While Opening Day is my favorite indicator of spring, the weather doesn’t always cooperate on that day (mostly did this year) or after it (defintely the case on last Wednesday day). The good news is spring is really here. So, in addition to more baseball, outdoor activities, ladies in sundresses and other good things, refreshing beverages are in season.

Though it is early spring, you’ll forgive me if I jump ahead and invoke the “Property of Ones” (ONEitude is directly proportional to the Colditude of the ONE) or specifically, the addendum to that bogus mathematical theorem, that “on certain evenings in late spring, a Cool One can be very refreshing.”

That evening would be Sunday evening.

Moving forward to Monday, that most-dreaded of days is redeemed by the warm forecast and most importantly Monday evening. For the first time in 2013, the weather will should be perfect for the simple yet elegant cocktail, the GIN & TONIC.

As long time readers, friends and family know, I do enjoy a gin & tonic on a warm evening. After many years of research, I believe I have perfected the gin & tonic. You may be saying, “oh, WFY, gin & tonics are gross” but don’t worry, I won’t jump on you for it. I say to myself, “don’t hate, educate” to the gin & tonic skeptics out there. Long-story short dump out all the ice in your freezer as soon as possible, put a bottle of gin in the freezer (I go with Beefeater), put some Schweppes tonic water in the fridge and get some fresh lime. By Monday evening, you’ll have plenty of fresh ice, ice cold-syrupy gin, and cold tonic. Since you’ll be outside, you’ll probably want to skip the glass and use plastic. If you are going the disposable route, I recommend Solo brand cups. Anyhow here is how you make the drink:

Cut fresh lime into quarters (limes cost no more than 70¢ so don’t be skimpy)
Squeeze lime juice into the bottom of the cup
Rub the rim of the cup with lime
Place lime in the bottom of but, rind down
Remove gin from freezer and pour directly into lime at the bottom of the cup. Gin should reach the top of the lime.
Add ice, I use 6 cubes from a icemaker or 4 from an ice tray
Pour entire contents of Schweppes tonic water over ice
Stir the drink
Enjoy

See, really easy to have a really refreshing drink which you should enjoy responsibly. You’ll probably be on the patio, sundeck or balcony when you do so you’ll be so relaxed you wouldn’t even think of driving a car of operating heavy machinery. When you’ve had enough, switch to ginger ale and lime for further refreshment without the side effects.