Tanqueray is the perfect way to begin a magical night with friends. That is why they are giving you the chance to bring your favourite person from anywhere in the world to South Africa for an unforgettable reunion. To stand a chance to win this amazing prize, simply visit the Tanqueray South Gin Facebook page*. The competition closes on Friday 27 July 2012.

Tanqueray is the perfect way to begin a magical night with friends. That is why they are giving you the chance to bring your favourite person from anywhere in the world to South Africa for an unforgettable reunion. To stand a chance to win this amazing prize, simply visit the Tanqueray South Gin Facebook page*. The competition closes on Friday 27 July 2012.

My favourite cocktail for any occasion is a dry gin martini with an olive or two. And for the best martinis, you need to use first-class gin, like Tanqueray.

This week I rallied some friends for a late afternoon of cocktail indulgence, courtesy of this premium London dry gin. What fun we had experimenting and discovering new mixtures! For those who feel traditional martinis are a bit too strong, we recommend adding a shot of lemonade. Spice up a Tanqueray snapper (the gin equivalent of a Bloody Mary) with an olive in the place of salt and pepper. Pimento-stuffed olives are a great treat with the last sip. There’s a bit of debate going on about whether it’s best to start the celebrations with a snapper, or if it is better as a “hair of the dog” remedy. I’m personally in favour of the latter, but I don’t think it really matters, as long as you have a steady hand and quality ingredients.

And of course no gin party will be complete without good old gin and tonic – favoured by the British in particular to cool down after a hot day in the tropics. It is said that the drink was established when gin was added to improved the taste of tonic water, which was drank for its quinine – an anti-malarial alkaloid. Modern tonic contains less quinine than its original form.

I also discovered some other interesting quick gin facts:

• Gin is a mild diuretic which helps the body get rid of excessive fluid.
• Gin and tonic was American President Gerald Ford’s favourite cocktail.
• Gin derives its main characteristic flavour from juniper berries.
• London dry refers to a style of gin originally made in and around. The term “London Dry Gin” originated to distinguish itself from the sweet variety. Since dry gin was more highly distilled, the sweeteners added to mask impurities were no longer needed.

*Ts & Cs apply