Gin and Vodka are among the top-selling alcoholic beverages in the world. At first glance, many think that these two are exactly the same. However, they are not.
They mainly differ in their distillation process. Gin is distilled using grain or malt, which is then combined with juniper berry flavors. At the same time, Vodka derives from the distillation of wheat, rye, or potatoes. It can be flavored using a variety of fruit such as cranberry or orange.
Gin and Vodka are also very different in terms of taste and scent. Gin has a distinct herbal taste because of its main ingredients, which are botanicals and juniper berries. On the other hand, plain Vodka is tasteless. It also does not have any scent, while Gin has a hint of earthiness in its smell.
Gin Price Compared to Vodka?
Gin and Vodka are generally affordable alcoholic beverages, which is why they are very popular around the world. However, Gin is slightly more expensive compared to Vodka.
The reason why Gin is more expensive is that it is distilled using Juniper berries. Juniper berries are quite difficult to source, and they need to be handpicked in the wild. There is also limited availability of these berries, which factors into the price.
The botanicals on the Gin are also pricier compared to wheat, rye, and potatoes. This also somehow causes its price to be higher.
What Does Gin Taste Like Compared to Vodka?
Gin has a more powerful flavor compared to Vodka. It has a distinct herbal or earthy taste with a hint of berries and floral notes. On the other hand, the taste of Vodka is almost non-existent.
However, there are pre-flavored vodka brands with a wide range of selections. Some of these popular flavors include lime, lemon, tangerine, strawberry, mango, and many more. This makes Vodka the more versatile choice when it comes to flavor selection.
Gin vs. Vodka Calories: Which Has More Calories?
Gin has more calorie content compared to Vodka. A 1 oz. shot of an 80-proof Gin will give you 73 calories, while a 1 oz. shot of 80-proof Vodka will set you back 64 calories. The calories from Vodka is only from alcohol since it is mostly water.
Gin vs. Vodka: Alcohol Content
Vodka and Gin’s alcohol content is highly dependent on who the manufacturers are and where it is distributed.
For instance, in the US, Gin is formally defined as an alcoholic beverage with a minimum of 40% ABV. However, some Gin brands contain more than 40% alcohol. The same thing applies to Vodka.
The alcohol content of Vodka is also typically 40%, but there are some brands that contain more than 90%
Is Gin Stronger than Vodka?
Some Gin is stronger than some Vodka and vice versa. This is because both types of spirits can be made to contain up to 95% alcohol content. However, the typical ABV of both commercial-grade Gin and Vodka are around 35% to 40%, which means that they are in the same ballpark in terms of strength.
Gin vs. Vodka: Which is Healthier?
The main ingredient of Gin, which is Juniper berries, is considered to be a superfruit. It is high in nutrients, and it has an anti-inflammatory effect. It also contains antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which makes Gin a fairly healthy drink.
On the other hand, Vodka also has several health benefits. It helps increase blood flow and helps improve circulation. These properties can help your body prevent strokes, clots, and other heart diseases. On top of that, Vodka has low-calorie content.
However, both Gin and Vodka will lose their health benefits if it is not consumed moderately. Too much consumption of these beverages may result in liver or kidney damage.
Can You Mix Gin and Vodka?
You can technically mix Gin and Vodka together. However, you are putting yourself at risk for stomach irritation and a massive hangover.
According to scientific explanation, alcoholic beverages contain different levels of a compound called “congeners”. This compound will make hangovers worse.
Darker beverages such as red wine, rum, whisky, and brandy typically contain higher congener levels than clear spirits such as Gin and Vodka. However, when you mix these two together, you are increasing the levels of congeners hence why you might get stomach irritation or a massive hangover.
To be safe, it is best to enjoy Gin and Vodka separately. Besides, both of these two beverages can be excellently mixed into cocktails, and you will get almost the same amount of buzz after a few glasses.
The Final Verdict: Gin or Vodka
Gin and Vodka have plenty of similarities. Their only major difference really is in their price and taste. Gin definitely has more flavor compared to Vodka. However, there are several flavored Vodka options in the market, and those are pretty much the same as Gin. By the end of the day, the best choice is always the one that fits your needs and preferences.