Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Yes! Just scale up the ingredients, mix them in a pitcher, and refrigerate. Serve over ice as guests arrive. Give it a good stir before pouring so the cream stays blended.

What’s the difference between Old Tom gin and London Dry gin?

Old Tom gin is sweeter and more full-bodied than London Dry gin. It often has a subtle, malty sweetness and a smoother finish, making it ideal for cocktails like the Tom Cat.

Can I make a Tom Cat without Old Tom gin?

You can substitute London Dry gin, but the flavor profile will shift to be crisper and less sweet. For authenticity, Old Tom gin is recommended.

How do I adjust the sweetness of this cocktail?

Simply tweak the amount of simple syrup to taste. For a drier drink, use less; for a sweeter touch, add a bit more.

Tom Cat

Name: Tom Cat
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Old Tom gin; 1 oz Fresh lemon juice; 0.75 oz Simple syrup; 2 dashes Aromatic bitters; 2 oz Club soda

The Tom Cat cocktail is a playful, modern twist on the classic Tom Collins, featuring Old Tom gin and a dash of bitters for depth. With a sweet, botanical backbone and refreshing citrus notes, this effervescent highball is as lively as its name suggests. Perfect for sultry summer evenings or as a sophisticated brunch companion, the Tom Cat brings a bit of vintage charm to any occasion.

5 minutesEasy1 serving

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Ingredients

1 serving

Old Tom gin
60 ml (2 oz)
Preferably chilled
Fresh lemon juice
30 ml (1 oz)
Freshly squeezed for best flavor
Simple syrup
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Adjust to taste
Aromatic bitters
2 dashes
Angostura recommended
Club soda
60 ml (2 oz)
Top up to taste

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Long bar spoon
Strainer
Highball glass

Instructions

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add Old Tom gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters to the shaker.
Shake well for about 10 seconds until chilled.
Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with club soda and give a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
Garnish and serve immediately.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

It’s delightfully refreshing and perfectly balanced.
The Old Tom gin adds a unique, honeyed complexity.
Simple to make with just a few ingredients.
Effervescent and lively—ideal for any social occasion.
A great conversation starter with its storied history.

History & Origin

The Tom Cat cocktail is inspired by the iconic Tom Collins, which rose to fame in the late 19th century. The original Tom Collins was named after the notorious 'Tom Collins Hoax' of 1874—a practical joke that sent New Yorkers on a wild goose chase for a fictional man spreading rumors about them. The 'Tom Cat' version brings in Old Tom gin, a slightly sweeter, richer style of gin that predates London Dry. By swapping out the typical gin for Old Tom, and adding aromatic bitters, the Tom Cat delivers a nuanced, layered profile while still paying tribute to its classic roots.

Garnish

Lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh mint. The lemon wheel highlights the citrus notes, while the mint adds a refreshing aroma.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 180 kcal per serving. Contains alcohol, sugars from simple syrup, and vitamin C from lemon juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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