Two cocktails on a table — one made with gin, one with vodka — beside a bottle of The Old G, highlighting a comparison of how different spirits hit.

Does Gin Get You Drunk Faster Than Vodka?

Expertise

Some people swear that gin sneaks up on you. Others say vodka hits faster. But when both drinks seem equal on paper, why does one sometimes feel stronger than the other? Let’s unpack how your body processes gin versus vodka — and why the experience can be totally different depending on what you’re sipping.

ABV: Are They Really the Same?

Standard gin and vodka usually sit in the 40%–47% ABV (alcohol by volume) range. That means, on a technical level, they’re equally strong. A shot of gin has the same alcohol content as a shot of vodka. So why does one seem to hit harder?

It’s About What’s in the Glass

What you mix with your spirit matters. Vodka is often diluted in sweet mixers like juice or soda, which can slow down how quickly you notice its effects. Gin, on the other hand, is often paired with lighter mixers — or sipped neat — giving you a faster, clearer hit.

Drinks made with The Old G, for example, don’t need much added. That means a more direct and potent experience, even if the ABV is the same.

Botanicals and Perceived Strength

The natural herbs and spices in gin can make it feel stronger, even when it isn’t. Juniper, citrus, and cardamom all bring intensity, giving you a more layered flavor — and a bolder sip.

That flavor can make the alcohol feel more pronounced, even though the effect on your body is no different than vodka.

How You Drink Affects How You Feel

Fast sips vs. slow pours. Sugar vs. soda. Chilled vs. room temp. Your buzz depends on all of it. And while vodka might taste smooth going down, gin — especially one as clean as The Old G — delivers a more noticeable lift with fewer distractions.

Final Pour

So does gin get you buzzed faster than vodka? Technically, no. But the experience sure can feel different. With fewer mixers and more flavor, gin gives you a cleaner, more immediate experience — and The Old G makes sure it’s a smooth one.

Black and white image of The Old G gin pouring from a botte into a clear glass against a dark background. The water flow is steady, creating small ripples in the glass.
Buy The Old G

The Old G Gin is unlike any other. It’s smooth, with no burn, no bite, and none of the bitterness that defines traditional gin. Its bold flavor profile stands out, whether sipped neat or mixed into a cocktail.