THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GIN AND VODKA
Gin and vodka are both clear, colourless spirits, renowned for their ability to work with a wide range of cocktails. Despite these similarities, they possess distinct characteristics that make them different.
Firstly, there are a few legalities about what can be called gin. In order for gin to be called gin, it must contain juniper. This natural berry is what gives gin its signature piney taste, as well as other botanicals such as citrus and herbs. It must also be at least 37.5% ABV, whereas vodka’s minimum alcohol content is 35%. Despite this technicality, both spirits usually sit at around 40% and are equally strong spirits, depending on the brand’s individual bottle.
HOW ARE GIN AND VODKA MADE?
Alongside juniper, gin is made from water and grains such as wheat and barley. Vodka can be made from similar grain but is also created with a variety of other fermented ingredients, most commonly potato.
Find out more about what gin is made from.
When it comes to the process, each is slightly different. Vodka is made by mashing the base ingredients to convert starches into fermentable sugars. It’s then mixed with water and yeast to create the alcohol, before distilling the liquid and filtering it to remove impurities.
On the other hand, gin is made by macerating the botanicals, which in layman’s terms means to infuse the ingredients into the base liquid for 24 hours, a bit like steeping a bag of tea. Once this is done, the liquid is distilled. Both vodka and gin are then diluted to the desired ABV.
CAN YOU MAKE GIN FROM VODKA?
Technically, you can make a sort of DIY gin from vodka by infusing juniper and other botanicals such as cardamon and grapefruit peel into the alcohol. This is known as compound or bathtub gin. Whilst it’s good fun to try at home, it’s not the real deal if you want a proper bottle of botanical gin.
The taste of gin vs vodka
Vodka is a naturally clean, neutral-tasting spirit. It’s often thought of to be flavourless, which is why vodka is often used in cocktails with more pungent ingredients.
As gin requires the infusion of juniper berries to be classed as gin, it will always have a slightly piney, peppery taste. But there’s plenty more that goes into the taste of gin, including hints of herbs and citrus.
Each and every gin producer uses a different set of ingredients to flavour the alcohol, otherwise known as botanicals. These can be any natural ingredient, whether it be a herb, spice, fruit, or flower.
Aside from juniper, the most popular gin botanicals are coriander seeds, angelica root, and orris root. But you’ll also commonly find black pepper, lemon or orange peel, salmon, and liquorice.
GiN VS VODKA VS TEQUILA
When comparing gin and vodka, it’s hard not to bring tequila into the conversation. All three are clear spirits with strong cocktail credentials, but they’re quite different in origin, taste, and how they’re made.
Tequila is distilled from the blue agave plant, primarily grown in specific regions of Mexico. This gives it a naturally earthy, vegetal and slightly sweet flavour, which is very different from the clean neutrality of vodka or the piney botanicals of gin that predominantly come from juniper berries. While gin and vodka are made from grains or potatoes, tequila comes from a succulent, and that gives it a distinctive character.
In terms of taste, tequila has more of a bite and a peppery warmth. It’s often sipped neat or used in bold cocktails like Margaritas or Palomas, where its flavour shines through. Gin, by contrast, is infused with botanicals for a more herbal, aromatic profile, while vodka stays mostly neutral to let other ingredients take the lead.
Tequila also has a protected designation of origin. This means that for a spirit to be considered a tequila, it must be produced in specific regions of Mexico. Overall, gin and vodka are not bound geographically by where they are made, although some variations are specific to certain regions or countries.
GIN AND VODKA COCKTAILS
Whilst gin has a more distinctive, herbal flavour, both spirits are interchangeably used for classic cocktails such as the Lemon Drop and Bloody Mary. The preference being up to the drinker.
The most common vodka and gin cocktail is the Martini. This timeless drink is infamous for its many variations, be it shaken not stirred, served with an olive or by swapping from dry to sweet vermouth. Find out more about gin vs vodka Martinis to decide on your favourite.
Other classic vodka drinks include:
- Moscow Mule: vodka, ginger beer and lime juice served in a copper mug with ice
- White Russian: a creamy mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream or milk over ice
- Screwdriver: a simple mix of vodka and orange juice with ice
- Cosmopolitan: a city living classic of vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau and lime
- Espresso Martini: vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso with a foamy top
Whereas the most popular gin cocktails are:
- Gin and Tonic: the unbeatable mix of gin and tonic water with a fresh citrus wedge
- Negroni: the original Italian cocktail with equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth
- Gin Spritz: a refreshing mix of gin, soda water and Lillet Blanc
- Pink Lady: a vintage style drink made with lemon, sugar and gin, served with a foamy top
- Bramble: tart blackberries, lemon and Beefeater London Dry Gin muddled to perfection
VODKA and tonic vs gin and tonic
The gin and tonic is a classic; crisp, refreshing, and unmistakably herbal thanks to the juniper. But how does it compare to a vodka and tonic?
While both drinks are mixed with tonic water and often garnished with a citrus wedge, the flavour profiles are very different. Vodka and tonic is a subtler option, with a cleaner, more neutral base that allows the tonic, and particularly the bitterness of the quinine, to take centre stage. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a lighter-tasting drink without strong botanical notes.
Gin and tonic, on the other hand, delivers a more complex and aromatic experience. The blend of juniper and other botanicals interacts with the bitterness of the tonic, creating a more layered flavour. It’s zesty, bold and unmistakably gin. Gin also offers more versatility and variety, as the flavour of a G&T can change depending on the type of gin you use, ranging from citrusy or floral to sweet or spicy.
Both make for refreshing, easy-to-make cocktails. The choice just depends on whether you prefer your tipple clean and crisp or bright and botanical.
WHICH HAS MORE CALORIES, GIN OR VODKA?
There is very little difference in the nutritional profile of both gin and vodka.
So that’s that. Gin and vodka are definitely different spirits, and whilst each is great to have behind the bar, gin comes out on top when it comes to flavour. As the world’s most-awarded gin*, we’re kind of biased. But if you’re not sure, try a bottle of Beefeater London Dry Gin and taste the difference for yourself.
Want to know more? Find out how gin is made in more detail or discover the fascinating history of the gin and tonic, the original gin cocktail.
Speaking of, there’s plenty of gin cocktail recipes to get mixing with Beefeater. From the best party drinks to serve a crowd to our favourite fruity gin cocktails.
