COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK:
After last week’s delicious margarita, I decided this week we’d go for something simple, easy, and most importantly, delicious. I’ve taken a standard classic that’s been around a lot longer than I have and made the smallest of tweaks. Unfortunately, summer has come to a close, but I thought we might enjoy one last warm weather drink to tide us over until the flowers start blooming again. With that in mind, this week’s cocktail is about as simple as it gets. The Tom Collins, with a twist. This classic is perfect for beginners and experts. It’s as simple as mix, stir, and serve.
TAYLOR-MADE: SLOE COLLINS
When it comes to cocktails, they don’t get much easier than the Tom Collins. The classic version of this drink only has four simple ingredients, and this one is no different. All we’re doing is substituting the more traditional London Dry Gin for Sloe Gin. If you’ve never tasted Sloe Gin, you are definitely missing out. Think all the earthiness and botanicals you love in regular gin, but with a subtle sweet undertone of dark fruit on top. That’s what makes this Sloe Collins unique, and I think you’ll find it’s exactly what you’re looking for on a hot summer’s day. Or maybe now, while you’re reminiscing about all those hot summer days. Here’s what you’ll need:
– A nice mid-level Sloe Gin. Plymouth and Sipsmith are both nice and affordable
– Some fresh squeezed lemon juice and lemons for garnish
– Gumme or regular sugar syrup
– Soda water
– Collins glasses (or any tall glassware)
– A couple of raspberries
PREPARATION:
– Get all your ingredients laid out and pre-cut your garnishes (you’ll be cutting lemon wheels so cut 1/2 inch circular wheels out of the lemon horizontally)
– It’s not required but definitely preferred to have crushed ice for this concoction because it helps the drink distribute and blend more easily
MIXING:
Add the following:
* 2 oz Sloe Gin
* 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
* 1 oz sugar syrup
Once you’ve got all your glasses prepped, simply add crushed ice to the top.
– Top with club soda and give it a nice 10-second stir.
– Add your lemon wheel, and throw in a couple of raspberries.
– Sit back, kick your feet up and enjoy this refreshing delight!
The Tom Collins is a perfect summer drink, and since it’s not summer anymore, this Sloe Gin version helps you transition to autumn. With the rich taste of plums and a hint of your fresh raspberries, this is a great way to say goodbye to the long hot days and welcome the changing leaves and the fluffy jackets. You’ll be amazed at how this simple, refreshing cocktail hits the spot and makes the prospect of winter seem not so bad after all.
