The differences between vodka and gin While gin and vodka are made as neutral liquors, gin has additional ingredients, such as juniper berries, that give it its characteristic pine flavor. In fact, gin can only be called gin if it contains juniper. Without this, the liquor is technically vodka. Both gin and vodka can be made with just about anything, but some common bases include corn, wheat, rye, potatoes, grapes, and sorghum.
Other possibilities include carrots, beets and even milk. Gin is, at the most basic level, a neutral liquor flavored with juniper berries. It turns out that vodka is a neutral liquor. Like all spirits, both must have an alcohol content by volume (ABV) greater than 37.5% (40% in the US).
USA) to be considered vodka or gin. There are more classic cocktails made with gin than with any other spirit. Negroni, Ramos Gin Fizz, Martinez, Gin Rickey, Red Snapper, Tom Collins, White Lady, Hanky Panky, Clover Club, Alexander, French 75, Gimlet, Vesper, Singapore Sling, Silver Bronx, Pegu Club, Bee's Knees, Southside. As with lemons, oranges temper gin's penetrating juniper, so many gin brands, such as Perfume Trees, use dried orange peels when distilling their gins.
If you're new to the world of gin or prefer a fresher experience, look for brands of lemon gin, such as Malfy's Gin Con Limone. No two gins are the same, making the liquor very diverse in flavor and exciting for the budding waiter. The alcohol content and production process are similar to those of traditional gin, but common and long-established botanical ingredients are taking a backseat to stronger fruit, spice and berry flavors, such as clementine, plum, strawberry and blood orange. Gin is generally made from a grain base, such as wheat or barley, which is first fermented and then distilled.
Hence, today, the term “Navy Strength” is used for any high-grade gin with an alcohol level of 57% or more. Gin became even more popular in the United States during Prohibition, when homemade gin flourished on the underground scene, particularly in the jazz movement. It's easy to think that gin is essentially a flavored vodka, but there are several complexities that set them apart. London's dry gin doesn't always come from London.
Gin doesn't have the same geographical restrictions as spirits such as cognac, Scotch whisky or tequila. Once again, the name here is a bit revealing, but contemporary gins differentiate themselves by elevating innovative flavors over traditional juniper. However, in Russia and Eastern Europe, where liquor originated, people consume more than triple that amount. Gin has existed for centuries, but it's impossible to say with absolute certainty where and when gin began.