Think about it – gin is the only spirit that we don’t drink by itself. It is always combined with something, be it tonic water or vermouth in a Martini – but never on the rocks or by itself.
Cocktail books from the late 1800s and early 1900s show us that gin has been popular through the ages, giving us many gin cocktail recipes to draw on. And the recent gin resurgence sees those cocktails back on menus around the world, adapted for modern taste.
But it’s not enough! So I am going after the best-known vodka cocktails, to tell you why you should be making them with gin instead…
Originally created with a citrus vodka, the Cosmopolitan delivers a much more interesting flavour when you substitute it for gin. The botanicals of most gins will work well here, combining seamlessly with the orange liqueur and bouncing nicely off the cranberry juice. This is one you will just have to try and then you’ll get it…
Audrey Saunders created the Gin Gin Mule in 2000, a drink that is really a hybrid of a Moscow Mule recipe and a Mojito, since it includes fresh mint. But the cocktail is also a clear confirmation that gin and ginger go very well together.
While ginger isn’t a common botanical in gin, other gentle spices are often used in the ‘botanical basket’ of our favourite gins – such as cubeb berry (aka the tail pepper) coriander seed, anise and even the juniper berry has a gentle spice kick which shows well with a fiery ginger beer or ginger syrup and soda combination.
This full discussion deserves a blog of its own, but suffice to say the original Dry Martini recipe was made with gin.
The harmony of gin and vermouth coming together is one of the bar’s great unions and while vodka and vermouth can happily co exist, it’s not the same magical combination as with gin.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a Vodka Martini, at all, but if you have never had a Gin Martini, try it and you’ll understand what the drink really should be!
Yes, even the Espresso Martini tastes better with gin. You won’t know until you try it!
Find yourself a coffee nerd who can taste and distinguish between the aromas and flavours in different draws of espresso and the terroir from which they came and you will see that those flavours can be carefully paired with the botanical makeup of different gins. Hold the cucumber garnish though.
The gin adds depth and complexity, while the vodka adds a light, bright finish that freshens the palate. These four elements come together in a perfect symphony, creating a vodka gin tequila cocktail that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Bloody Mary aka Red Snapper
Synonymous with brunch, or kicking off the morning-after the night-before, the Red Snapper – a Bloody Mary with gin – is arguably the original and in my opinion, the best version of this drink.
Using gin as a base can inspire some twists on the classic recipe including adding a splash of sherry, using a tomatillo or green tomato juice or even adding celery juice and dialling up the aromatic salts and peppers that we love to add to this savoury concoction.
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FAQ
Is it OK to mix gin and vodka?
Can you interchange gin and vodka?
Can you mix gin and vodka?
But using too much vodka can dilute the flavors of the gin and result in a drink that is too strong and doesn’t taste great either. The combination of both gin and vodka is certainly not for everyone, but after some trial and error, it’s certainly possible to create a delicious drink that you’ll enjoy.
Can diabetics drink gin?
Diabetics can take alcoholic drinks like gin if they are aware of their sugar levels. Alcohol as such will not cause hyperglycemia but over eating along with alcoholic drinks can raise blood sugar levels. Drinking excessively and not eating anything can also leads to hypoglycemia in diabetics which is also very harmful.
What happens if you mix gin and vodka?
When mixing gin with vodka you create a drink that has a unique flavor profile that is completely different from each of these spirits on their own. Gin is often flavored with botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peels, whereas vodka is often a tasteless, neutral spirit.
Can you substitute vodka for Gin?
Get your hit of vitamin C (and gin) by swapping out the vodka in your Screwdriver for gin you’ll soon be sipping on gin and juice! Combine gin and orange juice in a highball glass and stir to combine. Add ice. Garnish with a slice or two of fresh orange. Use blood oranges for even more colour and flavour.