I've always been a fan of a Gin & Tonic, but recently my preference for this classic has reached a new high. The addition of aromatic garnishes, high end tonic water and crisp cucumbers have taken my liking of this drink to a whole other level. Inspired by a recipe from a local restaurant my cocktail of choice has become more gourmet like, and even more satisfying. During a recent gathering at our home, I set up a G & T fixings area, so that our guests could design their own libations. Take a look below for ingredients and ideas on how to create a DIY cocktail for your next summer party.

Ingredients:

gin of choice (my personal favorite is Hendricks), limes, bay leaves, juniper berries, Persian cucumbers, St. Germain, tonic water and ice.

Set Up:

on a large cutting board or platter, place a small bowl of juniper berries, sliced and/or halved limes (for garnish and juice), bay leaves and cucumber spears. Have an ice bucket readily available and all the bar tools necessary for measuring, juicing and stirring. I used chop sticks as stirrers.

Directions:

add half a glass of ice, pour the desired amount of gin, top with tonic and a slash of St. Germain. Add the juice of half a lime and rub the remainder over the glass rim. Garnish with juniper berries, a bay leaf (fold it in half to release its scent) and a cucumber spear or two.

The beauty of mixing one's own cocktail is that one is in control on how strong or weak to make it. Designated drivers and minors can create their own non-alcoholic drinks with exactly the same ingredients (foregoing the gin,of course). Sip and enjoy!