Hey hey and happy Friday! We're still holding tight to summer over here, and still mostly doing that by drinking boozy cocktails. Yum. I love boozy cocktails. And this one is extra special because: a) To the extent one can make up a gin-and-juice drink, I made it up; and b) I'm dedicating it to my talented and fearless friend Jay, who turns 35 today. Like Jay, this is concoction is delightfully addictive, despite - or perhaps owing to - its acidity.

It's a tiny bit of effort, but so are all things worth it, and it is so, so worth it. I like not-too-sweet, citrus-y bevs with a hint of sparkle, and this is all of that. Grab a juicer, a friend (named Jay, mayhap?), and a spot on someone's fire escape, because this is the best way to commemorate summer.

Jay's Juicy Gin Spritzy

Makes one cocktail

• Juice each of one orange,  one lime and one lemon, to equal about half a cup of juice
• 1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons simple syrup, to taste
• 2 ounces (1 shot) gin - but use Hendricks. Only Hendricks.
• Club soda or sparkling seltzer water
• Ice
• Mint, for garnish
• Blackberries, for garnish

Juice the lime, lemon and orange and add the simple syrup. If it looks pulpy or you have stray seeds, strain into a jar. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of simple syrup, taste for sweetness, and add more as desired.

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin and half a cup of juice and simple syrup mixture with ice. Shake to combine, then pour into glass. Top with club soda and garnish with mint and, if you're feeling fancy, a blackberry skewer. The gin-soaked blackberries at the end of the cocktail are a special summer treat if you're so inclined.

Because squeezing the juice is a tiny bit labor intensive, I find it makes sense to make a batch of the juice + simple syrup ahead of time, rather than breaking out the hand juicer for every cocktail. You can bring a bottle of prepared juice, gin and club soda to any gatherings you're attending and instantly become the hit of the party. Or keep it all for yourself.

Hope you enjoy! And Jay, cheers!