Pour a Great Drink Every Time

VODKA TONIC

1 1/2 ounces vodka
5 to 7 ounces tonic

Tips
Make garnishes extra aromatic: Rub them a few times to release their oils before putting them in your drink.

Use kitchen substitutes in place of fancy bar tools: A lacquered chopstick works as a stirrer.

GIN MARTINI

2 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounces vermouth

Tips
Add garnishes before mixing or shaking: It'll add more flavor

When shaking a drink, use small cubes or crushed ice. It'll chill your drink faster.

To pre-chill mixed drinks, dilute them with 20 percent water (and no ice) before refrigerating. This will make up for the ice that would have melted when you shook them.

SCOTCH + WATER

2/3 full of scotch and ice
Splash of water

Tips
Use bulky ice cubes: They melt slower than crushed ice.

Rocks drinks served with water should get just a splash. Run the poured drink under running water for a second.

CHAMPAGNE + CHAMBORD

3/4 glass champagne
splash chambord