You’re not alone if you’ve ever questioned whether to use Vodka or gin in a cocktail. We are professional bartender who participates in cocktail contests, constantly thinking about this topic. Like the Vodka vs. gin debate, these spirits are refined, engaging, and pleasurable.
If pressed, you’re likely to be able to name several gins and vodka companies and popular beverages that use both. But, beyond the well-known brands, what are Vodka and gin exactly?
Let’s examine and contrast the vodka and gin definitions.
What Is Vodka, Exactly?
Vodka is a neutral grain spirit with the following definition:
Any fermentable material can be used to make a neutral grain spirit.
Distilled to a minimum of 95% alcohol by volume (ABV) and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV (80 proof).
Any identifying traits, scents, tastes, or colors have been removed.
Number three has never made sense to me because the flavor and aroma of Vodka differ depending on the mash bill, still type, and distillation procedure utilized.
Now that Vodka may have “character,” it is no longer required to be an odorless, flavorless, or colorless neutral base spirit, relieving distillers of the burden of producing a neutral taste and odor.
What Is Gin, Exactly?
Gin is defined as a spirit that contains the qualities listed below:
The majority of the flavor comes from juniper berries.
For manufacture, spirits must be distilled or blended with juniper berries and other aromatics or extracts as the main ingredients.
In bottling, at least 40% alcohol by volume is utilized (80 proof).
Let’s look at what they have in common and what they don’t. Now it’s gin vs. Vodka.
In many ways, gin and Vodka are similar.
The following features can be seen in both popular spirits:
White spirits: Neither of these spirits has spent time in a barrel. Both are referred to as colorless or white shades.
It may be made anywhere — Unlike many other spirits and wines, neither of these alcoholic spirits has a regional identity.
In flavored Vodka and gin, infusion and maceration are traditional procedures for extracting flavors from botanicals, herbs, and spices.
As a consequence of their ease of production, small and large distilleries worldwide make Vodka and gin.
Because of their similarities, gin and Vodka are frequently used interchangeably, especially in martinis (although a traditional martini is indeed made with gin). Several beverages may be replaced for one another:
Vodka Tonic = Gin & Tonic
Gin Rickey is the same as Vodka. Vodka Gimlet = Soda Gimlet with Lime
What Is The Difference Between Gin And Vodka?
Gin and Vodka have distinct flavors, filtration methods, and functions.
Gin is differentiated by its flavor, which is imparted through the use of juniper berries and other natural botanicals, aromatics, and spices. Each gin maker’s exact basket of flavoring ingredients is maintained a secret.
Filtration is the key to getting rid of Vodka’s flavor, smell, and taste. Of course, some remain, but they aren’t the first thoughts that spring to mind when thinking of Vodka (not including flavored Vodka, which is a whole different conversation).
Because of the differences between these two spirits, how they function in a cocktail is the most important thing to consider when deciding which to employ. Which ingredient will be the hero of the cocktail?
Because of the Vodka, the other components will be able to shine. However, because of its botanical flavor, gin may try to take over a drink if the flavors aren’t balanced.
Knowing how the two liquors vary and how they are similar helps you choose the right one at the right time to make a pleasurable drink.
Are our Gin and Vodka the same thing?
The response is “yes and no.” The word “no” is the first. A distiller’s decisions and techniques for making Vodka vs. gin result in two entirely different spirits.
However, without a doubt. The essential spirit remains the same: whether gin is made by steeping or macerating juniper berries and other flavoring components in neutral grain alcohol (Vodka) and then redistilling. The distinction, on the other hand, is the flavor.
Try it out and let us know what you think and get Alcohol Delivery.