In bars, pubs, and homes across the world, an argument is raging over which spirit is best, vodka or gin. And while the vodka versus gin battle ultimately comes down to personal taste, many people don’t quite know the intricacies of the differences between these two spirits and the best ways of enjoying these delightful beverages.

VODKA VERSUS GIN: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GIN AND VODKA?

Gin

Gin is a classy drink that’s a great taste experience for folks of all backgrounds. Flavored with aromatic berries, it’s a drink that’s a perfect accompaniment to all manner of situations, from a peaceful afternoon tea to a nightcap at the end of a long summer’s day.

Its delicate taste and surprising complexity will have you keen to try different varieties and sample the many delights of the gin world. It also goes well to give the pine and herbal flavors that many drinkers search for in drinks.

Vodka

Vodka is a hard, versatile drink that, while almost flavorless, packs a serious punch, and boasts a character all of its own. Perfect for a night on the town, the heady kick of a good vodka is sure to get you buzzing and full of energy for a night on the town.

Alternatively, use it as a hard alcohol base with a mixer for a sweet drink, or throw in some extra ingredients and create a delicious cocktail. It gives the feel of a neutral spirit and this distilled product serves you as a great martini.

The Differences Between Vodka and Gin, Explained

Gin and vodka are different spirits. Most likely, one has pine and herbal tastes along with other botanicals, whereas the other is usually regarded as an odorless and tasteless entity. However, these two often substitute in cocktails like Martinis or Vodka & Gin and Tonics.

In most cases gin is considered a flavored liquor, however, several differences can be made between them. Here is an overview of the difference between vodkas/gin.

Manufacturing Process (Fermented Grains and Juniper berries)

Gin and vodka start from the same simple base, with both spirits made by fermenting grain alcohol as the primary ingredient. And both emerge as clear, strong spirits or neutral spirits, perfect for mixing classic cocktails.

While there are a few similarities in the manufacturing, appearance, and viscosity of these beverages, there is some main difference that ultimately makes them distinct and unique choices, each with their own quirks and special features.

Gin is made from grain alcohol, distilled with juniper berries. It’s the juniper berries that give gin its natural flavor and odor. Vodka can be made from a variety of fermented ingredients and is primarily known as a potato-based drink.

Plenty of other ingredients can be used as a base, with everything from corn and wheat to molasses, rice, and soybeans used in production. As long as it’s got plenty of starch or sugar, practically any plant can be used.

Gin and vodka martini are made of the same simple ingredients and are both made using fermented grains. Both come out of their bottles with a clear, strong spirit ideal to mix cocktails with.

While these beverage types have some common features and characteristics, there are certain key differences that ultimately make them separate and distinctive choices each based upon their unique characteristics.

Gin is made from grains of liquor that are made of juniper berries. Those berry flavors are also essential to Gin. Vodka has been brewed from various fermented products which are mostly used as potato drinks.

The differences between vodka and gin

While gin and vodka have been traditionally distilled as a neutral spirit, the gin also contains junipers that give its signature pine flavor. Gin is considered to be a gin only if the juniper berries are there. Obviously, vodka would have to be vodka if there were no other alcohols. That shows the difference between having the vodka belt and pushing for what to expect when making cocktails.

Interestingly, the tastes are quite different in these drinks. As we said vodka has a relatively bland taste that reflects the alcohol level.

Gin has a characteristic herbal and pine uniqueness thanks to juniper and other herbs.

Distillation Process of Vodka vs. Gin

Vodkas are typically distilled twice and bottled once a month. Many brand-new distilled vodkas feature fewer distillations, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better product. Quality is prioritized which gives the product a distinctive character in several regions including eastern Europe.

Gin requires botanical ingredients like juniper, citrus peel, spices, and barks to impart taste and fragrance. Three different methods exist.

Gin vs. Vodka, which is stronger –

For many people, in the gin vs vodka, the gin will be stronger than vodka due to its rich flavors and botanicals. In fact, on average gin has a 50 – 55 percent.

Naval Strong Gins must contain at least 57% alcohol and are adored because they contain a strong concentration of essential oils and can coax stronger botanical flavors into cocktails simple as G&Ts other gins include old tom gin and Plymouth gin.

Over-proof vodka is up to 99 ABV! There are low-ABV versions of gin as well as vodka which are often found during happy hours. They are sometimes called rail vodka.

