This drink is a happy hour staple in Marilyn’s family.  I was first introduced to the gin and tonic after Marilyn and I started dating and I have to admit to not being impressed at first.  However I soon discovered how refreshing this drink is during the dog days of summer not to mention keeping malaria at bay (tonic water contains quinine for flavor).  The ration of gin to tonic is a hotly debated topic.  Some people say you should only use a splash of gin and fill the glass with tonic water.  Others will say add 1 part gin to 4 parts tonic water.  Of course all of these people are pussies.  The proper ratio of tonic water to gin is 2 to 1 and is the only proper ratio if you are trying to get your wife tipsy so you can take advantage of her.  Unlike most other drinks the gin and tonic is very forgiving of the quality of ingredients so don’t trick yourself into thinking you have to buy the best booze for this drink.  In my experience the more expensive gin only makes for a marginally better drink and is generally not worth the extra cost.  However, when serving these to guests at a party I will usually splurge on the name brand just so I don’t look like a cheapskate (which I am btw).  In this case you can also do what my father-in-law does and refill the Bombay Sapphire bottle from the gallon bottle of cheap gin purchased from Costco.

Gin and Tonic

1 part gin
2 parts tonic water
1 teaspoon lime juice (squeezed fresh or from a bottle)
1 slice fresh lime

Fill a highball glass with cubed ice and add all ingredients except the slice of lime. Stir and float lime slice on top or hang on glass for garnish.

My wife and I both LOVE sangria but it’s a well known fact that we’re two of the cheapest people on the face of the planet.  We threw this recipe together last month while we were visiting my parents in Elko and it turned out so good I decided to share.  Don’t spend too much on the wine since it’s getting mixed with some other ingredients.  Sangria was originally used as a way to drink up the bad wine while getting the benefit of the alcohol (a philosophy I fully support btw) so anything you use will be more than suitable. We usually just get the cheapest Cabernet Sauvingon or Merlot (like 2-3 bucks a bottle) we can find at Walmart:

1 bottle (750mL) red wine - preferably Cabernet Sauvingon or Merlot
1 bottle (2L) store brand white grape and peach juice (Walmart and Smiths both have this for sure)
1 bottle (2L) lemon lime soda (store brand works or 7-Up, Sprite, etc.)

In a 2 quart pitcher pour in half of the bottle of wine and half of the bottle of juice. Top off with the soda and mix. Pour over ice in a tall glass.

Very simple but I challenge you to find a more refreshing drink during the dog days of summer (okay except maybe a gin and tonic)