concoction of sweet gin, lemon and soda.
There are few cocktails as storied as the Tom (Jim or John) Collins. So legendary, it warrants its own glass. Victorian practical jokes aside, the Collins remains the template for the most adaptable low abv sipper there is.
GIN COLLINS
Since no-one knows exactly who Tom (Jim or John) Collins was, we propose mixing this drink and raising your glass to some other famous Collinses. Like Joan Collins, the philanthropist and first lady of Dynasty. Judy Collins, the Grammy-winning folk singer and activist. Or Professor Margaret Collins, the trail-blazing African American entomologist. Cheers to the women of Collins!
1.5 oz Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur
0.5 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 oz club soda
Shake the Pomp & Whimsy and lemon juice with a handful of ice in a shaking tin and empty contents into a Collins glass. Top with club soda, adding extra ice if needed.
GIN RICKEY
Not long after Tom Collins was stealthily giving the world the run-around, a certain Colonel Joseph Rickey was creating his own namesake drink on the other side of town. A simple substitution of lime for lemon and a whole new canon was born. For a light mojito vibe, we suggest throwing a few lightly crushed mint leaves into the mix.
1.5 oz Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur
0.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
3 oz club soda
mint leaves (optional)
Shake the Pomp & Whimsy, lime juice and mint with a handful of ice in a shaking tin and empty contents into a Collins glass. Top with club soda, adding extra ice if needed.
A FINE FILLY
Start with gin, lemon and soda, then swap out the lemon for lime. Now substitute the soda for ginger beer, and what do you have? Some might call it a mule. We think it’s a breed above. It’s a very fine filly indeed.
1.5 oz Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur
0.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
3 oz ginger beer
Shake the Pomp & Whimsy and lime juice with a handful of ice in a shaking tin and empty contents into a Collins glass. Top with ginger beer, adding extra ice if needed.