The classic gin and tonic

The beloved gin and tonic came about as a medicinal tonic in the 1700s. Pure quinine, drunk to fend off the malaria-ridden mozquitos in tropical climates, tasted bitter, hence the lime, gin and sugar water accompaniments. Most G&Ts nowadays are served with lemon and, with a Sodastream at the ready, this delicately flavoured delight can be thrown together in no time and enjoyed on fine days and long balmy evenings.

Ingredients (for 1 drink):

50ml gin
Cucumber (use as desired)
2 freshly cut lemon wedges (or 5-10ml lemon juice)
Tonic water (we used the Sodastream and tonic syrup)
Mint (for garnishing only)
Ice

1. Fill your glass with ice cubes.
2. Add 50ml of gin to your glass. G&Ts are known as highball cocktails and are traditionally enjoyed in a straight-sided glass, short or tall – whatever your preference.
3. Cut some lemon wedges for flavour and garnishing. Squeeze in 2 lemon wedges (about 5-10ml of lemon juice) into the glass.
4. Then slice your cucumber into thick, long sticks. Also cut some thin squares for decor. Set aside.

4. Add tonic water or make your own tonic water using the Sodastream.
5. Place the Sodastream bottle, filled with cold water into the Sodastream machine and fizz until you achieve the required amount of carbonation.

6. Release the soda water bottle from the machine and add the indicated amount of tonic water to the soda water. Stir gently.
7. Add the tonic water to your glass.
8. Finally add the cucumber sticks and pieces to your drink. Stir with the cucumber.

Strictly to be enjoyed in jovial company, preferably with heaps of sunshine.

Head this way for more sensational sipping.

• Peach and ginger bourbon iced tea
• Classic mojito
• Paloma
• Summer Pimm’s cooler