In my opinion, gin is the way to go if you're on a budget. the difference
between $8/fifth vodka and top shelf is huge. and let's not even talk about
scotch! I find that cheap gin isn't that much worse than expensive gin.
Gibleys and Gordons are quite drinkable, and I'm a big fan of Seagrams, which
is rarely more than ten bucks. If you're too broke (or in my case forgetful)
to keep fresh limes around, they make a lime twisted gin that makes a nice G&T.