![Tonic drinks](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/zVwQ_0ED8FHq0twl-RsjVd3BQ3A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tonic-drinks-cocktails-FT-BLOG0621-2-825d9be4d5b943e696aaad60d24b4de8.jpg)
There are many reasons why the gin and tonic is a summer staple. First, it's as refreshing as a cocktail can get. Thanks to the complex botanicals of gin and layered flavors of tonic, it's quite sophisticated for a two-ingredient drink. Also, it's easy. No fussing with a shaker or juicer or mixing glass. Grab some ice, stir, and go.
So you've probably made a G&T at some point. You might have even tried a Spanish-style G&T, served in an enormous "balloon" glass with tons of garnishes. But we're not just dressing up the standard. Since you might be looking to step out into the sun with a drink in hand as soon as possible, we kept this one simple.
Ingredients
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1 lime
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1 cucumber
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1 1/2 ounces gin
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3 ounces tonic
Directions
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Cut 2 (2-inch) lime peels, place in a rocks glass skin-side up, and press firmly with a muddler to release their citrus oils. Cut 2 slices of cucumber, about 1/4-inch thick, and cut those into quarters; add to the glass and muddle firmly. Add the gin and stir; then fill with tonic and stir again. Garnish with more thin cucumber slices and maybe a lime wedge.