addendum: Tried a different approach to the gin and tonic. The neck tag on Hendrick's gin recommends using cucumber instead of lime. The cucumber is supposed to bring out the essence of cucumber used in the distillation of Hendrick's. Lo and behold an English cucumber was in the fridge. My wife had picked it up for her . . . uh hum . . . salads. Anyhow, I added 3 thin slices to the glass in a layered fashion - one on the bottom, then some ice, another cucumber slice, more ice, another cucumber slice then a little more ice on top, added the gin and Fentiman's Tonic Water and stirred. I have to say, the cucumber adds a surprising cooling effect and it tastes good too. Highly recommended, especially if you're not in the mood for the extra bitterness lime adds to the tonic.

August drink of the month is coming soon. I plan to finish my experimentations on the August drink this weekend.

CHEERS!