h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A properly made dry martini is the best stressbuster I know. (Apart from living healthily, obviously.) No, come Friday night, my ritual having reached home is to step directly to the drinks tray, take a large cocktail glass, and mix therein 75ml of good gin (Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire or Old Raj are the current favourites) with 25ml of the driest dry vermouth I can find. A green olive will be transfixed on a small wooden stake (you can have a twist of lemon if you're not feeling peckish) and placed carefully in the glass. Taking the charged glass and a cigarette, I will then retire to my shed and shed the cares of the working week, as well as several hundred thousand neurones.

This one drink puts me over the limit - but who wants to drive on a Friday night? It sets one up for the rest of the evening. It does cause a mild ringing in the ears and somewhat blurred vision, but nothing to worry about.

It is, however, a very grown-up drink. I would have hated it at 18, when my favourite spirit-based drink was Bacardi & Coke. We conclude, therefore, that there are some good things about getting older.