Gin and tonic may be one of the most classic cocktails around, but soda water presents its own compelling case as the perfect ...

Strain the gin through a fine mesh sieve into a jug and decant into clean bottles. Serve over ice in tall glasses and topped up with either soda or tonic water and a slice of lime or blood orange.

Put the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into a chilled cocktail shaker (or a large jam jar) with plenty of ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a long glass, then top up with soda water.