The difference between a Tom Collins and a whiskey sour lies in their ingredients and serving style. Both are classic cocktails that fall under the category of sours, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
1. Ingredients:
– Whiskey Sour: As the name suggests, the main spirit in a whiskey sour is whiskey. It is typically combined with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup (a mixture of water and sugar). The proportions of these ingredients can vary based on personal preference, but the key components remain the same.
– Tom Collins: A Tom Collins, on the other hand, is made with gin as the base spirit. It also incorporates fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, but the addition of club soda differentiates it from the whiskey sour. The club soda gives the Tom Collins a fizzy and refreshing quality.
2. Glassware:
– Whiskey Sour: Traditionally, a whiskey sour is served in a sour glass or a short glass. This allows the drink to be enjoyed slowly and savored.
– Tom Collins: In contrast, a Tom Collins is served in a tall glass, often referred to as a Collins glass. The tall glass is filled with ice, and the cocktail is topped with club soda, giving it a more effervescent and thirst-quenching presentation.
3. Taste Profile:
– Whiskey Sour: The whiskey sour has a bold and robust flavor profile due to the presence of whiskey. The combination of the tartness from the lemon juice and the sweetness from the simple syrup creates a balanced and tangy taste. The texture is typically smooth and velvety.
– Tom Collins: The Tom Collins, being a gin-based cocktail, has a lighter and more refreshing taste. The gin adds botanical notes and a subtle herbal character to the drink. The addition of club soda lightens the overall flavor and provides a bubbly texture.
4. Serving Style:
– Whiskey Sour: A whiskey sour is often served straight, without any garnishes or embellishments. It is enjoyed as a classic and straightforward cocktail, allowing the flavors of the whiskey to shine.
– Tom Collins: A Tom Collins is usually garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry. This adds a visually appealing touch and enhances the overall presentation of the cocktail.
The difference between a Tom Collins and a whiskey sour lies in the choice of spirit, glassware, taste profile, and serving style. While both are sour cocktails, the Tom Collins is gin-based, served in a tall glass with club soda, and has a lighter and more refreshing taste. The whiskey sour, on the other hand, is whiskey-based, served in a short glass, and has a bold and robust flavor profile.