Gin vs Vodka: Which Makes the Better G&T?
Gin makes the better G&T if you want flavour; vodka makes the better “and tonic” if you want something clean and crisp. The difference is botanicals. Gin gets its character from juniper and other botanicals that play off the quinine in tonic, while vodka is made to be smooth and neutral, so the tonic and garnish do the talking. Here’s how to choose, and how we pour both at the cellar door in Bilpin.
What is the difference between gin and vodka?
Both are clear spirits. Gin is essentially a neutral spirit flavoured with botanicals, and by definition juniper has to lead. Vodka is distilled to be clean and smooth, with little flavour of its own. Our OS Vodka is a little different: it’s distilled with organically grown Valencia and navel oranges from our own trees, so it carries soft citrus tones.
Which is better with tonic, gin or vodka?
For a classic G&T, gin. Juniper, citrus and herbs are made for tonic’s bitter quinine edge. Vodka and tonic is lighter and more refreshing, and works well if you find gin too piney, or you want the garnish to be the star.
- Choose gin if you like a drink with layers: citrus, herbs and a dry, bitter finish.
- Choose vodka if you want something clean, cold and easy, like a long summer drink.
- Can’t decide? Try both side by side on a tasting paddle at the cellar door.
How to make the perfect G&T
- Glass: a tall highball or a balloon glass, chilled if you can.
- Ice: fill it right to the top. More ice means slower melt and less dilution.
- Gin: 45ml.
- Tonic: about 135ml (roughly 1 part gin to 3 parts tonic), poured gently down the side to keep the bubbles. At the bar we use Sodasmith tonics from Tasmania.
- Garnish: match it to the gin (see below).
Which Old Shed gin should I use for a G&T?
Gin Part 1 is bright and citrus-led, with juniper, orange, lemon, thyme and rosemary. It makes a fresh, easy G&T. Garnish with a slice of Bilpin apple or a sprig of rosemary.
Gin Part 2 is deeper and more savoury: juniper, lemon, lemon thyme, rosemary, coriander seed and native strawberry gum, all grown and handpicked in Bilpin. It makes a more complex G&T. Garnish with a twist of lemon.
How to make a vodka tonic
Same method: a tall glass full of ice, 45ml of OS Vodka and about 135ml of tonic. Finish with an orange wheel to pick up the citrus notes from the oranges it’s distilled with. For something different, try it with our on-tap cider at the cellar door.
Try them side by side
The best way to settle the gin vs vodka question is to taste them. Visit our cellar door in Bilpin, about 90 minutes from Sydney, and try both on a tasting paddle. Check our opening hours before you come, as they change with the NSW school holidays. Or order online from our shop, shipped Australia-wide.