Gin and Tonic - Cocktail mixes by Trevor Hopkins

Sounds simple, doesn't it? Just Gin, and tonic water. What could possibly go wrong?

The devil, of course, is in the details. Here's my preferred details...

Use a short, chunky tumbler - a lo-ball glass - with a heavy base. Put in four or five ice cubes and let them chill the glass for a moment. Then, add a double measure of London Gin - I like Gordon's.

You should always add spirits to ice, and not the other way around, since this cools the spirits much more quickly. Add half a slice of lemon - no more, otherwise the taste of the gin will be obscured.

How much tonic water to add is very much a question of taste. But use a good-quality tonic - the cheap stuff from the supermarket should stay there. Personally, I like a long drink, so I usually fill the glass to near the brim.

Sip, and savour...