Gin Aromas

Gin has distinctive aromas that are noticeable, including pine, citrus, and spices while vodka has none if you are looking. Generally, gin’s best taste is determined entirely by its name.

If you taste Seagrams Gin it will make you immediately detect citrus. However, smelling the bottle of Aviation will certainly identify the soft pine aroma.

That is right. Pine-juniper is a classic and obligatory taste associated with the famous London Dry Gin.

Vodka Aromas

If we don’t make flavorful vodka we get pure vodka with pure alcohol. Gin smells something else, while vodka smells something. For tasting notes on Gin, see this article. Download the Gin Tasting Guides or Gin Tasting Mats.

What do some people enjoy most about juniper scents? I don’t know, try one from this new western-styled gin. What’s your opinion on whiskey? The next time you are trying old fashioned or Negroni with the malty, barrel-aged New Tom Gin you will probably be surprised.

Taste Differences (Herbal or Neutral Taste)

Due to their different backgrounds, vodka, and gin have very different tastes. Vodka is almost tasteless, with many vodka aficionados favoring this drink for its strong viscosity and mouth-numbing abilities. Meanwhile, gin has a more delicate, herbal taste, with a huge range of different varieties, as well as subtle undertones and aftertastes to set your palate buzzing. The dutch courage might also push you to take up gin in an attempt to fill your taste buds.

Both have their own fans and it’s up to you to decide which drink, if any, you prefer. If you’re a fan of hard liquor that’ll numb your mouth and throat, perhaps you’re a vodka person. If you enjoy more of a refined, delicate taste, gin might be more up your street. You might also not know your personal taste if you don’t try out most spirits that you come across as taste works in a similar way to wine and tonic regardless of the base grains. Sometimes wheat and corn might serve you better and other times might be left to rye.

Because of their different backgrounds, vodka has distinct tastes. Vodka has no taste and a number of vodka brands or enthusiasts prefer this beverage due to its high viscosities and numb mouthfeel.

Meanwhile, Gin has more delicate medicinal purposes and herbal taste and is offered in a wide selection with varying flavors and features subtle undertones and an aftertaste that will get you feeling the buzz. Both are fans, so you can choose the drink that fits best with your taste between the two very distinct spirits.

You’ll probably be a vodka drinker. Gin is a better option for people who want a softer, refined flavor.

While there are many cocktail cultures using vodka, there are some which are considered classic drinks that any cocktail lover would know.

Alcohol Content

The alcohol content of any drink is going to vary depending on how it’s prepared and sold, but as a rule, vodka is a little more alcoholic than gin with navy strength.

The standard ABV (alcohol by volume) content for vodka is around 40% but can be as high as 90%, while the minimum ABV for gin in the United States is 40%, but it rarely climbs above 60% on average.

Both drinks can vary wildly in alcohol content, so be sure to check the label or vodka belt before you sample.

It’s important to be aware of the relatively high alcohol content of both gin and vodka. If you’re used to drinking mostly wine or beer, you may be surprised by how strong the spirits are.

Remember, one of the advantages of both gin and vodka martini is that you can add as much mixer as you like to lower the potency of the drink to give aromatic flavors.

Even if you prefer to take your drinks neat, a little water or ice can do the trick to dilute the strong spirit of alcohol.

Top Quality Mixers

While some prefer their spirits pure, other popular drinks like vodka or gin with a dash of the mixer to bring out the flavor. And both drinks pair well with different mixers. When it comes to vodka, something sweet is best such as the vodka cranberry, cola, and other soft drinks popular, unlike other spirits with complex flavors.

Fruit juices also work well. Of course, orange juice is a famous pair, but pineapple, cranberry, and grapefruit juice all work well too with neutral spirits.

If you’re looking for a few bubbles, try rye, ginger beer, or lemonade.

Tonic is the classic mixer for gin, tonic offers the perfect complement to the taste of the juniper berries and allows you to add bubbles without losing too much of the taste. Seltzer and soda water work well on this note too. Alternatively, try a juice with a lighter flavor, like cucumber or lime.

London Dry Gin

London – Dry gins are the widely acclaimed gin styles in Slavic countries such as eastern Europe. These botanicals were added during second-or-3rd distillations enabling flavor to be mixed into the alcohol as it passes through the still. if you are a James bond or tom collins fan then you should chase the grey goose with this gin.

