Collins cocktails are long drinks that can be enjoyed in large quantities, especially in hot weather. For this reason, they are served in large, tall glasses. It is said to have been first made in America by a head waiter named John Collins. Named after this head waiter, this cocktail was made with Dutch gin in the 1930s. A similar cocktail, the Tom Collins, is made with a type of gin called Old Tom Gin. Today, both cocktails are made with London Dry Gin. As can be understood from these explanations, the base drink in Collins cocktails is originally gin. However, vodka, cognac, and whiskey can also be used as the base. Lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda are also used in these cocktails along with the main drink. A lemon or orange slice and/or a cocktail cherry may be preferred for garnish. Cocktails in this group should be prepared in their own special, tall, wide glasses called collins glasses. The sample recipes below explain the preparation and serving of collins glasses in detail.
Tom Collins or John Collins
