When you first think of gin, you may think, “gin versus vodka, what’s the difference?” There are some similarities: Both are column-distilled spirits, for example. But gin is not necessarily made from vodka. By definition, gin is distilled with botanicals, most noticeably juniper, for an intentional flavor.

There are many different brands and styles of gin. There’s the classic London Dry, such as Tanqueray, but there’s also Plymouth, Old Tom, and others. Gin is the key ingredient to loads of Prohibition-era and classic cocktails, and, thanks to a gin revival, is the base spirit for many modern cocktails as well. Read VinePair’s full gin guide for everything you need to know about gin.