Perfect Gin and Tonic

nzmike001

No, no ,no no!!! Do ***NOT*** chill the gin - it totally kills the fragrance and flavour of the botanicals!  Only Vodka and pure, unflavoured forms of spirits should ever be chilled as they have no flavourings or fragrances.   <div><br /></div><div>Here's how you do it so you can taste the gin properly without killing the flavours:</div><div><br /></div><div>- Add the ice to the glass</div><div>- Add the tonic leaving enough room for the gin<br /></div><div>- Squeeze in as much lime or lemon as you like (I like two quarters of a small lime but it's up to you)  Again, chilling the lime juice kills the flavour so don't bother with this last <br /></div><div><div>- Add the gin </div></div><div>- Stir gently but do not shake</div><div>- Forget the club soda unless you prefer it (again, up to you but in my opinion you do need the slight astrigency of the tonic for a good G&amp;T )</div><div>- For an optional exotic far-east  touch add a little finely chopped  lemongrass and a couple of fresh lime leaves torn in a couple of places before adding the gin.</div><div><br /></div><div>My way might not sound much different but I used to work in a top end cocktail bar in London and they won multiple awards for their G&amp;T's  made the above way.  Only the tonic or soda should be chilled and *always* add the gin last so the ice doesn't scald it and kill the flavours.</div><div>Adding the gin last and stirring gently will also mix the gin through the drink much better.</div><div>This is about the only mixer/cocktail I drink and believe me this is the way to make it - though it is vital to use a decent gin.</div>