The first mention of it was not called Tom Collins, but "John Collins." which is cited in an 1865 article and given a recipe in an 1869 cocktail book. One theory that still gets credence sometimes ...

A quick and easy guide to a great Tom collins, a super easy and refreshing gin-based cocktail. The original calls for old Tom gin, but London dry works just as well. For the sugar syrup ...

The original calls for old Tom gin, but London dry works just as ... Strain the mixture into a collins glass over fresh ice using a hawthorne cocktail strainer and a fine mesh strainer.