Vodka vs. Gin: Which is Better for Your Martini?

Although the Martini was originally made with gin, it was James Bond who popularized Vodka Martinis with his iconic riff, “shaken, not stirred”. Today the debate between vodka vs gin Martini is a hot topic amongst cocktail lovers. Vodka offers purity and elegance, while gin brings punchy herbal notes and greater complexity.

Highlights:

• Vodka is a smoother, purer spirit which makes a great neutral base for other flavors in the Martini. 
• Gin has intense herbaceous notes from botanicals like juniper berries and angelica which dominate the flavor profile. 
• Gin and vodka cocktails typically have between 130-250 calories per serving.
• High quality vodkas are best for vodka Martinis since they have been distilled multiple times and filtered to create a really smooth and pure spirit.
• Gin comes in a wide range of styles and has a powerful flavor profile which determines the character of your gin Martini.

Vodka vs Gin Martini: What’s the Difference?

Vodka and gin might look similar, but they taste nothing like each other. Understanding the differences between these two spirits is crucial when you’re choosing between vodka vs gin in cocktails. 

• Vodka is made from grains like wheat, barley and rye, potatoes, grapes and even corn. These core ingredients are fermented and then distilled up to 5-7 times to create a pure, clean spirit. This neutrality makes it a great base for cocktails since it acts as a blank canvas for fruity, creamy or spicy flavors. Vodka Martinis are often shaken which makes them slightly frothy or cloudy due to the tiny ice shards.
• Gin is also made from a neutral base spirit, but botanicals are added to give plenty of punchy flavors. It’s a legal requirement to use juniper berries as the dominant flavor. Other common botanicals include citrus peel, angelica, and licorice. Gin is powerfully herbal and aromatic in cocktails, taking centre stage in your Martini. Gin Martinis are often stirred which chills the cocktail more gradually and keeps the liquid clear.

Gin Vs Vodka Martini Calories

Gin and vodka both have the same alcohol content at around 40% ABV (80 proof). This means both gin and vodka Martinis both have the same amount of calories. It’s around 120-140 per 2-ounce pour. 

A smaller vodka or gin Martini would have around 130 calories in total, while a larger version with more vermouth could have up to 250 calories.

Best Vodka For Martinis

Vodka Martinis are all about that crispness and purity, so the quality of the vodka you use is crucial. Higher quality vodkas are typically distilled multiple times and filtered to remove impurities. Classic vodka Martinis call for unflavored vodkas, but you could also tweak your Martini vodka recipe by adding a spiced vodka or citrusy lemon vodka.

• Belvedere is a Polish rye vodka with a smooth profile with a creamy texture and subtle notes of vanilla and white pepper.
• Grey Goose is made from premium French wheat and limestone-filtered water for a clean and notatably soft character. 
• Ketel One is a Dutch wheat vodka made using traditional copper pot stills for a touch of sweetness. 

Best Gin For Martinis

Gin Martinis showcase complexity and intense aromatics, so the gin you choose will give your Martini its distinctive character. Lighter, citrusy gins may require less vermouth in your gin Martini recipe to avoid overpowering the more delicate aromatics. 

• Bombay Sapphire is lighter and more floral with layered botanical notes of juniper, citrus, and spices. 
• Hendrick’s gives a quirky cucumber twist and subtle rose notes for a more delicate gin Martini.
• Tanqueray has plenty of punchy juniper flavors, making it ideal for a more traditional-style Martini.

Where to Buy Quality Spirits Online 

Looking to buy gin online? Our dedicated liquor store in Santa Rosa has everything you need for the perfect Martini. Browse our online liquor store and explore our dedicated spirits collections.