Have you seen Tom Collins? "If you haven't, perhaps you had better do so, and quick as you can, for he is talking about you in a very rough manner - calling you hard names, and altogether saying things about you that are rather calculated to induce people to believe there is nothing you wouldn't steal short of a red-hot stove." (Gettysburg Compiler, 1874) In the late 1800s, people around New York and Pennsylvania would use this phrase to initiate conversation, and apparently also for personal entertainment. It became such a successful practical joke that it became known as The Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874. Helping to fuel this hoax were false sightings and such being printed by various journalists and newspapers. It gained such notoriety that it influenced a number of music hall songs, one of which was titled "Tom Collins: Or, I've been led astray," by W.D. Fountain.

The first Tom Collins recipe appeared in the 1876 edition of "The Bartender's Guide" by Jerry Thomas. Being from New York, Thomas most likely would have known of the hoax, and that the book, published in 1876, which would have been developed close to or during the hoax, suggests that it was the origin of the cocktail's name. Jerry Thomas' original recipe is as follows: In a large bar glass, add 6 dashes of gum syrup and the juice of one lemon. Add 4 ounces of gin and two or three "lumps" of ice. Shake well and strain into a glass, filling remainder of glass with soda water.

Here at The Fish House, we have our own versions of the Tom Collins drink. Of course, you have the traditional Tom Collins: Bombay Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda. Then there's the unique "Hendrick's Collins": Hendrick's cucumber-infused gin, blue curacao, sour mix and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Then there also is the very popular, and very refreshing, "Limoncello Collins": For this cocktail, use 1/2 ounce of Pallini Limoncello, 3/4 ounce of Bombay Gin, 2 ounces of fresh lemon juice, 2 ounces of ice-cold sparkling water and garnish with lemons and a mint sprig. All of these great-tasting drinks - or for that matter, all drinks here at The Fish House - can be enjoyed twice as much during our new happy hour, "The Big Mix from 4 to 6." You can "buy one, get one free" seven days a week, from 4 to 6 p.m., at all three bars!

The Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St., Pensacola. 470-0003, or visit www.goodgrits.com.