Gin and Tonic, Nerdy Girl Style

Summer's coming.... 

Why not build your own soda maker?
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/how-tuesday-build-your-own-seltzer-maker/



Nerdy science tip:  Use refrigerated water.  Cold water absorbs more CO2.  
From Howcast.com a recipe for tonic syrup.  I haven't tried this, but it looks good.  Add gin and a beautiful view and sunshine and you are set for summer.

Tonic Syrup

You Will Need

• 4 c. water
• 3 tbsp. cinchona
• 6 tbsp. citric acid
• 3 limes
• 3 stalks of chopped lemongrass
• 3 c. sugar
• A bottle or container
• Soda water
• Large saucepan
• Mixing spoon
• Strainer
• Coffee filter
• Allspice berries (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Coriander (optional)
• Orange peel (optional)
• Bitters (optional)
• Lemons or limes (optional)

1. Step 1

   Combine ingredients

   Put all of the ingredients except the sugar in the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Step 2

   Simmer

   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Tip
   Spice to your taste with allspice berries, salt, coriander, orange peel, bitters, and lemons or limes.
4. Step 3

   Strain

   Remove the mixture from the heat and strain out all the solids with a fine strainer.
5. Step 4

   Repeat straining

   Strain the mixture again, this time through a coffee filter.
6. Step 5

   Add sugar

   Put the strained mixture back into the pan, bring it to a simmer, and add the sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
7. Step 6

   Refrigerate

   Pour the syrup into a bottle or container that can be tightly sealed and refrigerate.
8. Step 7

   Add syrup and serve

   Add syrup to soda water to taste. Serve over ice, or use in cocktails.
9. Fact
   Cinchona bark contains quinine, which for centuries was the most common anti-malarial remedy in the world.