BEST GIN AND TONIC

In Spain, gin and tonics are all the rage, so naturally uber-authentic Vera has brought them to our shores. It’s varied the latest recipes based on the botanicals and flavors in each craft gin; for example, Small’s gin has raspberry notes, so the G&T includes raspberry syrup and a bit of lime juice. Ransom’s Old Tom gin has orange peel, so the G&T has orange reduction and an orange peel garnish. The last, a Tub gin G&T with ginger, lemon and cucumber, is “dangerous,” according to owner Liz Mendez. “It’s like a gin lemonade.” $9-$13, 1023 W. Lake; Verachicago.com — A.T.