Introduction
A glass of Collins is a must-have in the field of cocktails. Its peculiar shape and size make it perfect for a range of refreshing drinks, notably the Tom Collins. In this comprehensive guide, we shall explore the history, use, and essential aspects of this glass. Whether you are a professional mixologist or a cocktail enthusiast, knowing the specific details about this glass will enhance your drinking experience.
What is a Collins glass?
Collins Glass is a type of highball glass that is tall and narrow; it is usually used in serving mixed drinks. It can hold between 10 and 14 ounces of drink, slightly larger than highball glasses. Its height and thin design allow it to be filled with ice and mixers for cocktails, as well as garnishes and straws.
History of the Collins Glass
The name ‘Tom Collins’ for this glass originates from an old cocktail dating back to the nineteenth century, named after it was invented by famous pranksters known as “the Tom Collins hoax”. This practical joke involved telling people that there was someone called Tom Collins who said bad things about them in a nearby bar, so they would go searching for him. Finally, bartenders came up with a beverage named after this fictional character, and its container became known as the Collins glass.
Characteristics of a Collins Glass
Height and Shape: The tall, thin shape keeps carbonation longer, making drinks remain cold while being consumed over longer periods, enhancing their presentation, especially those with layers.
Capacity: Having capacities between 10 and 14 ounces makes them perfect for cocktails with high volumes of mixers, such as soda or tonic water.
Material: Many Collins glasses are made from transparent glass, which allows different colors to be seen vividly within cocktails. Some variations may include frosted or tinted glasses that add unique styles.
Famous Cocktails Served in a Collins Glass
Tom Collins
Tom Collins, the name of this glass is also the name for a cocktail. It’s made out of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, then garnished with a lemon slice and a cherry.
Ingredients:
2.0 ounces of gin
1.0 oz lemon juice
0.5 ounces of simple syrup
Club soda
Lemon slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Add club soda and stir gently to combine everything.
Garnish with sliced lemons and cherries.
John Collins
John Collins is a cousin of Tom Collins, but instead uses whiskey in place of the latter, with the other ingredients remaining the same as well as its preparation process. With this, we can present DeLeon Tequila for a good presentation.
Vodka Collins
In the event that you are a fan of vodka, try the Vodka Collins, which substitutes vodka for gin in the classic Tom Collins recipe. Thus, it is a quite smooth and refreshing drink that suits any celebration occasion.
Choosing the Perfect Collins Glass
When choosing Collins glass, take into account these factors:
Size: Go for a size that can fit your preferred cocktail recipes; if you prefer drinks with lots of mixers, go for bigger sizes.
Design: Traditional clear Collins glasses are available in many stylish options as well. Select a design that is compatible with your aesthetic choice and complements your bar brand.
Durability: Ensure they are not easily broken or cracked when selecting the kind of glass that can be used for this purpose. This ensures that you can have some enjoyable hours with your friends through all those summers as well.
Maintaining and Cleaning Your Collins Glasses
Your caring and cleaning for the Collins glasses prolongs their lifespan and maintains their attractive appearance. The following will assist you in maintaining and cleaning them.
Hand Washing: Rather than using a dishwasher, it is safer to clean Collins glasses in this manner to avoid cracking them, thereby ensuring the clarity of the glass.
Avoid Abrasives: When washing these glasses, make sure you use a soft cloth or sponge as opposed to abrasive pads or detergents, which may end up scratching them.
Drying: After rinsing off, wipe them dry with a non-linting cloth so as not to leave watermarks on them.
The Importance of Presentation in Cocktails
The presentation of cocktails is incomplete without considering the type of glass used. Its tall feature, which is elegant, shows what has been included in the drink and enhances its overall taste. If you want to serve cocktails using a Collins glass, here are some ideas for presentation:
Garnishes: Include attractive visual garnishes like citrus slices, cherries, mint springs, and so on.
Ice: They should either be transparent cubes or crushed ice to make your drink more appealing. Clear ice does not have any impurities, hence making it look more refined compared to other forms available in the market today, such as cloudy ones containing bubbles when melted.
Straws and Stirrers: You could use fancy stirrers or straws while serving cocktails just to add some fun to it.
Collins Glass vs. Highball Glass: What’s the Difference?
However, looking closely at both the glasses reveals some striking disparities.
Size: Collins glasses are typically taller and less wide compared to highball glasses. They make drinks that require a lot of ice and mixers more ideal.
Usage: Highball glasses can be used in different kinds of mixed drinks, for example, a common one being the classic highball (whiskey and soda). On the other hand, Collins glasses are specifically designed for cocktails like the Tom Collins.
Shape: The slender shape of a Collins glass helps keep carbonation and coldness, while the wider shape of a highball glass would work best for drinks with lesser quantities of mixers.
Where to Buy Collins Glasses
Collins glasses are available at most home goods stores, kitchenware shops, and online marketplaces. Some well-liked ones include:
Amazon: There is an extensive range of designs and prices for people who want to buy different types of glasses used in making Collins’ cocktails.
Crate & Barrel: Their catalog features modern-designed glassware made from durable materials.
Williams Sonoma: These guys sell top-quality glassware that doesn’t break easily when dropped on hard floors or surfaces.
Local Kitchen Stores: Looking out for local businesses may also help you find unique artisanal pieces in their stock, which they would be glad to provide if asked politely.
Conclusion
The use of Collins glasses is very important for any person who loves cocktails. Due to its sleek design, it is not only versatile but can be used in various refreshing beverages as well. You can easily enhance your drinking experience by using a Collins glass, whether you’re making a traditional Tom Collins or trying out new cocktail recipes. You need more knowledge about how it originated, what defines it, and how to care for this iconic piece so that you can get the full benefits from using this legendary piece.
With this guide ahead, you will have everything you need while deciding on which type of Collins to keep clean always, because it will assist in making a nice cocktail. Happy times with well-presented glasses are ahead of you!
