Gin and vodka are mostly created equal. In fact, they are both crafted as neutral spirits, with gin having the addition of juniper to give it that distinctive taste. Without the juniper, gin and vodka would taste the same. A gin can only be called a gin if it has juniper as one of its ingredients.
Gin
The first gin was distilled in Holland in the 17th century as a medicinal drink. Gin also has at least 40 percent alcohol by volume. Gin is usually distilled from malt and grain, and then juniper berries and other botanicals are added to enhance flavour. Like vodka, it can be distilled from a great variety of ingredients. Gin was originally named Genièvre – the French word for Juniper berries. There are a number of ways in which gin can be distilled.
Distilled: Juniper berries and other botanicals added to a fermented mash and distilled.
Redistilled: A neutral base spirit redistilled with juniper berries and other botanicals.
Compounded: Made by mixing a neutral base spirit with juniper berries and botanicals.
Vodka
“Vodka” comes from the Russian word voda which means water and originated in that country in the 14th century. Vodka is America’s most consumed liquor by volume since 1970, and 32 percent of all alcohol sold is vodka. Always a popular spirit, vodka is the perfect base for cocktails as it is colourless and flavourless, leaving your cocktail ingredients plenty of space to shine. Vodka is a strong spirit with 40% alcohol-by-volume (80 proof) which makes for some very potent cocktails. Vodka is extremely versatile and can be made from just about anything including potatoes, grapes, wheat, rye, or sorghum, to name a few.
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