Virgin Tom Collins Recipe
Virgin Tom Collins Nutrition Facts
Calories:75
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:19g
Alcohol:0%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Virgin Tom Collins is a non-alcoholic version of the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This mocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the refreshing taste of a Tom Collins but prefer to abstain from alcohol. It's a hit at parties, especially for designated drivers, pregnant women, or anyone who wants to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the buzz.
- Originates from the classic Tom Collins
- Named after the 19th-century hoax of the same name
- Adaptable to personal taste preferences
How Virgin Tom Collins Tastes?
The Virgin Tom Collins is a delightful mix of tart and sweet flavors, with a fizzy kick from the soda water. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Interesting facts about Virgin Tom Collins
- The Tom Collins cocktail was first memorialized in writing in 1876 by Jerry Thomas, 'the father of American mixology'.
- The 'Tom Collins' name was also associated with a popular prank in 1874 where people would tell others that a man named Tom Collins was speaking ill of them.
- The Virgin Tom Collins is an excellent choice for a summer drink as it's both hydrating and delicious.
Ingredients
- Lemon juice: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Simple syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
- Soda water: 4 oz(120ml)
- Ice cubes: As needed
- Lemon wheel: 1
- Sweet cherry: 1
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is vital for that zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the syrup and fizziness of the soda water. If you use less, your mocktail might taste flat; more, and it could be too sour. No lemon juice? Try lime for a slight twist!
Mary Mitkina
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup adds sweetness that counteracts the tartness of the lemon juice. Too little and your drink might pucker your mouth, too much and it's a sugar bomb. If you're feeling adventurous, swap it for honey or agave for a different kind of sweet.
Mary Mitkina
Soda Water
Soda water is the life of the party here, providing that bubbly personality. Without it, you just have sweet lemonade. Go flat, and you'll miss the fizz that makes it a mocktail. Tonic water could be a bubbly backup, adding a quinine twist.
Alex Green
Ice Cubes
Ice keeps things cool and dilutes the mix slightly as it melts, softening the flavors. No ice, and you might as well be drinking warm lemonade. Crush it for more chill but faster dilution!
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Wheel
A garnish that's not just a pretty face! It adds aroma and a hint of extra flavor. Plus, it's a citrusy wink to what's inside your glass. Skip it, and your mocktail loses its visual zest.
Mary Mitkina
Sweet Cherry
The cherry on top is literally that – a sweet finish that rounds out the tart drink and adds a pop of color. No cherry? A slice of orange could sit in as a pinch hitter for sweetness and style.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Virgin Tom Collins Drink
- Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 1.5 oz of fresh lemon juice over the ice.
- Add 1 oz of simple syrup.
- Top with 4 oz of soda water.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sweet cherry.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less simple syrup.
- Chill the glass beforehand to keep your drink cooler for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Appetizers: Light appetizers such as bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, or a refreshing Greek salad complement the tanginess of the mocktail.
- Main Course: Grilled chicken or fish dishes, with their subtle flavors, can be very harmonious alongside the crispness of a Virgin Tom Collins.
- Desserts: Lemon sorbet or a simple fruit platter would enhance the zesty lemon flavors in the drink without overpowering it.
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What you could change in Virgin Tom Collins
- If you don't have simple syrup, you can dissolve granulated sugar in an equal amount of water.
- For a different twist, try using flavored soda water like lemon-lime or a splash of ginger ale.
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And of course - twists🍹
Cucumber Virgin Tom Collins
- Add 2-3 slices of cucumber to the glass before adding ice.
- Crush the cucumber lightly to release flavors.
- Follow the original recipe.
This twist brings a spa-like freshness and a mellow cucumber note that complements the lemon's zest.
Berry Virgin Tom Collins
- Muddle a handful of mixed berries at the bottom of the glass.
- Follow the original recipe, pouring over the muddled berries.
The berries add a summer fruit twist with a hint of additional tartness and sweetness, along with a beautiful color.
Herbal Virgin Tom Collins
- Add a sprig of rosemary or basil to the glass before the ice.
- Slap the herb to release its oils and aroma.
- Follow the original recipe.
The herbs infuse a subtle fragrant note making for a more aromatic and earthy drink, perfect for a sophisticated palate.
In case you forgot basics how to make Virgin Tom Collins
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Virgin Tom Collins
Can I prepare the Virgin Tom Collins in advance for a party?
The Virgin Tom Collins is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can premix the lemon juice and simple syrup and store it in the refrigerator. Add soda water and ice just before serving to maintain the fizz and freshness.
What is the difference between a Virgin Tom Collins and a classic Tom Collins?
The classic Tom Collins contains gin, which gives it an alcoholic content and a distinctive juniper flavor. The Virgin Tom Collins omits the gin, making it a non-alcoholic mocktail.
Is the Virgin Tom Collins suitable for children?
Yes, the Virgin Tom Collins is a non-alcoholic beverage, making it suitable for children and anyone who prefers not to consume alcohol.
How can I make the Virgin Tom Collins look more festive?
For a festive presentation, consider adding more garnishes such as a sprig of mint, a spiral of lemon peel, or colorful paper straws to the glass.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but if you're in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute. Be mindful that it may taste slightly different from fresh.
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