If ingredients are pre-chilled, there's no need for ice. Otherwise, add ice as desired. You can't get a better gin than Beefeater for anywhere near the price. A cheaper gin than Beefeater is poor economy in my opinion. A little of Rose's (delicious) Sweetened Lime Juice goes a long way for flavor, and what I like the most about it is that it does not contain the preservatives found in bottled sour or Margarita mixes.