Gin

Gin is a neutral base spirit flavored with botanicals — juniper (required and dominant) plus things like coriander, citrus peel, and floral notes. Juniper is what makes gin taste like gin.

Juniper. Vodka is distilled to be neutral; gin takes a neutral spirit and flavors it with botanicals — which is why bartenders joke that gin is 'flavored vodka'.

A classic juniper-forward London Dry (Tanqueray, Beefeater) is the reliable pick for both. For a softer, more floral G&T, try Hendrick's (cucumber and rose). A good tonic matters as much as the gin.

It's a style, not a place — distilled with the botanicals and no added sugar or flavoring afterward. It's the crisp, juniper-forward gin most people picture.