There’s a big distinction between London dry gin varieties and others. The only things to add after distillation are water and a little sweetener. We offer bloody mary, Bombay Sapphire, and Bombay Dry Gin or Plymouth gin.

Cocktails

If you’re looking for something a little more ambitious than a simple mixer with your drink, you could try adding multiple ingredients for an all-out cocktail.

Gin is perfect for a range of classy, fruity cocktails, delicious to cool off with on a hot day. Try a Bramble, with gin mixed into lemon juice, sugar syrup, crème de mûre, and crushed ice adding as much flavor to the cocktails.

Vodka cocktails lend themselves to an enormous range of quality cocktails, with their neutral taste matching almost any taste. Popular options include the Classic Moscow Mule, grey goose, and the Vodka Sour, adding a flavorful twist to take the edge off this rough spirit drink.

If you want to enjoy the best of both drinks at once, enjoy a Long Island Iced Tea. These classic cocktails ought to encompass both vodka and gin when served chilled.

Serving and Temperature

No self-respecting bartender, or even a conscientious party host, would simply dump drinks in a glass and serve them as they are. Some thought should be put into the presentation of the drinks, and of course, these different varieties are best served in slightly different ways with neutral spirits to accentuate their best features, with temperature, garnish choice, and other factors all playing their part.

Most vodka lovers prefer their drink fully chilled. When it’s ice-cold, the punchy, mouth-numbing feel of the drink is amplified, with its best qualities brought to the forefront. Gin, meanwhile, is often served a little closer to room temperature.

A few ice cubes and a dash of the chilled mixture are enough to make it refreshing on a hot day without taking away from its delicate taste.

Varieties

Just as with any other drinks, there is a huge range of different varieties when it comes to vodka and gin others occur multiple times. In fact, it’s becoming rarer and rarer to see plain spirits drunk by patrons of bars and pubs.

Vodka and Gin are often flavored with a variety of herbs, known as Botanics, making them even more aromatic and flavorsome. Cardamom, coriander, cassia bark, and even licorice can be used to enhance the liquor.

Infused flavorings are also popular with vodkas. Here, fruity flavors are king, but all kinds of varieties are available. If you still choose to use a mixer with a flavored drink, be sure to factor in the end result of an infused flavor with a mixer.

A thoughtless mix could spoil the flavor but give things a little thought and you could end up with a unique and flavorsome beverage that could even become a hit!

Pricing

Both drinks vary in price depending on a range of factors, including quality, age, navy strength, flavoring, and origin. But as a rule, gin is more expensive than vodka. This is due to the fact that true gin such as the old tom gin traditionally contained juniper berries, while vodka often featured artificial flavorings.

But don’t let that trick you into thinking one product is inherently superior to the other! Both come with all kinds of different qualities and are now commonly made with artificial flavorings.

But even the most discerning spirit lovers will be hard-pressed to notice the difference between traditionally and artificially flavored drinks.

The range of different varieties on offer means you’re sure to find a spirit drink to suit your wallet as well as your taste buds.

A Culinary Surprise

Feeling adventurous? Why not try adding gin or vodka to your cooking? With its aromatic flavoring, gin is perfect for use in boozy desserts. Add a splash to a trifle for a taste sensation or mix a little into the jelly layer of a fruity cheesecake for a perfect summer snack.

Adding an alcoholic kick to a sweet dish is the perfect way to spice up an evening at an apple valley cafe.

Vodka also has its uses in the culinary arts and has been used across the world in a variety of dishes for decades. For an inventive dinner party dish sure to get your guests talking, consider making penne alla vodka, a pasta dish prepared with vodka mixed into the sauce for an extra kick.

Vodka can also be used instead of water when baking, helping to make the flakier pastry. Give it a try and see what you come up with!

Despite their differences, there’s one thing most people would agree is similar about both gin and vodka. They’re both quality beverages! Enjoy plenty of great varieties of both, along with other great food and drink options, at Town’s End Stillhouse & Grill.

Does gin make you feel different than vodka?

Alcohol’s direct effects will vary from beer to wine. No research has shown a difference in mood between alcohols.

People do not recognize the mood when they drink both gin and vodka spirit drinks. Why are myths based around them?

Is gin the healthiest alcohol?

Gin cocktails contain less sugar as compared to other drinks or wines that have more calories. Gin can be a healthier alternative to drinking alcohol.

Make a cautious choice of mixer. It can cause high blood sugar in drinks.