Vodka Vs. Gin – What Are the Differences?
Vodka and gin are both clear, distilled spirits, often used interchangeably in cocktails, most notably the Martini, Collins, and Gimlet. But beyond that, they differ significantly in origin, taste, process, and history.
The neutral taste of vodka makes it a go-to and backbone of the bar realm. Gin on the other hand, can be an acquired taste and a favorite of cocktail lovers. After losing market share to vodka for decades, gin was ‘discovered’ by Millennials and is having a comeback in the cocktail culture of the past 10 years.
The origins of the two spirits are completely different with Vodka’s roots dating back to the 1400’s in what is now Russia and Poland. Gin dates back even further, first described as ‘Genever’ in a scientific paper by a Flemish author in the 1200’s. Through trade with the Dutch, Genever was widely consumed in England, later to be taxed so heavily, it was produced locally and in Scotland, and Ireland.
What Are The Similarities Between Gin and Vodka?
Gin and vodka are both clear distilled spirits, lighter and more versatile than brown or aged spirits like whiskey and rum. Due to vodka’s neutral taste, it can be used interchangeably in many gin cocktails.
What Are The Differences In How Vodka & Gin Are Made?
Vodka and gin are both typically made from a mash of fermented grain or potato, distilled multiple times, and then diluted with water to 80 proof or 40% ABV. The similarities between the two end there. Gin contains botanicals which may be incorporated during the distillation process or infused in the neutral spirit.
In recent years, with the proliferation of craft gins and vodkas, the variety of agricultural products used for the base spirit goes beyond the familiar grains to include a wide variety of other crops including molasses, fruit, rice, barley, and soybeans. The classic vodka ingredients are rye, wheat, corn, and potato.
Are Gin Hangovers Worse Than Vodka?
Since hangovers are predominantly caused by how much you drink, you won’t necessarily get more hungover from gin than vodka. However, congeners, which are impurities in the spirit from the distillation process, are believed to contribute to feeling hungover. In general, vodka tends to have fewer congeners than gin although it can vary by brand.
How Does Vodka Taste vs Gin?
Vodka has a smooth, clean, neutral taste whereas gin has more complexity from the juniper and other botanicals. By law, all gins must contain juniper but the amount of juniper varies by brand with London Dry gins having a pronounced juniper-forward taste. Some American gins and many craft gins tone down the juniper with a more balanced botanical blend.
What Are The Calorie Differences Between Vodka and Gin?
Vodka and gin have the same number of calories weighing in at 96 calories per 1.5 oz. Since all of those calories come from the alcohol itself (7 calories per .035 oz) the higher the proof, the more calories per oz.
Does Gin Get You More Drunk Than Vodka?
Gin does not get you more drunk than vodka. It’s the amount of alcohol you consume in a given period of time, not the spirit per se that determines how drunk you get. For example, a shot of vodka or gin (1.5 oz) will obviously enter the bloodstream faster than a cocktail sipped slowly. The effects of alcohol and speed of intoxication vary between people, but other influences, even in the same person, have an impact such as weight, gender, food intake, and effervescence.
Is Vodka or Gin More Popular?
Vodka is the most popular, top selling spirit today. Gin was once the world’s most popular spirit, but its popularity declined by the 1950’s as vodka sales soared, perhaps due to vodka’s neutrality and versatility.
What Is the Alcohol Difference Between Vodka and Gin?
The alcohol content in vodka and gin is the same, 40% to 50% ABV, with the variation being between brands not spirits.
Is Vodka or Gin Healthier?
In terms of nutritional profile, carbs, and calorie count, there is very little difference between vodka and gin.
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