As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that a Tom Collins is indeed an alcoholic drink. It is classified as a highball cocktail, which means it consists of a base spirit mixed with a larger proportion of non-alcoholic mixer. In the case of a Tom Collins, the base spirit is gin, which is a type of alcoholic liquor.
To make a Tom Collins, you typically start by mixing gin with freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup, which is a sweetener made from dissolved sugar. These ingredients are then shaken or stirred with ice to chill the drink. Finally, the Tom Collins is topped off with seltzer or soda water, giving it a refreshing, bubbly character.
The combination of gin and the non-alcoholic mixers creates a balanced and flavorful cocktail. The gin provides the alcohol content, while the lemon juice adds a tartness and the simple syrup brings sweetness to the drink. The seltzer or soda water adds effervescence and helps to dilute the alcohol, making the Tom Collins a more refreshing and easy-to-drink beverage.
Having personally made and enjoyed many Tom Collins cocktails, I can attest to their alcoholic nature. The presence of gin, a distilled spirit with an alcohol content typically ranging from 40% to 50% ABV (alcohol by volume), ensures that the Tom Collins is indeed an alcoholic drink.
It is worth noting that the alcohol content of a Tom Collins can vary depending on the amount of gin used and the specific brands of spirits and mixers chosen. It is always important to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and be aware of your own alcohol tolerance.
A Tom Collins is an alcoholic highball cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and seltzer or soda water. Its refreshing and balanced flavors make it a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. Just remember to enjoy it responsibly and in moderation.