Today is April Fools’ Day! To celebrate, we’re taking a look at a classic cocktail, the Tom Collins. You’re all probably familiar with the cocktail, but did you know that the Tom Collins originated from a practical joke?
In the late 19th century, it became common to tell your friend who had just arrived at the bar that a man named “Tom Collins” had just been talking badly about them. The goal was to get your friend so upset over this “Tom Collins” that when you told them he just left to go to the bar next door, your friend would quickly rush over only to be greeted by a bartender with a Tom Collins cocktail in hand and a good laugh.
The joke became even more popular in 1874 when a few New York newspapers started reporting sightings of the fictitious man. So this April Fools’ Day, celebrate this classic prank with a delicious cocktail!
Tom Collins
2 oz gin
2 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
Dash of bitters
2 oz club soda
Lemon wedge for garnish
Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Top off with club soda and garnish with a lemon wedge.
