Tom Collins

So, who is this 'Tom Collins' character anyway? Tom Collins is both a beverage (basically gin with sparkling lemonade) and a hoax. Ever heard of the Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874? The prank began as a game, in which someone would ask another if he'd seen Tom Collins, going on to say that this character (who didn't really exist) had been spreading rumors about him. This would infuriate the individual who would go looking for this 'Tom Collins' fellow, only to find out that he never really existed, leaving the individual feeling foolish.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 ounces Tanqueray
1 ounce lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon sweet & sour mix
1 splash club soda
1 slice orange

DIRECTIONS
1. In a shaker half filled with ice cubes, add Tanqueray, lemon or lime juice and sweet & sour mix.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a collins glass filled with ice.
4. Add club soda & stir well.
5. Garnish with maraschino cherry & orange slice.