Gin Tonic

Simple on paper, endlessly personal in practice: the right gin, the right tonic, and the right garnish can turn the same two ingredients into a completely different drink. It began as a way for British colonials to make quinine bearable — it has long since outgrown its medicinal excuse.

1. Fill a large balloon glass generously with ice.
2. Pour in the gin.
3. Top slowly with the tonic water, to preserve the bubbles.
4. Stir once, gently.
5. Garnish with a wedge of lime or a sprig of rosemary.