The drink called Tom Collins is believed to have been named after the notorious Tom Collins hoax of 1874. This prank involved a made-up character named Tom Collins who was said to be going around town spreading false rumors and causing trouble. People would be told that Tom Collins was talking about them, leading them to become angry and seek out this mysterious figure. However, when they arrived at the designated location, they would find that Tom Collins did not actually exist.
The Tom Collins cocktail is said to have originated around the same time as this hoax, and it is believed that the name was chosen to capitalize on the popularity and intrigue surrounding the prank. By naming the cocktail after Tom Collins, it added a sense of mystery and excitement to the drink.
There are also some who believe that the drink was actually named after a person named John Collins, who was said to have been the creator of the cocktail. However, this theory is not as widely accepted as the Tom Collins hoax origin story.
Regardless of its true origins, the Tom Collins has become a classic cocktail that is enjoyed by many. It typically consists of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, garnished with a slice of lemon and a maraschino cherry. The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing and citrusy drink that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Personally, I have always been fascinated by the history and stories behind cocktails. It is interesting to think about how certain drinks come to be named and the impact that these names can have on their popularity. The story of the Tom Collins and its connection to the 1874 hoax adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already delicious cocktail.
The name “Tom Collins” is believed to have been chosen for the cocktail to capitalize on the popularity of the Tom Collins hoax of 1874. While there are alternative theories about the name's origin, the hoax story is the most widely accepted explanation. Regardless of its true origins, the Tom Collins remains a beloved cocktail with a refreshing and citrusy flavor profile.