G&t For Our Neighbor / Make It A Martini Recipe

Chill the highball glass if possible by placing it in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill briefly with ice water and discard before building.

Fill the chilled highball glass with 4–6 large ice cubes, leaving room at the top for liquid and a gentle stir.

Measure 2 oz of London dry gin with a jigger and pour it over the ice.

Slowly pour 4 oz of chilled tonic water down the side of the glass or over the back of a bar spoon to preserve carbonation.

Give the drink one gentle stir with a bar spoon—3–4 slow rotations—to combine without flattening the tonic.

Rub the lime wedge around the glass rim, then drop the wedge into the drink. Optionally express a lime twist over the drink and rest it on the surface as a fragrant garnish.

Serve immediately while tonic is fizzy.

Chill a martini or coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while you prep the cocktail.

If you prefer a slightly drier martini, rinse the chilled mixing glass with 0.25 oz dry vermouth, swirl to coat, then discard the excess. Otherwise add the full 0.5 oz vermouth to the mixing glass.

Fill the mixing glass or shaker with about 6 large ice cubes.

Measure 2.5 oz gin (or vodka) and add it to the mixing glass with the vermouth.

Stir (for a classic, silky martini): use a bar spoon and stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds until well chilled (about 15–20 rotations). For a slightly more aerated, colder martini, shake vigorously in a shaker for 10–12 seconds and then strain.

Discard ice/water from the chilled serving glass and strain the martini into the glass using a Hawthorne or julep strainer (or the shaker’s built-in strainer).

Express a lemon peel over the surface by holding the peel with the outer skin facing down about 6 inches above the glass and giving it a quick squeeze to release oils; wipe the rim with the peel and drop it in, or garnish with an olive on a pick.

Serve immediately.

Ice & Temperature

Use large ice cubes for the G&T to slow dilution. For the martini, plenty of ice in the mixing glass chills quickly and dilutes to taste — longer stirring = slightly more dilution and silkier texture.

Gin Selection

A London dry gin gives classic juniper-forward character for both drinks. Use a lighter, floral gin for a brighter G&T or a more assertive gin for a bolder martini. Substitute vodka in the martini if preferred.