This was not one of my preferred cocktails, but after a recent dinner party where g and t’s were served to one and all, I was converted.

Everyone claims to know how to make a gin and tonic. I thought I did. But apparently, I missed a trick that was revealed by my host that night, who made a perfect drink. Here’s how.

Ready

• Gin
• Tonic water (not diet)
• Ice
• Lime
• Lemon (optional)

Set

• Glass (preferably tall)
• Knife

Go

1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. If you have the time, put the glass into the freezer so it gets really cold.
3. Cut a wedge of lime and rub it around the rim of the glass.
4. Then squeeze the juice over the ice and throw a fresh sliver into the glass.
5. Pour the gin slowly and lovingly over the ice until the glass is half full.
6. Fill the glass with tonic (or not, if you prefer slightly more gin to tonic).
7. You can also add a sliver of lemon for additional zest and color.

What you should know

There is a big difference in quality between gins. Try and avoid the cheap stuff. My personal favorite is Plymouth gin which is from the south of England and distilled using ancient techniques. It’s worth hunting down.