How To Make A Gin And Tonic

Learning to make a gin and tonic is pretty easy but learning how to make it well might take some skill. The first skill  you'll acquire in mixing up that deliciously refreshing gin and tonic is to learn to buy good gin and a nice glass. So, come along and read up - you're on your way to learning another bartending skill as you take your turn mixing up a gin and tonic.

To make a gin and tonic cocktail, you will need:

• 3 ounces of good quality gin. Buy the best gin your wallet can afford - check out Bombay Sapphire, Tanguery Ten or Beefeater's for top shelve brands. You can use cheap gin but it won't give you the crisp clear flavor that a better gin will in your gin and tonic.
• 6 ounces of tonic water. Just like gin, there are different grades of tonic water. Look for Schwepps on your liquor store's or grocer's aisle.
• Fresh ice
• A highball glass. You can use any tall glass but a highball glass will give you the prettiest presentation.
• A wedge of lime.

1. Fill the highball glass almost to the top with fresh ice. Use larger ice cubes for slower melting and dilution of your cocktail.
2. Pour the gin and tonic water into the highball glass. Stir well to mix.
3. Add the lime to the top of the highball glass as garnish. If you like more lime flavor, squeeze another wedge of lime into the gin and tonic and swirl to mix. Drink up.

Beware: Gin and tonics go down pretty quickly so you may not realize how much you've imbibed. Be careful when you stand up!