How to Make The Perfect Gin and Tonic

I have a claim to fame! I am an expert in the perfection of pouring a gin and tonic to rival all others.

How do I know this? The simple logic behind such a statement is I have been pouring this particular bevy since a very tender age. Not for me, for my parents (no they are not alcoholics, the simply drink like Irish people. Why? because they are Irish people).

The fact is, once I pour a gin and tonic the receiver of my alcoholic delight is lost for words, well other than asking for another one.

I am always elected the chief gin and tonic maker and am persistently told no one makes a G&T quite like me!

I am the proud owner of a gin and tonic only fridge. I have the selected gin and tonic glasses, ice bucket, tongs and measure. In fact I have the T-shirt, no really I have. It bears the logo 'I make the best G&T'.

I know! you are now wondering; how do you make this delightful gin and tonic tipple?

A little TLC of course.

• T for Tonic
• L for Lime
• C for Cubes of ice

I am pretty sure you're getting the idea that I make a really good gin and tonic. But, hey. Don't take my word for it. Try out my recipe and my method and let the result speak for itself.

You will need the following...

The Perfect Gin and Tonic Recipe

Ingredients:

• Gordon's gin or a good quality gin, straight from the fridge
• cold tonic water, it has to be Schweppes and has to be fresh (cans are best)
• ice cubes (frozen to within an inch of their life, not just made an hour ago)
• fresh juicy lime slices or wedges
• a clean slim jim (tall slim glass, like the picture)
• a 50 ml measure

Firstly:

Please, please make sure your measure is void of all other liquids. I recently had the misfortune to find my G&T tainted by olive oil. Said guest now knows where the teaspoons are and is eternally banned from ever making me a G&T again.

Method:

• Rub your lime wedge lightly around the rim of your slim jim (always make sure your glasses are pristine clean).
• Squeeze a little juice from the lime wedge into your glass before dropping the wedge in.
• Add 4 large ice cubes.
• Pour in 50 ml of cold Gordon's gin and top with cold Schweppes tonic.
• Take a moment to savor the image of your perfect G&T.

Bartender's Tip:

If your limes are a little on the dry side put them in the microwave for a few seconds. This will soften the skin and release more juice.

In the Summer months put your slim jim glasses in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before you need them. A cold glass will prevent your ice cubes from melting too quickly hence prevent your gin from becoming watery.

Other Gins:

Once you have mastered the perfect Gordon's gin and tonic you might like to graduate and stretch your imagination. Try Bombay Sapphire gin instead of Gordon's gin. Albeit it is more expensive. I pay about 18€ here. However for those of you that like a smoother alcohol, Bombay Sapphire is indeed a smooth liquid and is a good gin for your tonic. This bevy also needs to be served cold. Follow the guide lines for the G&T replacing Gordon's gin with the Bombay gin.

Another gin is Hendrick's gin with a mild flavor of cucumber. This bevy is very good served with crushed ice and sliced cucumber. In fact this gin is so smooth, you can enjoy Hendrick's without the tonic. Do remember if you choose to leave the tonic in the fridge your staying power will be a little on the short side, so take it easy. The down side for me with this smooth cucumber is the cost. A bottle of Gordon's gin sets me back about 9€ while Hendrick's is about 30€. That is a pretty expensive bottle of gin. Perhaps for a special occasion the cost is worth it.

There is one other thing I must mention about Hendrick's gin; not every one likes the flavor (it even says so on the bottle, not that people don't like it, but that it's a particular flavor). It seems an acquired taste is necessary. I have found that I have the necessary acquirement, the taste that is.

At least you know what to buy me for my birthday! Yep! A bottle of Hendrick's gin.