Two of the world’s main drinks, gin and vodka, are a constant presence on bar and restaurant tables. Much appreciated by cocktail lovers, these spirits often confuse those who are not used to drinking or preparing drinks.
The fact that both are distilled beverages is the main reason for the confusion. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. In reality, vodka and gin are very different drinks, starting with their names.
The word “vodka” derives from the word voda, which means water in Slavic languages. In practice, it is like a diminutive (aguinha). The word “gin” originates from the name of one of the distillate’s ingredients, juniper. As we already mentioned in this post, the name “gin” originated from the combination of variants of the name of juniper, which in Dutch isgenever, genievre in French and ginepro in Italian.
Another point of divergence between drinks is their origin. Gin was created as a medicine for kidney problems in the mid-17th century by a doctor and professor named Francisco de la Boie. Vodka, in turn, emerged in Russia in the 14th century, being perfected and reaching the alcohol content we know today only at the end of the 19th century.
Biggest differences between vodka and gin
Although name and origin are relevant facts to differentiate these distillates, there are other points of greater emphasis, starting with the taste of the two drinks. If you’ve already drunk both, you may have noticed that vodka is a purer distillate, with a neutral flavor, while gin contains many aromatic herbs. Therefore, its flavor varies according to the ingredients used, and may be more citrusy, more aromatic or more herbal.
This difference between gin and vodka is what defines how the drinks will be used in cocktails. As vodka is a neutral distillate, it is used to highlight the flavor of other ingredients in a drink, and not to be the main point. This makes it very versatile, being able to be used in the most diverse drinks.
Gin, in turn, is a more prominent drink. Therefore, it must be combined with ingredients that do not alter its flavor. The choice of the type of gin to be used in a drink depends on the combination of ingredients in the drink, and not the other way around.
It sounds complicated, but it’s quite simple to remember. Gin needs to be striking, both in its flavor and aroma, while vodka must be like water, with a pure flavor and smooth aroma.
To finalize the differences, we have the way of drinking. Vodka is a much appreciated drink in pure shot form, although it is also consumed in drinks. Gin is mostly part of drinks.
Now that you know the differences between gin and vodka, how about trying Kalvelage spirits? We have three different types of vodkas: Kalvelage Vodka, a super premium spirit perfect for drinking neat; Kalvelage Vibe Vodka, perfect for cocktails; and Kalvelage Oak Vodka, the only one made with oak extract in Brazil. In addition, we also have Kalvelage London Dry Gin, an authentic London Dry produced with 100% national ingredients.
Nothing better than tasting to differentiate, agree? Therefore, we have separated two recipes, one with vodka and one with gin for you to enjoy!
Gin Tonic
Ingredients:
- 50 ml London Dry Gin Kalvelage
- 15 ml lemon broth
- 1 slice Sicilian lemon
- 5 units Juniper
- 1 fresh sprig of rosemary
- 120 ml of tonic water
- Glass of gin filled with ice
Method of preparation:
In a gin glass, place 1 thin slice of lemon, add the juniper, ice, lemon broth and Kalvelage gin, mix lightly and the ice will dilute, add more ice and top up with tonic water. Finish with the rosemary sprout in front of the Sicilian lemon.
Strawberry Caipiroska
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Vodka Kalvelage
- 6 Strawberries
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Ice
Method of preparation:
Put 6 strawberries in a glass, add two spoons of sugar. Muddle everything and then add 50 ml of Kalvelage Vibe Vodka. Fill the glass with ice and serve immediately!
