The Pomelo Collins offers a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins, introducing the subtle yet distinct flavour of pomelo. Known for its balance of bitterness and sweetness, the pomelo brings a unique dimension to this otherwise straightforward cocktail. For those unfamiliar, the Tom Collins is a Gin-based cocktail mixed with lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water, served in a collins glass with ice and often garnished with a cherry. The Pomelo Collins follows this tradition but adds a zesty, slightly bitter note that elevates the experience.
The history of the Tom Collins itself is an interesting backdrop for this modern variation. Originally published in Harry Johnson’s 1882 “New and Improved Bartender’s Manual,” the Tom Collins has long been associated with gin, Old gin in particular. The drink’s origins, however, are a bit murky, with early mentions dating back to 19th century London clubs where gin punches were popular. Over the years, confusion arose around the name and origin of the Tom Collins, with some attributing its creation to a head waiter named John Collins at a famous London hotel.
The pomelo a large citrus fruit related to grapefruit, has a unique balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavours. It adds depth to the Pomelo Collins that isn’t found in the sharper, more straightforward lemon juice used in the original cocktail. The pomelo juice can be a bit tricky to extract due to its thick rind and large segments, but the effort is worth it. The flavour it brings is unparalleled, making the effort worthwhile. Begin by carefully peeling and juicing the pomelo- a time consuming task due to the fruits size and structure. You may find it easier to break down the segments in a blender or food processor. When juicing, take care to remove the membranes, as they can add an unwanted bitterness to the drink. Once the juice is extracted, it’s important to strain the liquid to remove any pulp or seeds, ensuring a smooth, clean base for your cocktail. After that, it’s simple as mixing the juice with gin, honey, lemon juice and ice. The addition of pomelo maintains the essence of this classic, while adding a citrus flavour that’s both bitter and sweet, complementing the botanicals in the gin.
For garnish consider adding a wedge of pomelo or a cherry, much like the traditional garnish for a Tom Collins,. The cherry adds a pop of colour and a touch of sweetness to round out the drink. Alternatively, a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic element that pairs well with the herbal qualities of the gin.
Despite the extra time required to handle the pomelo, this cocktail remains simple in its execution. Its uniqueness lies in the ingredient choice, not in the preparation. This makes it a great drink for cocktail enthusiasts who want to explore new flavours without needing advanced bartending skills.
Though Tom Collins may have faded in popularity over time, this Pomelo Collins offers a fresh, modern spin on a classic cocktail. Its unique flavour profile makes it a great conversation starter and a perfect drink for anyone looking to try something new. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply looking to enjoy a quiet evening at home, the pomelo collins is sure to impress with its balance of bold, bitter and sweet flavours.
The Pomelo Collins is a creative variation on the Tom Collins that brings the bright, slightly bitter flavour of pomelo into the mix. It’s easy to make and offer a sophisticated alternative to more common citrus-based cocktails, perfect for adventurous drinkers and gin lovers alike. With just a few ingredients and a little extra effort in juicing the pomelo, this drink is a delightful way to enjoy the refreshing complexity of gin and citrus in a new form.
Ingredients
80 ml Pomelo Juice
60 ml Gin
30 ml Lemon juice
40 ml Runny Honey
Ice Cubes
Garnish:
Pomelo Wedge
Lime slice
Preparation
- Step 1: With a sharp knife, slice off the stem end of the pomelo. Now score the pomelo by slicing down through the skin. Then peel the skin back, like you peel a banana. Completely remove the pomelo from its outer peel and discard the thick peel. Then peel off all the white membrane.
- Step 2: Break the pomelo into sections and separate the pulp, removing as much of the bitter white peel as possible. Then transfer the pomelo fruit in the blender with water and process to get pomelo juice. Then strain the pomelo juice.
- Step 3: In a cocktail shaker add ice cubes, pomelo juice, gin, honey and lime juice.
- Step 4: Cover and shake vigorously until you have a layer of frost on your shaker. Then strain in a glass tumbler over fresh ice.
- Step 5: Garnish with a lime slice and pomelo wedge. Enjoy!!
About Me
DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
FOLLOW ME
My Latest Posts
- post 1
- post 2