Old Tom gin
- Spirits
- Alcoholic
Old Tom is a lightly sweetened style of gin that sits between Dutch genever and London dry. It was hugely popular in 18th- and 19th-century England, when liquorice and later sugar were used to soften still-rough base spirits. On the palate it is rounder and less dry than London dry, with juniper to the fore but less sharp. In classic cocktails such as the Martinez, Tom Collins and Tuxedo it adds softness and body.
Strength: usually 41% ABV (legal minimum 37.5%).
Used in 2 cocktails.
Cocktails where it is essential (2)
If you don't have it
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Gin works
The drink comes out drier and less soft; a Tuxedo with dry gin is a historical variant but not the original recipe.
Sources (9)
- Old tom gin (Difford's Guide) (opens in a new tab)
- The Cat's Meow: how Old Tom gin reclaimed its place (Imbibe) (opens in a new tab)
- Hayman's Old Tom gin (Difford's Guide) (opens in a new tab)
- Complete guide to Old Tom gin (Cocktail Society) (opens in a new tab)
- Tuxedo cocktail (original) (Difford's Guide) (opens in a new tab)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787, Annex I (as adopted text, legislation.gov.uk): gin, 37.5% vol (opens in a new tab)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787 — Annex I spirit-drink categories (opens in a new tab)
- Old Tom Gin – Difford’s Guide (opens in a new tab)
- Langley’s Old Tom Gin – Difford’s Guide (opens in a new tab)