Get selected value of a dropdown's item using jQuery

Question

How can I get the selected value of a dropdown box using jQuery?
I tried using

var value = $(\'#dropDownId\').val();

and

Answer 1

This will alert the selected value. JQuery Code...

$(document).ready(function () {

        $("#myDropDown").change(function (event) {
            alert("You have Selected  :: "+$(this).val());
        });
    });

HTML Code...

        Milk
        Egg
        Bread
        Fruits