They look the same, they’re both used in classic cocktails but they taste completely different. You may even hear people say that gin is flavored vodka. Rest assured, those words are spoken by complete novices.
While gin and vodka have some things in common, there are major differences. And knowing these differences can make or break your home bar cocktails!
Today we’re going to go over the differences such as the distilling process. But then we’ll get into the differences that will help you create delicious cocktails such as: Smell, Look, Flavor, Uses.
Let’s begin with the number 1 burning question:
What’s the biggest difference between Vodka and Gin?
Gin is intended to be flavorful, vodka is intended to be neutral. This one major difference in distillation means they smell different and taste very different. Interestingly, gin and vodka are substituted for each other at times based on the drinker’s preference.
Yes, both gin and vodka start as neutral spirits made from fermented grain or fruit but after this initial spirit, they go their separate ways.
Distilling Process of Vodka vs. Gin
Vodka is usually distilled 2-3 times, filtered and then bottled. Some brands of vodka tout more numerous distillations and filtrations but that does not necessarily create a better vodka.
Gin, on the other hand, requires botanicals such as juniper, citrus peels, spices and barks infused into the neutral spirit for flavor and aroma. There are three different techniques:
- Steeping- selected botanicals steep in the heated base spirit for up to 48 hours
- Vapor infusion- which allows the botanicals’ essential oils to release into the steam before reverting back to liquid
- Vacuum distillation- far reduces the heat to preserve more botanical intensity.
What Does Gin Smell Like vs. Vodka
Gin Aromas
Gin has distinct, noteworthy aromas like pine, citrus and spice whereas vodka does not unless you really search for it. The standout aroma of gin completely depends on the brand.
For instance, when you smell Seagram’s Gin, you’ll quickly identify citrus. But, if you smell a bottle of Aviation, you’ll definitely identify a soft pine scent….in a good way.
Piney juniper is the classic and obligatory flavor associated with the most well-know gins, the London Drys. Some brands like Japanese Roku Gin head toward the herbal side with flavors like fruit and teas while Irish Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin offers heavy floral and spice tones to feature the botanicals collected from each of the four seasons.
This is quite different from what Vodka smells like.
Vodka Aromas
Unless you’re buying a flavored vodka, the aroma you’ll get from a vodka is just clean, alcohol.
So gin smells like something, and vodka, kind of smells like nothing. For tasting notes of gin, be sure to read our tasting article here.
Download our free Gin Tasting Guide and Gin Tasting Mat to and start to get to know the flavors, nuances and complexities of the gins you have in your bar at home.
Not a fan of juniper but really enjoy other fragrances like lavender and honey? No problem, try a craft gin from the “New Western” group of gins.
Are you a whiskey lover? Then you should definitely try an Old fashioned or a Negroni made with a malty, barrel-aged Old Tom Gin.
Gin vs. Vodka, which is stronger –
For some, gin may come across stronger than vodka because it has such strong and complex botanical flavors. But, the truth is, on average, gin and vodka share the same ABV range of 40-50%.
Navy strength gin (overproof) gins must be at least 57% alcohol and are well-loved for their ability to retain essential oils and coax out more intense botanical flavors in cocktails as simple as the Martini or G&T. Overproof vodkas skyrocket all the way to 96 ABV!
Then there are the low ABV versions of both gin and vodka that you’ll often find at free-flowing happy hours. These are often called rail gins or well vodkas.
Keep in mind, as the alcohol increases, the flavor takes a back seat to the extreme heat and you may be risking your health. What’s the use if you can’t breathe and your tongue is on fire?
Consumed in large quantities, overproof liquor might not be enjoyable but a “float” (about half an ounce) of OP can be just the ingredient make sure liqueurs and syrups don’t overwhelm your drink.
You can boost the flavor and aroma from the spirit and add some texture, not just heat. Think of the difference that an extra shot of espresso can make to your latte.
Should I use Gin or Vodka in my Cocktail?
There is long list of world famous classic cocktails that feature either gin or vodka. In some cases, preference dictates a shift, the Martini is altered to a vodka Martini and that is 100% ok as both gin and vodka can be used with equal success. Same goes with Vodka and juice and Gin and Juice.
Here’s a basic list to remind you which classic cocktail are made with vodka and which ones with gin.
| CLASSIC VODKA COCKTAILS | CLASSIC GIN COCKTAILS |
| Moscow Mule | Aviator |
| White Russian | Martini |
| Black Russian | Negroni |
| Cosmopolitan | Lime Rickey |
| Screwdriver | Gin Fizz |
| Bloody Mary | Gin & Tonic |
| Sex on the Beach | Gimlet |
| Sea Breeze | Martinez |
| Lemon Drop Martini | Tom Collins |
Conclusion
So, gin and vodka may appear identical and are sometimes interchanged but they are unique spirits and will yield different outcomes. In general, vodka will present less of a conflict in mixed drinks and that can be a real plus.
It could be that you wish to highlight the juice or liqueurs you’re using in your cocktail and don’t want to complicate that. Gin, on the other hand, has a bold personality and is what builds the base flavor of your drink.
The style of gin and even the brand of gin you choose will have a major impact on your cocktail. To learn more about the styles of gin, check out our article on the different styles of gin here. Pine, floral, spice, citrus, wood, earth, malt! Let your palate and your imagination be your guide.
To learn about different styles of gin and the great cocktails you can make with it, visit our homepage and have a drink with us.
