Gin and tonics are one of my favorite drinks. I will go without the tonic sometimes, depending on the quality of the gin, and we have a microdistillery here in MI. They make excellent gin that is easily quaffed with a few ice cubes, the bite is more like eating a tangy lime or lemon, but with a complex flavor hinting at flavors that mingle on the palate. With a good gin, the tonic is optional.
BUT, for a refreshing alcoholic drink on a hot day a G/T rates better than a cold beer with me.
http://food.theatlantic.com/mixmaster/six-american-gins-worth-tasting-1.php
Echoes of Pink Floyd 