Which method is used to prepare a Tom Collins?

Which method is used to prepare a Tom Collins?

• A. Build
• B. Stir
• C. Shake & strain
• D. Shake & dump

Answer: (C)

Shaking with ice and then straining is ideal for a Tom Collins because it chills the gin and citrus quickly, and ensures the sweet and sour elements are thoroughly integrated. After shaking, you strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice and top with club soda to preserve the drink’s fizz and deliver a clean, balanced texture. Building directly in the glass can leave flavors unevenly mixed, while stirring doesn’t achieve the same level of uniform dilution, and shaking and dumping wastes ice and loses carbonation, reducing the classic Collins feel.

Shaking with ice and then straining is ideal for a Tom Collins because it chills the gin and citrus quickly, and ensures the sweet and sour elements are thoroughly integrated. After shaking, you strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice and top with club soda to preserve the drink’s fizz and deliver a clean, balanced texture. Building directly in the glass can leave flavors unevenly mixed, while stirring doesn’t achieve the same level of uniform dilution, and shaking and dumping wastes ice and loses carbonation, reducing the classic Collins feel.