Actually, except for Bloody Marys, London Sours and Planters Punches on a warm day, we don't do a lot of mixed drinks. However, there is one other exception:

Keep, at all times, a pint of good gin in the freezer. When the mood strikes, in a martini glass, combine 4-5 parts of the aforementioned gin with 1 part excellent vermouth. Add 1-5 large green olives and sip. Always bear in mind that a mertini is like a woman's breasts -- one is not enough, three is too many -- Tom