The “Tom Collins”

I came home from work Friday and decided to roll the dice. The Leafcutter Designs Cocktail Dice that is! I couldn’t believe my luck. TWO “Wild” dice!! That means I get to go “Wild” with my cocktail idea. When one of the dice revealed a Collins glass, I decided to go old school. Really? Old school? Well…How about the New Old School! When I was a server in college, so many restaurants made their “signature” Tom Collins using a generic pre-made sour mix and average gin. Maybe the straw elevated the cocktail? I am not too sure about that, but I know I served plenty. I figured I could remain loyal to the basics, but add my spin to this iconic cocktail. Are you ready for the Tom Collins of the next generation? I know my guests were all smiles Saturday night! I guess it could have been the gin…

The “Tom Collins”
By Susan R-H

Simple Syrup ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
The peel of one lemon, I used a potato peeler. Be careful not to include the pith.
One handful of fresh basil leaves and that can be subjective, so if you adore basil (like me) use a big handful.

For each cocktail you will need:
1 1/2 ounces good quality gin, I chose Bombay Sapphire
1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce basil lemon simple syrup, more or less depending on your sweetness desire
2 ounces carbonated water, I used Perrier

Method:
First, make the basil lemon simple syrup. Combine the sugar, water, lemon peel and basil in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and let the simple syrup cool completely. Strain and set aside. You will need to adjust the simple syrup recipe measurements based on the number of cocktails you plan to serve. It is always equal parts of sugar and water.

When it is party time, fill Collins glasses with crushed ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, basil lemon simple syrup and carbonated water. Stir and garnish with a thin slice of lemon wrapped around a basil leaf. Add a straw if you are feeling nostalgic. 

This was a terrific challenge for the 37 Cooks and I believe the Leafcutter Designs Cocktail Dice make a wonderful holiday gift for any of your adventurous family members or friends!