Vodka vs Gin: Which One Should You Choose?

You like clear liquors but are having trouble deciding between vodka and gin. Both alcoholic beverages have a distinguished past and are well-liked mixers. Despite their apparent similarity, there are significant differences between the two that distinguish them.

Usually manufactured from grains like wheat, rye, or corn, vodka is a neutral spirit. It undergoes several distillations to get rid of contaminants, giving it a clear and pleasant flavor.

Gin, on the other hand, is a flavored liquor created by combining juniper berries and other botanicals with a neutral alcohol. Gin’s distinctively piney flavor comes from the juniper berries, and other botanicals like coriander, citrus peel, and angelica root give the spirit character.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans state that gin and vodka both have 97 calories in a 1 12-ounce portion. However, mixologists and cocktail fans like gin because its botanicals may give drinks greater taste and complexity.

Vodka, on the other hand, is a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of drinks due to its neutral flavor. Which is better, then? In the end, it boils down to taste and the particular drink you’re mixing.

What is Vodka?

Vodka is a distilled, neutral spirit that is one of the most popular clear spirits worldwide. It is a flavorless liquor that is typically made from grains or potatoes, although it can be produced from any fermented material that contains sugar or starch.

Vodka is usually distilled to a high alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage, ranging from 35% to 50%.

One of the most popular brands of vodka is Smirnoff, which was first produced in Russia in the 1860s. Today, Smirnoff is available in more than 130 countries and is the best-selling vodka brand in the world.

Another popular brand is Absolut, which is made in Sweden and is known for its smooth taste and high-quality ingredients.

Vodka is a versatile liquor that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other ingredients to create a wide variety of cocktails.

Due to its neutral flavor, it is often used as a base for mixed drinks, allowing the other ingredients to shine through. Some of the most popular vodka-based cocktails include the Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, and White Russian.

In terms of production, vodka is typically made by fermenting grains or potatoes to create a mash. The mash is then distilled multiple times to remove impurities and increase the alcohol content.

After distillation, the vodka is filtered to remove any remaining impurities and to create a smooth, clear spirit.

Overall, vodka is a popular and versatile liquor that is enjoyed by many people around the world. Whether you prefer it on its own or mixed into a cocktail, vodka is a staple in many bars and liquor cabinets.

What is Gin?

Gin is a clear, distilled spirit that is made from a neutral base spirit and infused with a variety of botanicals, the most important of which is juniper berries.

These botanicals are what give gin its unique flavor and aroma. Gin is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for many classic cocktails.

The flavor of gin can vary widely depending on the botanicals used in its production. Some gins have a strong, herbal flavor, while others are more subtle and delicate.

London dry gin is the most common type of gin, and it is known for its crisp, dry flavor. American gins tend to be more floral and citrusy, while some gins are redistilled with additional botanicals to create unique flavors.

Gin is typically bottled at a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) than vodka, ranging from 37.5% to 50%. Navy strength gin is a type of gin that is bottled at a higher ABV of around 57%, making it a popular choice for cocktails that require a strong, flavorful base.

There are several different styles of gin, including genever, Plymouth gin, and old tom gin. Genever is a traditional style of gin that originated in the Netherlands, and it has a maltier, sweeter flavor than other types of gin.

Plymouth gin is a style of gin that is made exclusively in Plymouth, England, and it has a slightly sweeter, less juniper-forward flavor than London dry gin.

Old tom gin is a sweeter style of gin that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it is making a comeback in the craft cocktail scene.

Vodka vs Gin: Differences in Production

When it comes to the production of vodka and gin, there are some key differences that set them apart. Let’s take a closer look at each of these spirits and how they are made.

Vodka Production

Vodka is typically made from fermented grains or potatoes. The fermented mash is then distilled to create a neutral spirit, which is then redistilled to increase its alcohol content. The final product is then typically filtered to remove any impurities and produce a smooth, clean taste.

One of the key characteristics of vodka is its neutral flavor. This is achieved through the distillation process, which removes most of the flavor and aroma compounds from the fermented mash. As a result, vodka is a versatile spirit that can be used in a wide variety of cocktails.

Gin Production

Gin, on the other hand, is a flavored spirit that gets its distinctive taste from the addition of botanicals, herbs, and spices.

The base spirit used to make gin can be made from fermented grains, potatoes, or other materials, but it is the addition of these botanicals that gives gin its unique flavor profile.

One of the most important botanicals used in gin production is the juniper berry. This small, fragrant berry is responsible for giving gin its signature piney flavor. Other botanicals commonly used in gin production include coriander, citrus peel, and angelica root.

Unlike vodka, which is typically distilled multiple times to remove flavor and aroma compounds, gin is only distilled once.

This allows the botanicals to infuse the spirit with their unique flavors and aromas, resulting in a complex and nuanced taste.

Key Differences

Overall, the key differences between vodka and gin production come down to their flavor profiles.

Vodka is a neutral spirit that is distilled multiple times to remove flavor and aroma compounds, while gin is a flavored spirit that gets its taste from the addition of botanicals, herbs, and spices.

Vodka vs Gin: Flavor Profile

When it comes to flavor, vodka and gin are two very different spirits. Vodka is known for its neutral taste, while gin has a distinct herbal and botanical flavor. Let’s take a closer look at the flavor profiles of these two popular spirits.

