Shaken or stirred? Dirty or with a twist? Gin or vodka? These are some of the classic questions that come along with ordering a martini. And while the answers all come down to personal preference, you might wonder if your pick—gin or vodka—makes any difference for your health.
It is well known that consuming alcohol is linked to increased risk for cancer, and the World Health Organization has determined that there's no known completely safe level of alcohol consumption—but does the specific spirit you choose matter? Let's dive in.
When choosing between that bottle of gin or vodka to whip up your next great cocktail creation, it's helpful to know what each brings to the table nutritionally. Nutritionist Kiran Campbell, RDN, explains that the two are relatively similar. Both gin and vodka contain around 96 calories per 1.5 fluid ounce shot (the standard drink size), with zero carbs, protein, fat, or sugars. Additionally, both spirits contain about 14 grams of pure alcohol per standard serving.
"What distinguishes these two spirits is their botanical profiles and how they’re used in cocktails, rather than major differences in their nutritional profile or health effects," Campbell tells Delish.
Vodka, which is typically distilled from corn or potatoes, makes for a terrific neutral base for many a cocktail. While Campbell notes that there has been research suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits of drinking vodka, including improved blood flow and reduced risk for heart attack, she cautions consumers to take these studies with a grain of salt. "These findings come from small or outdated studies, one conducted on Yorkshire swine and another on humans over 40 years ago," she tells us, so bear that in mind before taking them as fact.
Similarly, the purported health benefits from gin are minimal at best. The spirit is made using botanicals such as juniper, coriander, and citrus peel, and while these plant compounds offer antioxidant properties, they appear in such small amounts that they don't provide any meaningful health benefits, Campbell explains.
"When it comes to gin vs. vodka, the ‘healthier’ choice depends more on what you mix with it than the spirit itself. Adding juices, sodas, syrups, or sugary liqueurs can quickly turn either of these choices into a calorie bomb," says Campbell.
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting your alcohol consumption to one standard drink per day for women and two for men. With this in mind, always drink in moderation. "In the end, no matter which spirit you choose, drink mindfully and with awareness of the broader health implications," says Campbell, who recommends pairing your spirit of choice with simple mixers like sparkling water, fresh citrus, or herbs to keep cocktails lower in both calories and sugar, no matter your alcohol preference.
