Get your ingredients together. Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Add water, garlic, and salt. Close pot and bring to the boil until potatoes are cooked.
Use a fork to check if potatoes are done. They should be breaking up easily. If any, drain excess water and leave just a little, return pot to stove and reduce heat. Add milk and begin mashing the potatoes.
Add the butter, sour cream & chives, and a little bit of milk at a time as you mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Continue mashing until potatoes are velvety smooth and there are no lumps. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly. Enjoy!