Sally Draper is my spirit animal, and not just because she is the Queen of Side Eye. I identify with Sally because she’s a resilient, quick-witted, smart-ass who learned how to mix drinks at an early age.
I also came of age at a time when it wasn’t unusual for adults to instruct kids on how to make some fundamental drinks–and press them into “service” during card parties. My dad’s friends favored screwdrivers, and I still recall being told how many cubes of ice to add to the glass and how much orange juice and vodka to put in. I beamed with pride at every compliment for a drink well done, and berated myself for getting the proportion wrong—too much or too little vodka.
In honor of my gal Sally, tonight’s Drink Like Draper Mad Men cocktail is the classic Tom Collins. Don taught Sally how to make one back in Season 2. Tom Collins is a classic that dates back at least to 1876, when it appeared in Jerry Thomas’ “Bartender’s Guide.” Some speculate that the recipe originally called for Genever, and was later switched to Old Tom Gin. I discussed both in the It’s Gin O’Clock post. But a Tom Collins goes down a treat using London Dry Gin. Here’s a version using Portobello Road Gin, that would pass muster with no less an expert than Don Draper.
Tom Collins
1 oz Portobello Road Gin
¾ oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Sugar Syrup
Top with Soda
