Are you looking for a low-calorie cocktail option that won't derail your diet? Look no further than the Tom Collins! This classic cocktail has only 55 calories per 100 grams, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

In addition to being low in calories, the Tom Collins is also a refreshing and delicious drink that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, it's a simple yet elegant cocktail that's perfect for any occasion.

In this article, we'll explore the history of the Tom Collins, offer some tips for making the perfect drink, and even provide some ideas for unique flavor variations. Whether you're a Tom Collins aficionado or just looking to try something new, there's something for everyone in this guide.

A Low-Calorie Cocktail Option

One of the biggest benefits of a Tom Collins is its low calorie count. At just 55 calories per 100 grams, it's a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a cocktail without sabotaging their diet. Additionally, the simple ingredients in a Tom Collins make it easy to control the calorie count. If you're really watching your waistline, you can use a sugar-free simple syrup or opt for a lighter gin to further reduce the calorie count. Overall, the Tom Collins is a tasty and refreshing drink that won't make you feel guilty for indulging. Try adding some fresh herbs or fruit to customize the flavor and make it even more enjoyable!

The Classic Recipe for a Tom Collins

To make a classic Tom Collins, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz soda water
• Ice
• Lemon wedge or cherry, for garnish (optional)

To prepare, fill a shaker with ice and add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well, then strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wedge or cherry, if desired. Enjoy!

The History of the Tom Collins

The origins of the Tom Collins can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was a popular drink in America. At that time, the name 'Tom Collins' was actually a hoax - people would tell their friends that someone named Tom Collins was talking about them behind their back, and then send them on a wild goose chase to find him at a nearby bar. Eventually, the hoax became so widespread that bartenders started capitalizing on it by making a drink called the Tom Collins. The cocktail was typically made with gin, lemon juice, soda water, and sugar, and served over ice. Today, the Tom Collins remains a beloved cocktail that's enjoyed all around the world. Whether you're sipping on one at your favorite bar or making your own at home, it's a classic drink that's sure to please.

Variations on the Tom Collins Recipe

While the classic Tom Collins recipe is delicious on its own, there are also many fun variations that you can try. Here are just a few ideas:

• Raspberry Collins: Add some fresh raspberries to the shaker when you're making the drink, and garnish with a few extra berries for a pop of color.
• Cucumber Collins: Muddle some cucumber slices in the bottom of the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This adds a refreshing twist to the classic recipe.
• Grapefruit Collins: Swap out the lemon juice for fresh grapefruit juice to give the cocktail a tangy, citrusy flavor. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit for an extra burst of flavor.

With so many variations to choose from, you're sure to find a Tom Collins recipe that suits your taste buds perfectly. Mix and match ingredients to create your own unique flavor combinations!

Tips for Making the Perfect Tom Collins

If you want to take your Tom Collins game to the next level, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice: This makes a huge difference in the flavor of the cocktail. Don't skimp on the citrus!
• Invest in good gin: While you don't need to break the bank, a higher-quality gin will definitely make a difference in the taste of your drink.
• Experiment with garnishes: From berries to herbs, there are endless possibilities for garnishing a Tom Collins. Try different combinations to find your favorite.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to making the perfect Tom Collins every time. Cheers!

How to Burn Off the Calories in a Tom Collins

While a Tom Collins is a relatively low-calorie cocktail option, it's still important to be mindful of your overall calorie intake. If you're curious about how many calories you need to burn off after enjoying a Tom Collins, here are a few exercises that will do the trick:

• 30 minutes of jogging: This will burn off roughly 240 calories, or about 4 Tom Collins drinks.
• 60 minutes of yoga: Depending on the intensity of the class, you can expect to burn anywhere from 200-400 calories. That's roughly 3-7 Tom Collins drinks!
• 60 minutes of swimming: This is another great option if you want to burn off those cocktail calories. Depending on the intensity of the swim, you can burn up to 500 calories in an hour - that's almost 9 Tom Collins drinks!

As always, it's important to drink in moderation and be mindful of your overall calorie intake. But if you do decide to indulge in a Tom Collins, there are plenty of ways to burn off those calories in a fun and active way.

The Best Glassware for Serving a Tom Collins

Part of the charm of a Tom Collins is that it's typically served in a tall, narrow glass that shows off its bubbly, refreshing qualities. Here are a few types of glassware that work well for serving a Tom Collins:

• Collins glass: This is the classic choice for a reason. Tall and narrow, it showcases the bubbles and the color of the drink perfectly.
• Highball glass: Similar to a Collins glass, but a bit wider in diameter. This is a good option if you want a more substantial drink.
• Mason jar: If you're going for a more casual, rustic vibe, a mason jar can be a fun and quirky way to serve a Tom Collins. Just make sure it's tall enough to accommodate the soda water!

No matter which type of glassware you choose, make sure it's large enough to hold plenty of ice and soda water. This will help the gin and lemon juice stay balanced and refreshing, even as the ice slowly melts.

Garnishes That Work Well with a Tom Collins

While a Tom Collins is delicious on its own, a well-chosen garnish can really take it to the next level. Here are a few garnishes that work well with this classic cocktail:

• Lemon wedge or twist: This is the classic garnish for a reason. The bright citrus flavor of the lemon complements the gin and soda water perfectly.
• Fresh berries: Add some fresh raspberries or blackberries to your drink for a pop of color and flavor.
• Mint leaves: Muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of the shaker before adding the other ingredients for a refreshing twist.

Of course, these are just a few ideas - feel free to get creative and experiment with different garnishes! Just remember that a little bit goes a long way, so don't go overboard with the extras.

Popular Tom Collins Flavors to Try

In addition to the classic Tom Collins, there are many other flavor variations that you can try. Here are a few popular options:

• Gin Fizz: Similar to a Tom Collins, but with the addition of egg white for a frothy, creamy texture.
• John Collins: This version uses bourbon whiskey instead of gin, and is typically served in a shorter glass.
• Vodka Collins: Swap out the gin for vodka for a slightly different flavor profile.

Of course, there are countless other variations out there - don't be afraid to get creative and mix up your own unique flavor combinations!

Tom Collins vs Other Low-Calorie Cocktails

While there are many low-calorie cocktail options out there, few are as refreshing and delicious as a Tom Collins. Here are just a few other options to consider:

• Gin and tonic: At around 120 calories per serving, this classic cocktail is still relatively low in calories. However, it doesn't have the refreshing citrusy kick of a Tom Collins.
• Mojito: With around 150 calories per serving, a mojito is still a decent low-calorie option. However, the addition of sugar and mint means it's a bit sweeter and less balanced than a Tom Collins.
• French 75: Made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne, this cocktail is similar to a Tom Collins but a bit more indulgent. It clocks in at around 150 calories per serving.

Of course, there are many other low-calorie cocktails out there to choose from. But if you're a fan of bright, citrusy flavors and refreshing bubbles, a Tom Collins is hard to beat!