If you're a lover of Old Tom Gin and are looking for inspiration on Old Tom Gin Cocktails, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating origins of Old Tom Gin, explore its distinctive taste, and provide you with three delicious Old Tom Gin cocktail recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a refreshing gin and tonic, a classic cocktail with a twist, or something truly unique to impress your dinner guests, these simple and delicious recipes will help you make the most of this exceptional gin. 

The History of Old Tom Gin

Old Tom Gin, often described as the missing link between Dutch Genever and London Dry Gin, boasts a rich and storied history that dates back to the 18th century. Known for its slightly sweeter profile compared to its contemporaries, Old Tom Gin earned its name from the cat-shaped wooden plaques, often black, that adorned the outside of pubs in England. These plaques featured a slot for coins and a lead tube through which gin would be dispensed discreetly, thus the moniker "Old Tom." During the gin craze of the mid-18th century, when gin production was unregulated and often hazardous, Old Tom Gin emerged as a refined alternative. 
Its distinctive sweetness was a result of additional botanicals and sugar, making it more palatable than the harsher, sometimes toxic spirits of the time. This style of gin quickly gained popularity, becoming a favourite in numerous classic cocktails.
Despite its initial popularity, Old Tom Gin fell out of favour in the early 20th century as drier styles like London Dry Gin took precedence. However, the recent resurgence of interest in craft spirits and vintage cocktail recipes has brought Old Tom Gin back into the spotlight. Today, it is celebrated for its unique flavour profile and versatility in both classic and modern cocktails. 

Old Tom Gin Flavour Profiles

The key to creating any delicious cocktail is understanding the flavour profile of your main spirit. Old Tom Gin stands out with its distinctively rich, smooth, and slightly sweet flavour profile. This gin typically features a robust botanical character, often highlighting juniper, citrus, and a touch of spice, balanced by the subtle sweetness that sets it apart from other gins. The sweetness is usually achieved through the addition of botanicals and sometimes a small amount of sugar or honey, creating a smoother taste that appeals to a broad range of palates.

This unique flavour profile makes Old Tom Gin an excellent choice for a variety of cocktails. Classic cocktails like the Tom Collins, Martinez, and Ramos Gin Fizz originally called for Old Tom Gin, and modern mixologists continue to explore its potential in innovative recipes. Its balanced sweetness and botanical complexity provide a perfect foundation for both refreshing and complex drinks.

Capricorn Old Tom Gin

Capricorn Distilling Co’s Old Tom Gin is a genuine, handcrafted gin made in Queensland using a small-batch copper still. This exquisite gin features a unique blend of 16 traditional botanicals, highlighting the natural sweetness of orange, frankincense, and myrrh, all without any added sugar or artificial flavours. The main flavours of Capricorn Old Tom Gin include juniper berries, frankincense, myrrh, coriander seeds, and navel oranges. This combination results in a spirit that celebrates the authentic and natural flavours of gin, making it ideal for drinking with soda, elderflower tonic, or in a variety of cocktails.

Capricorn Old Tom Gin, with its smooth and slightly sweet profile, is perfect for crafting exquisite cocktails that honour the rich heritage and versatility of this unique spirit. Each batch is distilled with meticulous care, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product that pays homage to the historic roots of Old Tom Gin while appealing to today’s discerning gin enthusiasts.

This award-winning spirit took home a silver medal at the 2021 Australian Gin Awards and a bronze medal at the 2019 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, further testament to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. With an alcohol content of 42%, Capricorn Old Tom Gin provides 23 standard drinks per bottle, making it a robust yet refined choice for any occasion. 

Cocktail #1 - Old Tom Gin Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 50ml Old Tom Gin
• 25ml Lemon Juice
• 25ml Rose Syrup
• Rosemary Sprig
• Dash of Aromatic Bitters
• Top with Long Rays Tonic Soda

Method:

1. Add Old Tom Gin, lemon juice, rose syrup, a rosemary sprig, and a dash of aromatic bitters into a shaker.
2. Shake well and strain over ice in a tall glass.
3. Top with Long Rays Tonic Soda.
4. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary. 

Why we love this Old Tom Gin Cocktail:

We love the Old Tom Collins because it brings a refreshing twist to a beloved classic. The combination of rose syrup and aromatic bitters adds a unique depth of flavour that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of Old Tom Gin. It's an elegant and sophisticated drink that is perfect for any occasion.

Cocktail #2 - Purple Haze

The Purple Haze cocktail is a vibrant and sophisticated drink that showcases the versatility of Old Tom Gin. Its combination of sweet and tangy flavours, along with a silky texture from the aquafaba, makes it a delightful choice for any gathering. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 50ml Old Tom Gin
• 30ml Lemon Juice
• 30ml Aquafaba
• 2 Bar Spoons Jam

Method

1. Add Old Tom Gin, lemon juice, aquafaba, and jam into a shaker without ice and shake vigorously.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again.
3. Double strain the mixture into a clear water glass with two ice cubes. 

Garnish:

• Garnish with an edible flower or blueberries on a pick, laid across the rim.

Why we love this Old Tom Gin Cocktail:

We love the Purple Haze because its vibrant colour and smooth texture make it a show-stopper. The combination of lemon juice and jam creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart, while the Aquafaba gives it a luxurious, frothy finish. It's a creative and delicious way to enjoy Old Tom Gin.

Cocktail #3 - A Simple G&T

Sometimes, simplicity is key. The classic Gin & Tonic is a timeless cocktail that highlights the distinctive flavours of Old Tom Gin. With its perfect balance of botanicals and a refreshing tonic, this cocktail is ideal for any occasion. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 50ml Old Tom Gin
• Premium Tonic Water
• Ice

Method:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour 50ml of Old Tom Gin over the ice.
3. Top up with premium tonic water to your taste.
4. Gently stir to combine.

Garnish:

• Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, a raspberry, and a blueberry.

Why we love this Old Tom Gin Classic:

We love the simple G&T because it lets the rich, slightly sweet flavours of Old Tom Gin shine through. The combination of gin and tonic creates a refreshing and invigorating drink that's perfect for any time of day. It's a classic for a reason, offering a perfect balance of complexity and refreshment.