Is gin just flavored vodka?

Technically, kind of. Both start as neutral spirit, and gin is that spirit flavored with juniper and botanicals. But it tastes nothing like plain vodka.

Should I get a gin or vodka martini?

Gin for a herbal, piney martini with more going on. Vodka for a colder, cleaner one where the olive or twist stands out.

Gin vs vodka: what's the difference?

Vodka is made to taste as neutral as possible, while gin is a neutral spirit flavored with juniper and other botanicals, so it tastes piney, citrusy and herbal.

Gin

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Piney juniper, citrus peel and herbs, with plenty to say.

Vodka

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Clean and quiet, just a little peppery bite.

The real difference

Gin starts out much like vodka, then gets redistilled or infused with juniper plus things like coriander, citrus peel and angelica root. Vodka is distilled and filtered to strip flavor out. In cocktails, vodka lets the other ingredients lead, while gin adds its own herbal backbone.

Side by side

GinVodka

Flavored withJuniper and botanicalsNothing, usually

TastesPiney, herbal, citrusyNeutral, clean, a little sharp

On a menuGin and tonic, martini, Negroni, gimletMoscow mule, cosmopolitan, espresso martini, vodka soda

Which to order

Order gin if you want your drink to taste of herbs and pine.
Order vodka if you want the mixer, fruit or coffee to do the talking.

Quick questions

Is gin just flavored vodka?: Technically, kind of. Both start as neutral spirit, and gin is that spirit flavored with juniper and botanicals. But it tastes nothing like plain vodka.
Should I get a gin or vodka martini?: Gin for a herbal, piney martini with more going on. Vodka for a colder, cleaner one where the olive or twist stands out.