Mixing Drinks 101: Can You Mix Gin And Vodka?

can you mix gin and vodka
Joe | Last Updated: October 30, 2023
I'm Joe, a veteran bartender with over a decade in the industry and a burning passion for mixing drinks.

We’ve all been there, sipping a fresh gin and tonic after a long week and wondering… I wonder what a splash of vodka would taste like in this?

Have we all been there? maybe it’s just me.

Nevertheless, gin and vodka are two of the most popular spirits, and whilst they’re often enjoyed separately, it’s not uncommon to wonder: can you mix gin and vodka?

Mixing drinks can be a dangerous game, it’s easy to get measurements wrong and the taste of spirits can often clash with one another if not chosen wisely.

But get the mix right and you may stumble upon a drink that you LOVE and will go back to time and time again.

In this article, we’re going to explore the possibilities of mixing gin and vodka as well as whether or not it’s a good idea given that they both pack a punch.

So if you’ve ever wondered about mixing these two delicious spirits, stick around as you’re in the right place.

Can You Mix Gin And Vodka?

Yes, gin and vodka can certainly be mixed, but it’s not going to be to everyone’s taste. Gin and vodka have very different flavor profiles, so getting this mix right may challenging as the blend needs to be perfect.

When mixing these two spirits, try to choose flavors that you think will go well together, and be sure to add other ingredients such as bitters and a garnish.

It’s also a good idea to try a cocktail that incorporates both gin and vodka first before you begin experimenting on your own.

can you mix gin and vodka
Photo by Bjarne Vijfvinkel

The Vesper Martini is a classic that combines both gin and vodka and was made popular by James Bond in the novel Casino Royale.

It’s a tasty yet easy-to-create cocktail that is made by mixing 1/2 oz vodka, 2 oz gin, and 1/4 oz Lillet blonde, but if you do plan on giving this drink a try, make sure you’ve got nothing planned the morning after!

So yes, it’s very possible to mix gin and vodka, just be sure that you’re careful in the flavors and ingredients you choose as it’s easy to mess it up and end up with a drink that’s far too strong or just flat out disgusting.

>>Read more: Can you mix whiskey and wine?

What Happens When 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.

This is why when mixing these drinks it’s important to be careful and ensure that you use the correct measurements as the gin can often overpower the 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.

Don’t give up if your drink tastes gross on the first few attempts, and be sure to experiment with different bitters and garnishes too.

>> Read more: 56 INTRIGUING Gin Facts & Statistics

Is Mixing Gin And Vodka A Good Idea?

Mixing drinks in general is not for the fainthearted, but whether or not mixing gin and vodka is a good call will depend on your personal taste and desired outcome.

It’s certainly fun to try and come up with new drinks so long as you are drinking in moderation and are responsible.

As mentioned earlier, mixing drinks can be a dangerous game and leave you feeling far drunker than you first thought, so be sure to take it easy.

Gin is known for its flavor profile which is often herbal, floral, and sometimes spicy, whereas vodka is known for its strong neutral taste.

By adding vodka to gin, you’re boosting the boldness of the drink and giving it an extra kick that can make the drink quite intense.

So if you’re someone that likes bold, strong drinks then you may enjoy mixing gin with vodka, but if you prefer more subtle drinks then sticking with one spirit at a time may be a better choice.

>> Read more: Can you mix rum and tequila?

Can You Drink Gin After Vodka?

Yes, gin can be drunk after vodka. If you’re enjoying your night and want to switch from gin to vodka, or the other way around, don’t worry as there is no inherent order in which these spirits should be consumed.

The problem arises when mixing dark spirits such as rum or whiskey with light such as gin and vodka.

This is because when mixing drinks you may be unknowingly drinking higher amounts of congeners which can leave you feeling sick and with a BRUTAL hangover the next day.

can you mix gin and vodka
Photo by Brands&People

It’s best to stick with dark spirits for the night or light spirits for the night, but whichever of those you choose doesn’t matter a great deal.

Pro tip – if you are mixing drinks during the night, be sure to drink water in between each drink to try and keep your body hydrated which can prevent excessive intoxication and help soften the hangover.

Just be sure that you’re drinking responsibly and in moderation, as both gin and vodka are strong spirits that if consumed excessively can come with a lot of negative consequences.

>> Read more: Can you mix rum and vodka?

Wrapping Up

To wrap up, YES, you can mix gin and vodka, but the outcome may not be an enjoyable one depending on your personal preferences and taste.

Whether you’re choosing to create your own cocktails by experimenting with mixing the two or are intrigued about drinking gin after vodka, both are fine.

Remember that gin is a flavorful spirit and vodka adds the kick, so choose ingredients that will work with the flavor of the gin you are using.

Don’t forget to add other ingredients too such as bitters and a garnish, simply drinking gin mixed with vodka can be very overwhelming and you likely won’t want another one.

Thanks for learning more about mixing drinks today and I hope you’ve learned something new about these wonderful spirits.

Catch you next time!