Vodka vs Gin

When people think of Gin, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a Martini. Although the “classic” martini can be made from Vodka or Gin, it always includes dry vermouth and a twist of lemon and olives for garnish. The “modern” martini has become known as just about any Vodka or Gin cocktail mixed up and served in a martini glass, for example, the Cosmopolitan.

But, did you know that Vodka and Gin are from the same pedigree?

VODKA

Vodka is a distilled product made from wheat, corn, rye, potato, or even grapes. Vodka is considered a “neutral spirit” which means it is distilled to have little or no flavor or aroma. Vodka can be distilled multiple times to remove any carcinogens, flavors and aromas. Additional filtration can also smooth and mellow the Vodka.

Now you can find just about any flavor Vodka you can imagine! Flavored Vodkas are typically infused with natural or artificial flavors during the distillation process. You can even make your own flavored Vodka at home just by adding fruit, vegetables or spices to your favorite Vodka for a week or two. You can find flavored Vodka with anything from citrus, raspberry and vanilla to bubble gum, root beer and chocolate!

GIN

Gin begins as a “neutral spirit” and then it is infused with different fruits and herbs, making it a flavored Vodka! The primary flavoring in Gin is juniper, this is where Gin gets its traditional pine flavor. Various styles of Gin are available as well as some flavored Gin.

Gin was the dominate clear spirit in the United States until the 1960’s when Vodka began to take over as the popular spirit of choice.

Here are four classic Vodka and Gin Martini recipes:

Classic Martini

2 oz Gin or Vodka

½ oz Dry Vermouth

green olives or twist of lemon peel

ice

1. In a mixing glass, toss a handful of ice cubes, then pour in the Gin/Vodka and the Vermouth.
2. Stir or shake well.
3. Strain and pour into a martini glass.
4. To finish, either skewer olives onto a pick OR garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

Gibson

Same as a classic martini, but substitute sweet or sour cocktail onions for the green olives.

Gimlet

2 oz Gin or Vodka

½ oz lime juice

1. In a mixing glass, toss a handful of ice cubes, then pour in the Gin/Vodka and the lime juice.
2. Stir or shake well.
3. Strain and pour into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tom Collins

2 oz vodka or gin

sour mix

soda water

orange or lemon slice for garnish

maraschino cherry for garnish

1. Pour the vodka or gin into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Pour in 6 ounces of sour mix.
3. Shake and pour into glass of choice.
4. Add a splash of soda water.
5. Garnish with a cherry and a orange or lemon wedge.