| Drink | Cucumber Collins, refreshing gin cocktail |
| Gin | 2 parts Fary Lochan Classic Gin |
| Lemon | 1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice |
| Sugar syrup | 1 part |
| Top | Sparkling water and ice cubes |
| Garnish | Cucumber slices along the rim, possibly a slice of lemon |
ABOUT FARY LOCHAN
: FARY LOCHAN DESTILLERI A/S was established in 2009. They are one of the world's smallest distilleries and only produce a relatively small amount of whisky each year. However, it is of the highest quality and they do not compromise! Everything is handcrafted in traditional Scottish traditions.
The casks are specially designed in Scotland to give their whisky exactly the flavor they want - every time. And their flavor is quite unique, as they are the only ones in the world to use fresh nettles when smoking our malt.
Their whisky comes in four flavors. They call them "the 4 seasons". The taste is round and smooth in all flavors - even the smoky ones. And they stand 100% behind the taste, quality and good story. They also make lots of schnapps, liqueurs and other exciting products
Collins history: from John to Tom
We have not found any documented history for this Cucumber Collins. The Collins itself has one. Wikipedia writes that a John Collins drink has existed since at least the 1860s, and that it is believed to be named after a headwaiter at Limmer's Old House in London. The first printed Tom Collins recipe is in Harry Johnson's book from 1882, and Jerry Thomas has it in the posthumous edition from 1887.
Why it is called Tom is not settled. Johnson used Old Tom gin, and that may have given the name. In 1874 there was also a hoax in the US where people asked whether you had seen Tom Collins, a person who did not exist.
Our Cucumber Collins and a Tom Collins
| | Our recipe and Tom Collins |
| Gin | Fary Lochan Classic Gin, 2 parts (ours) / Old Tom gin, 60 ml (Wikipedia) |
| Lemon | 1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice (ours) / 25 ml lemon juice (Wikipedia) |
| Sweetness | 1 part sugar syrup (ours) / 15 ml simple syrup (Wikipedia) |
| Top | Sparkling water (ours) / soda water (Wikipedia) |
| Garnish | Cucumber and possibly a lemon slice (ours) / lemon slice and maraschino cherry (Wikipedia) |
Our version uses cucumber and sparkling water and goes by parts instead of centilitres.
About the ingredients in your Cucumber Collins
The gin is Fary Lochan Classic Gin, and the sugar syrup can be Monin Cane Sugar. The lemon juice is easiest with a lemon squeezer. More from the same house is under Fary Lochan. Cucumber and sparkling water you can pick up at your ordinary grocery store. Note that cucumber is not on the ingredient list in the recipe but is used in the method.
Tips for your Cucumber Collins
Use plenty of ice and slice the cucumber thin so it can lie along the rim of the glass. Taste before you top up, and add a little more lemon if it turns too sweet. If you are missing equipment, have a look at cocktail equipment for the home bar.
Our verdict on Cucumber Collins
This is a light and fresh gin drink for warm days when you want something more than a gin and tonic. The cucumber makes it soft, and the lemon keeps it dry. It is quick to make and needs few ingredients.
Frequently asked questions about Cucumber Collins recipe
What is a Cucumber Collins?
A refreshing gin drink with lemon, sugar syrup, sparkling water and cucumber. Ours is made with Fary Lochan Classic Gin.
What goes into a Cucumber Collins recipe?
2 parts Fary Lochan Classic Gin, 1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 part sugar syrup, sparkling water and ice cubes. Plus cucumber slices for flavour and garnish.
How do you make a Cucumber Collins?
Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour in the gin. Add the lemon juice and syrup and stir. Place cucumber slices along the rim and top up with sparkling water.
What is the difference between a Cucumber Collins and a Tom Collins?
According to Wikipedia, a Tom Collins is typically made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda water. A Cucumber Collins is the same idea with cucumber in the glass.
Where does the Collins come from?
According to Wikipedia, a John Collins drink has existed since at least the 1860s. The first printed Tom Collins recipe is in Harry Johnson's book from 1882.
Why is it called Tom Collins?
Wikipedia mentions two possible explanations: that Old Tom gin was used in the recipe, and that an 1874 hoax was about a nonexistent Tom Collins. There is no agreement on the answer.
Which gin suits a Cucumber Collins?
We use Fary Lochan Classic Gin, a Danish gin. We have no other fixed recommendations, so pick a dry gin you like.
Can I use soda water instead of sparkling water?
Yes, it is a common variant. Tom Collins is normally made with soda water, so the taste is almost the same.
What can I garnish with?
Cucumber slices along the rim of the glass, and possibly a slice of lemon.
Who is Fary Lochan?
Fary Lochan Destilleri A/S was established in 2009 and is, according to our text, one of the world's smallest distilleries. They also make schnapps, liqueurs and other products.
Read more about cocktails
Find more cocktails with gin and all our drink recipes here at Whisky.dk. Also try Gin Fizz or Gin Tonic. You can also read Wikipedia about Tom Collins.
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