A Black male bartender evaluating a gin and tonic in a large wine glass, surrounded by three other gin cocktails garnished with botanicals, a clear bottle labeled 'GIN,' and assorted spices on a wooden bar counter in a dimly lit bar.

Why Mixologists Are Replacing Vodka with Craft Gin

Cocktail Culture

For years, vodka dominated bars with its clean, neutral taste. But times have changed — and flavor is back in style. Across cocktail menus and home bars, mixologists are swapping vodka for craft gin to create drinks with more complexity, character, and quality. Here’s why gin — especially The Old G — is stealing the spotlight.

Vodka’s Simplicity Was Its Strength — and Weakness

Vodka became popular for being smooth, easy to mix, and flavorless. That worked great for the “low-effort cocktail” era — think vodka cranberries or soda with lime.

But today’s drinkers want more. More flavor. More story. More connection.
And vodka doesn’t bring any of that.

Craft Gin Brings Depth Without Extra Sugar

Enter: gin. A well-made craft gin offers:

  • Layers of botanical flavor
  • Citrus and spice that elevate fresh ingredients
  • Complexity that doesn’t rely on syrups or flavored mixers

With The Old G, you’re getting organic botanicals like cardamom, coriander, and orange peel — nothing artificial, just straight-up flavor.

The Shift Is Happening Everywhere

From major cocktail bars to small speakeasies, here’s what’s trending:

  • Gin in espresso martinis
  • Gin replacing vodka in sours and spritzes
  • Herbal-forward drinks that highlight real ingredients

Even casual drinkers are realizing vodka often tastes like... nothing. Gin gives them something to enjoy and talk about.

Why The Old G Stands Out

The Old G is crafted with:

  • A clean, smooth London Dry base
  • Organic botanicals and zero additives
  • Oxygen-infused clarity for a light finish

That means it performs just as smoothly as vodka — but brings a signature taste to the table.

Drinks That Work Better with Gin

Try these swaps:

  • Mule: Use The Old G with ginger beer and lime
  • Cosmo: Use gin, cranberry, lime, and orange liqueur
  • Sour: Use gin + lemon + egg white or aquafaba
  • Martini: Just do it. Gin was made for this one.

Final Pour

The move from vodka to gin isn’t just a trend — it’s a return to real flavor. With The Old G, you’re not just sipping something smooth. You’re choosing a spirit with roots, craft, and a whole lot more character. It’s time to upgrade your glass.

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.