Gin and vodka are often considered kindred spirits, perhaps because they are interchangeable in martinis, pair nicely with tonic or soda and go well in other popular drinks. What is the real difference between the two though? Is gin just flavoured vodka? This age-old question has been the subject of many a pub conversation, or these days, many a Google search.
Gin is known for its link to juniper berries. No juniper berries? No gin. However, the coniferous juniper tree is not the base of gin. The base of gin is a neutral spirit usually created by distilling malt, grape or grain. This is then combined with Juniper and other botanicals in a second distillation to create the gin that we all know and love.
