The Gin & Tonic

Note: this recipe was part of a book I wrote called Eat Like A Maisel.

Ah, the G and T. The quintessential summer sipper.

I highly recommend using good-quality gin and tonic. For gin, I love the citrus, spice, and Italian juniper The Walter Collective uses. Malfy also makes a fun gin. But use whatever you’ve got. As I always say, the best gin is whichever gin’s in your hand. For tonic, Fever Tree makes an excellent option. It’s more expensive than the large plastic bottles of tonic, but remember: better, not more.

1 lemon, sliced into 1⁄4-inch-thick wheels
21⁄4 ounces (70 mL) good gin
4 ounces (120 mL) good-quality tonic

Heat a small skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the lemon wheels in the pan and brown. Flip once to brown the other side. Set aside.

Fill a double old-fashioned glass with ice. Add gin. Pour in tonic. Give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and the reserved lemon wheel.

For bonus points, after you add the gin, put a barspoon into the glass and pour the tonic down the spoon. It’s a fun party trick, and you can taste the extra playfulness.