Vodka and gin often sit side by side on the back bar — crystal clear, high in alcohol, and endlessly versatile. But while they might look similar and even share some production steps, they’re actually quite different once you dig a little deeper.
Whether you’re choosing a spirit for your next cocktail, brushing up your drinks knowledge, or just wondering why your gin tastes like a pine forest and your vodka doesn’t — this one’s for you.
At their core, vodka and gin both begin life as a neutral spirit, usually distilled from grains (like wheat, rye, or barley), though you’ll also find vodka made from potatoes, grapes, or even milk.
This base spirit is distilled to a very high purity — at least 96% ABV — to remove most flavour compounds. So in the early stages, vodka and gin are essentially identical.
The difference comes after this point.
Vodka is all about purity and neutrality. The aim is to create a clean, smooth spirit with little to no flavour — though in practice, some vodkas carry hints of the ingredients they’re made from, whether that’s a touch of creaminess from potato or a peppery kick from rye.
By law in the UK and EU, vodka must be bottled at no less than 37.5% ABV, and it can be filtered (sometimes through charcoal or even diamonds) to achieve that crystal-clear smoothness.
It’s perfect in cocktails where you want the other ingredients to shine — like a Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, or Bloody Mary.
Gin, on the other hand, starts with that same neutral spirit — but it’s then flavoured with botanicals, and by law, juniper must be the dominant note. Without juniper, it’s not gin.
Beyond that, gin producers have a lot of freedom. Common botanicals include coriander seed, citrus peel, angelica root, orris root, cardamom, and many more. Some gins lean citrusy and fresh, others earthy or floral. That’s why no two gins taste the same.
There are a few different categories of gin:
In short:
Vodka is your blank canvas.
Gin is the full painting.
One of the best ways to appreciate the difference is to taste a vodka and gin made from the same base.
Try them side by side and see how those botanicals completely transform the spirit.
Is gin just flavoured vodka?
Technically yes — it starts with the same neutral spirit, but once juniper and botanicals come in, it becomes a whole new category.
Can I swap gin and vodka in cocktails?
Sometimes! In drinks like a Martini, it depends on whether you want a clean or botanical flavour. In something like a Tom Collins, gin is essential.
Is gin stronger than vodka?
Not necessarily. Both are usually around 40% ABV, but some craft gins and vodkas go higher.
So while vodka and gin might share the same beginnings, they take very different journeys. Vodka is the go-to for clean, versatile drinks. Gin brings bold flavour and complexity. Both are brilliant in the right context — and worth having on your back bar.
Stocking up?
We’ve got a range of gins and vodkas available — from small-batch UK producers to trusted global brands. If you’d like a tasting or some help choosing the right ones for your venue, get in touch.
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