The IMAGE Cocktail Club: Emily’s classic Tanqueray Tom Collins

For Emily O’ Neill, a good cocktail needs to be “classic, refreshing and can make a perfect 0.0 option too.”

So, her tipple of choice? Well, a Tom Collins, of course.

It is one of the original gin cocktails and has truly stood the test of time, as it dates back to the 19th century.

With crisp, chilled soda water and fresh lemon for an extra punch of citrus, it matches Emily’s description of what a great cocktail is.  

“It’s always my go-to when I want something light and simple to drink,” she explains. “It’s the perfect balance between sharp and sweet. It also happens to be very simple to make at home!”

“My group of friends have always been fans of Tanqueray London Dry Gin, so a Tom Collins really is a no-brainer. We are also getting ready for the brighter evenings, so I look forward to warmer days and spending an evening or two outside in the next few months with a cocktail in my hand, whether using the original Tanqueray London Dry Gin or the 0.0 version too.”

Tanqueray London Dry Gin Tom Collins

Ingredients

• Tanqueray London Dry Gin – 50ml
• Lemon juice – 30ml
• Sugar syrup* – 20ml
• Sparkling water – to top

*To make the Sugar Syrup

Sugar – 2 parts
Water – 1 part

Method

1. Add the sugar and water to a pot and gently heat, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. Allow to cool before transferring to a suitable bottle or pouring vessel.
3. Add the sugar syrup, lemon juice, and Tanqueray London Dry Gin to a tall glass. Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water.
4. Using a long spoon, gently lift the mixture through the glass to ensure the ingredients are properly combined.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a cherry.

Photography by Dan Dunne