Gin, vodka, and tequila may all pour clear, but they serve wildly different purposes behind the bar. Each has its own flavour profile, cultural roots, and ideal drink match—so choosing the right one isn’t about preference alone; it’s about understanding what it brings to your glass. The clear spirits guide below helps you decode which spirit to reach for when crafting your next cocktail.
Vodka: The Blank Canvas
Clean and nearly flavourless, vodka is all about what you mix it with. It disappears into citrus, berries, herbs, or spice—letting the other ingredients lead the flavour. That’s why it’s a go-to for drinks like the cosmopolitan, Moscow mule, or even a simple vodka tonic. South African vodka brands like Time Anchor Distillery or Autograph add a subtle grain or botanical edge, but overall, vodka’s role remains the same: refresh without distraction.
Pexels: Photo by Marcelo Verfe
Gin: Botanical and Bold
If vodka fades into the background, gin jumps forward. It’s distilled with juniper and often citrus peels, herbs, or spices—making it fragrant, dry, and layered. This makes gin ideal for cocktails that embrace those botanicals: think gin and tonics, negronis, or a simple Tom Collins. Local labels like Inverroche and Hope Distillery craft gins that highlight South African botanicals like fynbos, rooibos, and buchu, giving your cocktails a terroir twist.
Tequila: Agave with Attitude
Tequila doesn’t hide in a drink—it defines it. Made from blue agave, it brings earthy, slightly sweet notes that shine in citrus-based cocktails. The margarita is the obvious choice, but tequila also works beautifully in palomas, tequila sours, or even paired with ginger beer. If you’re drinking local, look for mezcal-style agave spirits now emerging in the Western Cape.
Final Thoughts
So, next time you’re mixing a drink, don’t just grab the nearest clear bottle. Let the clear spirits guide steer your choice. Gin brings depth, vodka offers versatility, and tequila adds punch. When you know what each spirit brings to the glass, you can match it to the mood, moment, or meal—and enjoy cocktails that actually make sense.
