The Original Tom Collins

April 7, 2013

Tonight’s the night! Last week was the return of Game of Thrones, yes! This week is the return of one of my other favorite shows, Mad Men. Unfortunately, in Mike’s opinion, this show can just be added to the long list of shows that I love that he just doesn’t get. He likes to say it is just ok and he doesn’t get what all the hype is about.

So, I file this in the category of shows I watch without Mike or where if he has to be there, I just ignore his haterade-filled comments.

Tonight is the premiere of Mad Men season six. Last season was so, how do you say, Zou Bisou Bisou good. I can only imagine what is in store for Mr. Draper this season.

I have to say, when thumbing through my Mad Men Cookbook, trying to decide which cocktails to make for the premiere, the intro story to the Tom Collins took me back to one of my favorite early Mad Men episodes—ya know, pre-Megan.

In the episode, Betty and Don have the neighbors over to play bridge. In the episode, the men sit in the front room/sitting room and talk while the wives are in the kitchen. Don puts Sally to work as the bartender. He calls her James. I think it is so cute for that time period. I don’t think I would let my kids be bartender for me and my friends, but times were different.

The gentlemen are drinking old-fashioneds and the ladies request two Tom Collins. Don instructs her on how to make the perfect drink. It is a small scene that has always stuck with me. That is why these were high on my list to make for the premiere. If you aren’t a gin lover, give this a shot. The gin is muted by all the citrus and sugar.

I have a feeling when Mike sees me playing bartender for the premiere, he might just stick around for the show!

The Original Tom Collins

Course Cocktail
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Author Sarcastic Cooking

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Ounce Gin
  • 1 Ounce Lemon Juice
  • 1 Teaspoon Powdered Sugar
  • Juice from ½ a Lime
  • 3 Ounces Club Soda
  • Maraschino Cherry and Orange Slice for Garnish

Instructions

  1. Add gin, lemon juice, and powdered sugar to a cocktail shaker filled with a handful of ice. Shake thoroughly. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
  2. Squeeze the half of lime into the drink and fill with club soda. Stir and then garnish with orange slice and cherry.

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  • Dave @ Fit Chef Chicago
    May 15, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    Perfect post to read at 5 PM. I know what I’m drinking tonight! As always, great photos!

  • Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine)
    April 10, 2013 at 11:40 am

    Not a Mad Men or GOT fan, but I can enjoy a good cocktail 😉

  • Karla @ Foodologie
    April 9, 2013 at 7:44 am

    Ok so obviously this drink it probably the best thing ever and I want to wear a cocktail dress and sip it for hours, but did you watch the season premiere? I was a little let down to be honest. Super long and mildly boring 🙁 What’d you think?

    • Stefanie
      April 9, 2013 at 8:56 am

      I thought it was ok. I am kind of giving them a break because I know they are building up to something probably… I felt bad for Roger and there definitely was not enough Joan in the episode!

  • Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
    April 9, 2013 at 12:33 am

    This is funny – I have a magnet on my fridge that explains how to make a Tom Collins, yet I’ve never had one before. This post is a good reminder. Plus, it sounds tasty.
    I have not yet hopped aboard the Mad Men train, but it is on my list of shows to try! As is Game of Thrones. I’m a little worried though – medieval stuff just ain’t my thing. However, I have been advised that there is plenty of sex, violence, and incest to distract from the medieval-ness of it.

    • Stefanie
      April 9, 2013 at 8:57 am

      Hahah, yes, Game of Thrones is quite disturbing at times, but it still has great characters that make you disregard the whole time period.

  • Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen
    April 8, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    I’ve never been a gin lover, but that’s probably because the last time I drank it it was from a turkey baster in college…this looks way classier 🙂 Pretty photos too!

  • Julia
    April 8, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Mad Men is the best—I have been waiting and waiting for it come back on! I just love it (I think we have the same taste in a lot of show–Downton!?). Love this drink–I could sip this all the way through the show. Maybe next week? 🙂

    • Stefanie
      April 8, 2013 at 8:43 pm

      we need to arrange a viewing party!!!

  • Jennie @themessybakerblog
    April 8, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    I will starting Mad Men on Netflix. I’m horrible at watching the show when they’re on. This Tom Collins looks perfectly refreshing. Yum!

  • Anita at Hungry Couple
    April 8, 2013 at 11:56 am

    It’s sort of ironic that despite the fact that I work in advertising, I’ve never been able to get into Mad Men. But I can’t completely dislike a show that inspires cocktails! 🙂

  • The Mrs @ Kitchen Doesn't Travel
    April 7, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Hi! I just found your blog today. I’m loving it so far! These look delicious. I’ve actually never had a Tom Collins, but now I want one… 🙂

  • Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out
    April 7, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    I was so weirdly appalled by Megan’s awkward routine in last season’s opener that I kind of let the rest of the season slide by with nary a thought. Maybe I just needed a time-appropriate cocktail…..

  • Carol Blodgett
    April 7, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    Absolutely ADORE Mad Men Stefanie–and you’ve inspired me to watch with Tom Collins in hand tonight! Keep up the great work–your blog is EYE CANDY for my soul!

  • Fiona
    April 7, 2013 at 10:12 am

    I think that you have to be young enough to feel psychologically removed from that time for it to appeal to you. Some of us are just thankful that things have changed from when we were facing or about to face the downside of that era.

    Happy time travel:)

    • Stefanie
      April 7, 2013 at 12:51 pm

      I hear you, and I understand. I also just love the characters and the writing.

  • Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
    April 7, 2013 at 8:04 am

    Ooooh so fancy!

    Seee, I tried to get into Mad Men but…I don’t know, it just didn’t do it for me *shrug*.

    But I can certainly appreciate the style!