Vodka Flavor Profile

Vodka is distilled from a variety of grains, including wheat, rye, and corn. The distillation process removes most of the flavor and aroma from the grains, resulting in a neutral spirit. Some vodka brands may add flavors, such as vanilla or citrus, but these are not traditional vodka flavors.

Gin Flavor Profile

Gin, on the other hand, is flavored with a variety of botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander, citrus peel, and herbs like sage and rosemary.

The exact combination of botanicals used can vary depending on the brand and style of gin. The result is a spirit with a complex, herbaceous flavor that is distinctly different from vodka.

Flavored Vodka vs Gin

While flavored vodka may be a popular choice for some, it’s important to note that these flavors are added artificially and are not a natural part of the distillation process.

In contrast, the flavors in gin come from natural botanicals that are added during the distillation process. This means that flavored vodka may not have the same depth and complexity of flavor as gin.

Citrus in Vodka and Gin

While citrus is not a traditional flavor in vodka, some brands may add lemon or lime flavoring. In gin, citrus is a common botanical, with many brands using lemon or orange peel to add a bright, zesty flavor.

Herbs and Botanicals in Gin

Gin is known for its use of herbs and botanicals, which can include everything from juniper berries to coriander to cardamom.

The exact combination of botanicals used can vary depending on the brand and style of gin, resulting in a wide range of flavors and aromas.

Overall, the flavor profile of vodka is much more neutral than gin, which is flavored with a variety of botanicals and herbs.

If you’re looking for a spirit with a complex, herbaceous flavor, gin is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more neutral taste, vodka may be the better choice.

Vodka vs Gin: Popular Cocktails

When it comes to popular cocktails, both gin and vodka have their fair share of classics. Here are some of the most well-known cocktails and how they differ when made with gin or vodka.

Martini

The martini is a classic cocktail that can be made with either gin or vodka. A gin martini is known for its herbal and floral notes, while a vodka martini is typically smoother and more neutral in flavor.

Some people prefer their martinis shaken, while others prefer them stirred. Ultimately, the choice between gin or vodka comes down to personal preference.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail made with ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. While traditionally made with vodka, some people prefer to make it with gin for a more complex flavor profile.

However, the ginger beer can overpower the gin, so it’s important to use a gin with a strong flavor.

Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a popular brunch cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, and various spices and seasonings. While gin can be used in a Bloody Mary, it’s less common and can be overpowering. Vodka is the preferred choice for its neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine.

Gin and Tonic

The gin and tonic is a classic cocktail made with gin, tonic water, and a wedge of lime. The botanicals in gin give the drink a complex flavor profile, while the tonic water adds a bitter and slightly sweet taste. While vodka can be used in a pinch, it lacks the complexity and depth of flavor that gin provides.

White Russian

The White Russian is a creamy cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. While gin can be used in a White Russian, it’s not recommended as it can clash with the other ingredients. Vodka is the preferred choice for its neutral flavor that allows the coffee and cream to shine.

Negroni

The Negroni is a classic cocktail made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. While some people prefer to make it with vodka, it’s not recommended as it lacks the complexity and depth of flavor that gin provides.

Aviation

The Aviation is a classic cocktail made with gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice. While vodka can be used in an Aviation, it’s not recommended as it lacks the complexity and depth of flavor that gin provides.

Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a refreshing cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. While vodka can be used in a Tom Collins, it’s not recommended as it lacks the complexity and depth of flavor that gin provides.

Screwdriver

The Screwdriver is a simple cocktail made with vodka and orange juice. While gin can be used in a Screwdriver, it’s not recommended as it can clash with the other ingredients. Vodka is the preferred choice for its neutral flavor that allows the orange juice to shine.

Vodka vs Gin: Popularity and Consumption

When it comes to popularity and consumption, both vodka and gin are widely consumed spirits around the world. However, the popularity and consumption of each spirit can vary depending on the region.

In the United States, vodka is the most widely consumed spirit. According to a report by the Distilled Spirits Council, vodka accounted for 31.3% of the total spirits volume in the US in 2020. On the other hand, gin accounted for only 3.2% of the total spirits volume in the US in the same year.

In Eastern Europe, vodka is the most popular spirit. Countries like Russia, Poland, and Ukraine have a long history of vodka consumption and production. In fact, vodka is often considered a national drink in these countries.

In the West Coast of the US, gin has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The craft gin movement has led to the emergence of small-batch distilleries producing high-quality gins with unique flavors. As a result, gin has become a popular spirit among consumers who are looking for something new and different.

When it comes to the global liquor market, vodka is the most consumed spirit by volume. According to a report by the International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR), vodka accounted for 26.6% of the total spirits volume in 2020, while gin accounted for only 4.3%.

In terms of consumption, both vodka and gin are versatile spirits that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails.

Vodka is often used as a base spirit for cocktails like the Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, and Martini. Gin, on the other hand, is the main ingredient in classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic, Negroni, and Tom Collins.

Overall, while both vodka and gin have their own unique characteristics and flavors, their popularity and consumption can vary depending on the region and consumer preferences.