Adulting 101: Your Guide To A Proper Gin And Tonic (with A Twist!)

When life gives you lemons, make gin and tonic. The gin and tonic is a true classic, and is an important rite of passage for anyone who's claimed to master adulting. The recipe is simple enough to master, but is only really meant to be a starting point. The best thing about gin and tonic is it's a perfect base to take your cocktail game to the next level.

Still not sure how to get started? Sssshhhh... we won't tell.

* Chill a large balloon glass

* Fill the glass with large, clear ice cubes to the top

* Add 1 part gin

* Add 3 parts tonic water

* Grab a fresh, unblemished lemon and express the peel on top of the glass and around the rim.

* Place the same lemon peel in your drink.

And voilà -- you’re all set. We would recommend the luxurious Citadelle Gin, now available in Australia, mixed with PS40 Bush Tonic. You'll thank us later!

Citadelle / Via citadellegin.com

Now our foolproof Gin and Tonic recipe's a winner on its own, but if you wanted to take things further, here are some customisations to consider:

Gin and Tonic (and Spice)

Carrefour Market / Via market.carrefour.eu

* Citadelle Gin

* PS40 Bush Tonic

* Lime or lemon skin

* Grated nutmeg, star anise, or cinnamon stick

Those who love the botanicals in gin will enjoy the extra kick and aromatics that fresh spices add to the drink. Make sure to skip the straw and drink straight from the glass to immerse yourself in all the fragrances.

Basil Gin and Tonic

Blue Kitchen / Via blue-kitchen.com

* Citadelle Gin

* PS40 Bush Tonic

* Basil (purple basil is best but any will do)

* Orange wedge

Basil and gin go exceptionally well together! Bruise a little basil in your Citadelle, add ice and top up with tonic water. Garnish with a wedge of orange and more basil.

Smokey Gin and Tonic

Bourbon and Honey / Via bourbonandhoney.com

* Citadelle Gin

* PS40 Bush Tonic

* A super-smokey whiskey of your choice

* Apricot liqueur

* Pink grapefruit

Many have fallen in love with the classic mix of smooth, luxurious gin with super smokey whiskey. Add a dash of apricot liqueur and top with tonic, garnish with a chunky pink grapefruit zest.

Strawberry Black Pepper Gin and Tonic

Yuppie Chef / Via yuppiechef.com

Citadelle Gin

PS40 Bush Tonic

4 Large Strawberries

Black Peppercorns and a grinder

Pour 1 part gin and add three sliced strawberries. Fill your glass with ice, and add a twist of black pepper. Pour in the tonic water, stir, and add the remaining strawberry for garnish.

Cucumber Rosemary Gin and Tonic

Bramble and Thorn / Via brambleandthorn.com

* Citadelle Gin

* PS40 Bush Tonic

* 1 cucumber

* 1 lime

* 3 sprigs rosemary

Peel half the cucumber, and slice your lime into eight wedges. In a highball glass, add three slices of peeled cucumber, 1 sprig rosemary, juice from a lime wedge and 1 ounce gin. Muddle with the back of a spoon. Strain through a mesh strainer into a second highball glass. Add several cubes of ice, and three slices of unpeeled cucumber. Top with more gin and tonic, and serve garnished with rosemary sprigs. Adding cucumber to gin and tonic is a classic, but rosemary elevates the gin's herbal flavors.

There are so many gin and tonic combinations out there, but these 5 will be a good start. Gear up for the winner with a classic drink that'll always remind you of warmer summer days. Bottoms up!