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COLLINS
These are normally summer or hot weather drinks, long
and refreshing and made with plenty of ice. There is
some doubt as to their origin, though theyare often claimed
to be American,and may have been derived from the
Gin Sling. However, as gin was widely drunk in the
British Isles long before it gained popularity in the United
States, it is quite probable that the drink may have
originated on this side of the Atlantic. A clue to this is
contained in a book called"Drinks of the World"pubUshed
in 1892. This contains the following rhyming verse in
connection with a celebrated waiter of the time:—
"My name is John CoUins, headwaiter at Dimmer's
Corner of Conduit Street, Hanover Square.
My chief occupation is filling brimmers
For all the young gentlemen frequenters there."
The book states that the ingredients of the drink dis
pensed by this gentleman were gin, soda,lemon and sugar.
There is no doubt that the Collins has developed a large
family since the early days and some of its cousins are
Gin Coolers, Gin Rickeys, etc., information about which
will be found in following sections.
In the I930's and before a John Collins was made with
Dutch Gin, and Tom CoUins with"Old Tom"Gin. The
modern trend in the British Isles is to use London Dry for
both these drinks.
John or Tom Collins. Use 10-oz. Tumbler.
Cracked Ice.
Juice of 1/2 Lemon.
1 teaspoonful fine sugar.
2 oz. Gin.
Fill with soda.
Stir and serve with a slice of lemon.
Brandy, Rum or Whisky Collins.
Same as above but use chosen spirit instead of Gin.
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