Gin Up New and exciting ways to enjoy this spirit, according to a cocktail expert

Gin is more than just the classic gin and tonic, although a good G&T is never a bad thing come the weekend.

The calming mind is one of the lowest calorie drinks You can enjoy as a simple G&T (2 ounces gin, 4 ounces diet tonic) can contain just 128 calories.

But if you're looking for other gin alternatives during the summer months, Gin says there's plenty to choose from Rob Aspaas, director of cocktails at Tommy Bahama Restaurants, who says gin, created centuries ago as an herbal medicine, is making a resurgence in bars and restaurants, in part because of the variety of flavors brands are now infusing into it.

“ Brands like Hendricks added lots of healthier flavors like cucumber. It's pretty good and low in calories," says Aspaas. "Now let's talk about healthy ingredients."

Not sure how to step up your gin game? Aspaas gives some tips on how to best use gin. He also added a couple Tommy Bahama Approved Restaurants Top drinks to try at home or around town.

“In terms of mixology, we’re in a time where it’s really fun to play around with gin,” says Aspaas. "How far has it come? People automatically think of gin and tonic, but gin is low in calories and with its bitter notes it could even make a great drink on its own."

To get started on a gin binge, Aspaas offers some tips on the best ways to enjoy a good gin cocktail. He's also added a few top drinks that you can try at home or on the go around town.

GET THE GOOD GIN

To put it bluntly, one of the big mistakes people make when making a good gin and tonic is using bad ingredients. The ratio for making a gin and tonic is pretty simple – one part gin and one part tonic. But there are bad gins that you will find in bars. So when you go out, go for the good stuff. Ask the bartender what good gins he has and what he would recommend. The same applies if you plan on enjoying it at home. It is always advisable to spend a few euros more for a high quality gin. You won't regret it.

Another tip if you're out and about: If you see a bartender pouring tonic from a bar gun, stay away, it won't taste good. Instead, ask for a good bottled tonic, even for at home. Me, Q mixer and Fever tree are the two front runners for best tonics. They have their flagship flavors and also come in different flavors. So using these at home along with a good gin will get you started.

MIX ANY FRUIT OR FLAVOR WITH GIN

You really find what you like in your gin, either through good research or simply by trying it out. If you're at home, you might find a use for orange peel, like in a Negroni. I'm actually going to hold a torch up to the orange to bring out those burnt citrus notes. For a gin and tonic I was addicted to flavors like raspberries, pink peppercorns, juniper berries.

But as a rule of thumb, you should use lime in drinks that are a little smoother but have a lemony application - you'll see it a lot more like rum drinks and tiki drinks.

Lemon is a little brighter, a little sharper, but in a good way. So classically you see a lot more lime like with the gin and tonic, but with a drink like an Ambrosia Fizz (see below) I want to brighten it up to go with the bitter notes of the Aperol and elderflower and the lemon with the Prosecco really brightens it up. So have fun with it. There really are no wrong answers.

GO “LIGHT” WHEN PAIRING IT WITH FOOD

The good news about gin is that it's very light, so it's more suitable for the lighter fare. A little bit of gin, perhaps with a good vermouth and soda, gives off that botanical, herbal, cucumber-like flavor that makes it great with a salad. Also tastes great with fried fish. Another great combination is sushi. We're seeing more and more sake and gin applications in cocktails at sushi places, which I think is wonderful. Good sake is great, but bringing a good gin to this party really makes it nice.

BE ADVENTUROUS

I guess I think the cocktail world is finally catching up with the food world. Ten years ago you could learn how to cook a great steak or sea bass on YouTube. Now you can check social media for the latest gin cocktail recipes. So for gin drinkers out there, or even people who are skeptical that gin tasted like pinecones 20 years ago, dive in and have fun with it. Go to some cool bars and just ask them what kind of gin stuff you like. The gin cocktail menu is expanding because it's having a hot moment. Go to the right bar or restaurant or even Instagram page, you'll get some fun riffs on gin.

FIX YOURSELF BEFORE YOU DESTROY YOURSELF

For me it is the Rule of One that still works best. Drink something, then a glass of water. Get another drink, then another glass of water. There are all sorts of things to do when the damage is already done, like Tylenol and other remedies out there, but if you stay hydrated while drinking - and drink in moderation, you'll be fine.

Summer Gin Cocktail Recipes(courtesy of Tommy Bahama Restaurants)

Tommy G&T: Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

• 1 dünnes Gurkenrad
• 1 frische Himbeere
• 1 Zitronenschale
• 5 Wacholderbeeren oder rosa Pfefferkörner 2 oz. Tommy Bahama Island Gin
• 5–7 oz. Tonic-Wasser
• Prise Grapefruitbitter
• Essbare Blume, zum Garnieren (optional)

Preparation:Place lemon peel, cucumber, raspberries and juniper berries in a wine glass. Fill the glass with ice. Add the gin, then the tonic water and pour both down the inside of the glass. Add the bitters and stir gently once or twice. Garnish with the flowers.

Ambrosia Fizz: Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Hendricks Orbium
• 1/2 Unze. Einfacher Syrup
• 1/2 Unze. Zitronensaft
• 1/2 Unze. St. Germain
• 1/2 Unze. Aperol
• 3 Unzen. Prosecco

Preparation: Add all ingredients except Prosecco and Aperol to a mixing glass. Shake with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Top with Prosecco, then pour Aperol into the middle of the glass