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The 'Perfect' Gin and Tonic

Paul O'Grady
At the end of a long hot day one needs a G&T to restore a positive outlook on life. Of course, one should have the mess steward fetch it for you, but a gentlemen must know how to provide for himself and his guests in a emergency.

Ingredients
  

  • Ice
  • One measure Gin
  • Two measures Tonic from a small bottle or can
  • Lemon or lime

Instructions
 

  • Fill a highball glass with ice. A crystal glass most assuredly improves the taste
  • Add the Gin. This is the element that requires extensive research. My personal favourite is Bombay Sapphire which has an herbaceous and complex flavour but I would encourage you to sample as many types as possible. Just like a good scotch or wine there are many flavour combinations. Gordons is really light and crisp, it isn’t very complex or herbaceous. Tanqueray is quite lemony and a bit sharper and more bitter. Plymouth Gin is full bodies with strong juniper overtones. The amount required traditionally is 30ml but I have found that it sometimes depends on how much positive outlook you require. Once again this also takes some research to get it right.
  • Add the tonic.The correct proportion is one measure of gin and two of tonic. Again, significant research is required.
  • Garnish with a slice of lemon lime to finish it off, I prefer lime with my Bombay gin but if I can’t get it then lemon. I use lemon with Tanqueray or Gordons.
  • Use fresh tonic water from a small bottle or can. Do yourself a favour and don’t get the diet style, after all this is for medicinal purposes
  • Take your refreshment out to the porch and consume till your positive outlook on life has been restored.